When you first unbox a Google Pixel, the experience is clean and intuitive, but the default configuration barely scratches of what this hardware is actually capable of.
For months, I used my Pixel exactly how Google intended, yet it wasn’t until I dug into the deeper sub-menus and developer options that the device truly clicked for me.
By moving beyond the out-of-the-box defaults and fine-tuning how the software handles everything from background processes to notification density, I have managed to transform my Pixel into an efficient powerhouse.
Enable swipe to start search
Like many of you, I rarely scroll through my entire app drawer; I’m a search-first user.
By default, opening the app drawer on a Pixel shows you your grid, but you still have to tap the search bar at the top to bring up the keyboard.
It sounds minor, but when you do it several times a day, those extra taps add up to a lot of wasted motion. That’s why the Swipe up to start search toggle was a game-changer for me.
After I enabled this in Home settings, the keyboard now opens up automatically the second I swipe up from the home screen.
It eliminates that awkward reach to the top of the phone and lets me start typing immediately. I have turned my app drawer into a lightning-fast command bar.
Tweak lock screen notifications
One of the biggest hurdles to maintaining a clean, professional aesthetic on my Pixel — while staying productive — was the messy state of my lock screen notifications.
Out of the box, Android tends to be a bit loud with how it displays information. I found that my lock screen was constantly cluttered with massive bubbles that showed too much information.
To fix this, I made two specific tweaks that changed how I interact with my phone when it’s locked.
First, I switched my notification display to Compact. By default, the Pixel likes to show expanded views that take up a huge amount of screen real estate.
Switching to the compact layout keeps everything neatly tucked away. Now, I can see icons for my pending alerts at a glance without having to scroll through a wall of text.
Second, and more importantly for my privacy, I disabled sensitive notifications. As a freelancer, I’m often dealing with client messages or personal project alerts that I don’t necessarily want anyone standing nearby to read.
By toggling this off, I still get the alert that I have a message from Proton Mail or a ping on LinkedIn, but the actual content remains hidden until I use the fingerprint sensor. It’s the perfect middle ground.
While you are at it, make sure to tweak lock screen toggles.
Enable Clear Calling
Clear Calling is one of the underrated features on Pixel phones. As someone who often takes calls while on the move or in noisy environments, Clear Calling is a must-have.
Since I enabled this in the Sound & vibration settings, the difference has been massive. Here, Google uses AI to improve human voice while removing background chaos.
It’s entirely on-device. I’m quite particular about privacy, especially when it comes to my conversations, and this assurance gives me peace of mind.
Turn on the Screen Protector mode
The first thing I did after unboxing my Pixel was slap on a high-quality tempered glass screen protector.
However, I quickly noticed a frustrating side effect: The tactile magic of the screen felt slightly off. My scrolls weren’t as fluid.
Then I enabled Screen Protector mode (found under the Display settings). The difference was instant.
By enabling this, the Pixel boosts the touch sensitivity of the panel to compensate for the extra layer of glass. It restores that effortless, buttery-smooth scrolling I expect from a flagship.
It might seem like a small software tweak, but the difference is huge.
Utilize Private Space
One of the major upgrades to my workflows has been the addition of Private Space.
As a technology writer and freelancer, my phone is a mix of personal memories and sensitive business data.
I have always felt uneasy about having my banking apps, client documents, and work-related accounts sitting right next to my casual social media apps.
Private Space solved that anxiety by creating a digital vault within my Pixel.
What I love about this feature is how it goes beyond a simple hidden folder. It’s a completely sandboxed environment.
When I set it up, I chose to use a separate Google account for it, which means my work emails and incognito browsing history never bleed into my main profile.
If you have used Samsung’s Secure Folder before, you will find yourself right at home with Pixel’s Private Space.
However, Google can take some clues from the South Korean giant and improve the overall implementation further.
Add tiles from third-party apps
While the Pixel’s default Quick Settings tiles are great for toggling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the real power of that pull-down menu lies in its ability to act as a launchpad for my entire workflow.
By integrating third-party app tiles, I have turned my notification shade into a personalized command center.
The biggest win for me has been with Microsoft To Do. Instead of opening the app, waiting for it to load, and then clicking plus, I have added a New Task tile.
I have applied this same instance access logic access my entire digital toolkit. For instance, I have added a dedicated tile to toggle my Proton VPN on or off instantly.
I have also added a new task toggle for Asana so that I can add my project tasks with a single tap from the notification bar.
And since I prefer open source tools whenever possible, I use an OSS scanner for my receipts and contracts.
Adding its tile to my Quick Settings means I can go from a physical piece of paper to a digital PDF in about three seconds.
For me, this isn’t just about saving a few taps; it’s about staying in the flow. It’s a major productivity boost that makes my phone like a high-speed workstation.
You need to swipe down to open the notification center and swipe again to open the editing menu. Now, scroll down, and you shall see quick actions from your installed third-party apps.
Make your Pixel brand new
Overall, the beauty of the Pixel experience isn’t just in the clean software Google provides, but in the flexibility it offers to those willing to experiment.
It is often the smallest, most overlooked toggles that deliver major improvements in how we interact with our devices every day.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you are a long-time power user or someone who just unboxed their first Google phone, implementing even a few of these changes will make the device feel faster, smarter, and more personal.
After making these changes, explore these productivity apps to fly through your tasks on a Pixel.
