Get your new Pixel 7 running at its best
The latest iteration of Google’s Pixel lineup offers powerful hardware and excellent software. Whether you recently picked one up or are still deliberating between the Google Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, you’ll want to know what to expect when you turn it on for the first time.
The Pixel 7 phones work great out of the box, but you should update some key settings for the smoothest experience. After that, try these Pixel tips and tricks to see everything the phones offer.
1. Turn on the Hold for Me
Hold for Me might be the best hidden Pixel feature around. It’s a game changer for people who make regular calls to businesses. When activated, it allows you to go about your day while you’re waiting on hold. Your Google Pixel 7 notifies you as soon as a person connects on the other end. It’s only available in the U.S., Australia, and Canada. If there’s one feature you must activate from this list, it’s this one.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot button in the upper-right corner of your screen
- Tap Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Tap Hold for Me.
- Turn on the Hold for Me switch.
2. Enable notification history to see your notifications without switching between apps
Checking your notification history lets you find the notifications you dismissed without checking apps one at a time. It’s best to turn it on as soon as you start using your new Pixel 7, as it can’t recover notifications that came in before it was activated.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Notifications.
- Tap Notification history.
- Turn on the Use notification history switch.
To check your notification history, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings menu. Then, tap notification history in the lower-left corner of your screen.
3. Block spam calls with automatic Call Screening
Hold for Me isn’t the only feature to improve your time on the phone. Call Screening asks people calling from unknown numbers or suspected scammers to identify themselves before you answer. It’s odd that Google doesn’t enable this feature by default, as it drastically reduces the number of spam calls you’ll answer.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu button in the upper-right corner.
- Tap Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Tap Caller ID & spam.
- Turn on the Filter spam calls switch.
4. Turn on dynamic-themed icons to customize your new Pixel
Material You has been in public hands since Android 12. Android 13 rounded out the experience with dynamic-themed icons for third-party apps. This feature is available across all phones with Android 13, but you’ll receive updates to it first with a Pixel phone.
To try out Material You’s dynamic icons, open the Wallpaper & Style menu by long pressing on your Pixel 7’s homescreen. Then, toggle the Themed icons switch to turn it on.
5. Skip ‘Hey Google’ with Quick Phrases
Google Assistant is a powerful tool, especially when paired with compatible smart home devices. However, it can become a chore to say “Hey Google” when issuing simple commands. Quick Phrases skips the activation phrase for simple instructions (for example, stopping a timer or answering a call).
- Open Assistant and say, “Open Assistant Settings.”
- Scroll down and tap Quick phrases.
- Toggle each switch to activate the quick phrase.
Depending on your smart home devices, you may be able to access more Quick Phrases. Tap the Other devices tab from the Quick Phrases menu to browse your options.
6. Put more apps on your homescreen by changing the launcher grid size
Thanks to some fetching widgets and Material You, your Pixel 7’s homescreen has the potential for a stunning layout. However, Google sets the default grid size for the Pixel launcher to 4×5, so to utilize your homescreen to its fullest potential, you’ll need to resize your app grid.
Open the Wallpaper & Style menu by long pressing on your Pixel 7’s homescreen. Then, tap App grid to browse your options (we recommend 5×5).
Left: 4×5 grid Right: 5×5 grid
7. Enable your free VPN
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro owners have access to Google’s VPN for free. While this VPN is lackluster compared to the best VPNs for Android, it’s an adequate way of protecting your device. All you need is the Google One app to get started.
- Open the Google One app.
- Tap Get started on the VPN tile.
- Turn on the Use VPN switch to enable it.
A key icon appears in your Status Bar when the VPN is running.
It’s time to get excited about the newest Google Pixel devices
If you’re a proud new Google Pixel 7 Pro owner, you may want to add a wearable to the mix. The Google Pixel Watch sports good looks and some awesome health and wellness features. It also works best with a Pixel phone.
