Six Android Features You Probably Do Not Use: Lens, Voice Typing and More
6 min read Your phone already includes tools that can save time every day: copy text from a photo, type by speaking in Gujarati or Hindi, and read live captions. Here are six, and how to find them. September 19, 2026 05:29 By Disha Varia, Guj Times
When people buy a new phone, they learn the camera, WhatsApp and the payment app, and stop there. Yet Android has several built-in tools that quietly save time. Below are six that are worth five minutes of your attention. The menus differ by brand and Android version, so use the search box in Settings if you cannot find an option at first.
1. Copy text from a photo with Google Lens
Open Google Lens (inside the Google app or the camera on many phones), point it at a printed page, or choose an existing photo. Tap Text, select the words you need and copy them. It is very handy for phone numbers on a poster, a long email address on a visiting card or a paragraph from a book. Lens can also translate text into another language, a good partner for Google Translate.
2. Type with your voice in Gujarati or Hindi
In the Gboard keyboard, tap the microphone icon and speak. Gboard supports voice typing in many Indian languages, including Gujarati and Hindi. To add a language, open Gboard settings → Languages and then choose it. Speak slowly, say punctuation words if needed, and check the text before you send it. This is a big help for long messages or for people who are not comfortable with small keyboards.
3. Live Caption for videos and calls
If your phone supports it, press the volume button and look for the Live Caption icon, or find it in Settings → Sound. It shows captions for videos, podcasts and voice messages, even with the sound off. It is useful in noisy places and for anyone who has difficulty hearing.
4. Share files with nearby phones
Android's Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) sends photos and files to a nearby phone without using mobile data. Turn it on from the Share menu, set the visibility to "Contacts" or "Your devices" rather than everyone, and accept transfers only from people you know.
5. Digital Wellbeing and Focus mode
This tool shows how long you use each app and lets you pause distracting ones for a while. If you are trying to reduce screen time, our screen-time guide explains a sensible plan.
6. Scan documents without a separate app
In Google Drive, tap the plus button and choose Scan. Photograph the page, crop the edges and save it as a PDF. It works well for assignments, receipts and forms.
Bonus: use the Settings search
If you cannot find an option, type a word such as "battery" or "language" into the Settings search. It is often faster than remembering where each menu lives.
A small safety note
These features use permissions such as the microphone, camera and nearby devices. Review them occasionally in Settings → Privacy → Permission manager, and remove access from apps that do not need it.
Quick answers
Is voice typing accurate for Gujarati? It works well for clear speech in a quiet place, but check names and unusual words, because mistakes happen.
Does Lens need the internet? Most functions need a connection. Some basic text recognition may work offline on certain phones.
Small tasks these features solve
Google Lens can translate a signboard or a form into a language you prefer, which is helpful while travelling. Voice typing saves time when you reply to long messages, and you can correct mistakes afterwards. Live Caption helps in noisy places or at night when you do not want sound. These small gains add up over a week.
Check the privacy of each feature
Lens and voice typing may send data to Google to work, depending on your settings. If you are dealing with private documents, such as bank statements or ID cards, avoid sending them through features you are not sure about. Review the privacy settings in your Google account and turn off history if you prefer.
Teach one feature to someone at home
The best way to remember a feature is to show someone else. Pick one parent or friend and teach them voice typing in Gujarati or Hindi. Many older people find it much easier than typing on a small keyboard.
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