7 Useful Features of Your Smartphone That You Don’t Use

Modern cell phones have plenty of functions: they allow you to reach someone at the other end of the world, send messages to all your friends in just a couple of seconds, and surf the Internet. However, this is hardly a complete list of what your device is actually capable of.

Just for you, we at Bright Side found and tested 7 clever tricks that you probably didn’t know you could do with your smartphone.

Turning your cell phone into a listening device

With just a few simple manipulations, you can turn your cell phone into the ultimate spy tool or a baby monitor. The device works very simply. In order to test it, place your cell phone in the desired location, then go to a remote area and call the handset you have set up as a listening device. It will answer automatically, and you will be able to hear what is happening where you have placed it. This thing isn’t just for spies!

Getting your phone locked forever

If your smartphone gets lost or stolen and you want to keep your personal data safe from prying eyes, this function can come in really handy. The thing is, for each SIM worldwide, a unique 15-digit number is assigned, called the IMEI. If your phone is no longer in your possession and there is little chance that you will see it again, just call the cell phone company and ask them to block your device using that number. By the way, if we all start using this trick, cell phone theft will become essentially meaningless! In order to find out your phone’s IMEI code, you just need to dial the combination *#06#. Take a moment to do this right away!

Turning your phone into a microscope

It may sound incredible, but you don’t actually need to splurge on expensive equipment in order to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. Using a small lens (which can be found in any laser pointer) and a cell phone, you can make a portable digital microscope that is just perfect for taking amazing magnified pictures and even for letting kids peer at the nuclei of cells. Find the instructions here.

Taking underwater photos

Not all smartphones that are produced today are waterproof. However, just because you have a mobile device that isn’t designed for underwater shooting, it doesn’t mean that you can’t take it to the pool, sea, or ocean with you. "How is it possible?" you ask. You just need a case made of polyethylene that will take you less than two minutes to make.

Setting up Face Unlock

Android provides a plethora of ways to unlock your phone: a PIN, a password, a pattern gesture, or a typical insecure swipe. But there is one more unlocking method that most users simply ignore. In fact, the Face Unlock feature is much more secure than a simple password. To set it up, just go to Settings, scroll down to Security, tap Screen lock, and select the option you need.

Making holograms

Just like magic! With a little bit of creativity and patience you will be able to make awesome 3D holograms straight from the future. The instructions are here.

Extending the life of your smartphone

It’s absolutely normal that your phone’s power jack tends to collect dust, dirt, and other debris over time. But only a few people know that dust in the charging port may be one of the main causes of your device’s death. To avoid this, clean your smartphone regularly. Just take a syringe full of air, insert its needle into the power jack, and inject the air. This procedure will allow you to easily remove the dust from the charging port and extend the life of your smartphone.