Unlocking the Secrets of the Google Pixel: 10 Tips & Tricks for Hidden Settings & Features

Google has recently unveiled its latest range of Pixel phones for 2025, packed with impressive features that are sure to enhance your smartphone experience.

Whether you’re upgrading to a Pixel device or switching to Pixel for the first time, here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of the Android 16-based experience offered by the Pixel 10 series.

Most of these tips apply to the entire Pixel 10 line, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. However, there are a few upgrades exclusive to the new Pro models. Read on for a detailed overview.

Activate or Deactivate Pro Res Zoom

If you have purchased the Pixel 10 Pro or 10 Pro XL, one of the significant camera enhancements is Pro Res Zoom. This feature boosts the maximum telephoto capture magnification from 30x to 100x, building on the Super Res Zoom of its predecessors.

If Pro Res Zoom is not enabled by default on your Pixel device, you can follow these steps to activate or deactivate it:

HOW? To enable Pro Res Zoom, open the Camera app and tap on the Camera Settings icon (located in the bottom-left of the viewfinder in portrait mode). Then, tap the icon with three dots in the top-right corner, select Model download, and download the Pro Res Zoom feature. If you want to disable Pro Res Zoom, tap the trash can icon in the Model download menu and uninstall it.

Keep in mind that if the 100x zoom option doesn’t appear immediately after downloading the model, you may need to close the Camera app, reopen it, and try zooming in again.

Design a Calling Card

As part of Material 3 Expressive, Google has introduced a new feature called Calling Cards on the Pixel 10 series. Similar to iOS’ Contact Posters, Calling Cards allow you to create personalized full-screen posters for key contacts in your address book.

To create a calling card for a contact, open the Contacts app, select a contact, and tap on “Try adding a calling card.” Customize the card with a photo, font styles, and colors, and save it to the contact’s profile.

If the option to add a calling card doesn’t appear, tap the pencil icon in the Contacts app or follow the additional steps mentioned in the original instructions.

Verify AI-Altered Images with Content Credentials

Google has incorporated generative AI-based image capture and editing tools into the Pixel imaging experience. To ensure image authenticity and combat misinformation, Google has added image provenance features within Google Photos and photos taken with the Pixel 10 camera.

Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd

To check an image’s content credentials, open Google Photos, select an image, and swipe up to view details about the image, including how it was created and edited using AI tools.

Enhance Recordings with AI-Generated Music

The Recorder app on your Pixel 10 now allows you to add AI-generated music to your recordings, adding a unique touch to your voice notes. Simply open the Recorder app, select a recording, and choose the music vibe you want to add.

Follow the steps in the app to select a vibe, create a new vibe, and apply it to your recording. You can listen to the newly soundtracked recording and provide feedback to the AI system. Once you’re satisfied, save the recording with the added music.

Listen to Web Pages

The “Listen to this page” feature on your Pixel allows you to listen to web pages for a convenient and hands-free experience. You can access this feature in the Chrome browser by tapping the three dots and selecting “Listen to this page.”

Enjoy the narration while the phone treats it like any other audio playback, allowing you to listen with headphones and control playback seamlessly.

Explore Enhanced Now Playing

The Now Playing feature on Pixel devices can now automatically display relevant album art, enhancing the music identification experience. To enable Enhanced Now Playing, navigate to Settings, select Sound and vibration, and toggle on the Enhanced Now Playing option.

Activate Advanced Protection

Google’s Pixel devices offer Advanced Protection features, including theft detection lock and Android Safe Browsing. To enable Advanced Protection, go to Settings, select Security and privacy, and toggle on the Device protection option.

Customize the Power Button

You can reassign the functionality of the power button on your Pixel device to summon Google Gemini by default. To switch back to the original power key functionality, go to Settings, select System, then Gestures, and choose Press and hold power button to set it to Power menu.

Optimize Display Resolution & Refresh Rate

Take advantage of the impressive displays on Pixel devices by adjusting the resolution and refresh rate settings for an enhanced viewing experience. Open Settings, go to Display and touch, and customize the Screen resolution and Smooth display options to suit your preferences.