10 mistakes most Android users commit

As much as you think that Android is a very user-friendly operating system, it can be one of the most daunting ecosystem, if you are not using it properly. We all have our own way of using a smart-phone. A smart-phone is really smart when it adapts itself to your usage pattern and requirements. But we are still not in that part of the time line. Android OS has its own mind and we need to understand it to tame it. Here are some tips that will help you understand Android. These are the top 10 common mistakes that we do while using an Android mobile. Hopefully you will get a better understanding of your Android mobile, towards the end of this article

1. Never clear the multi-tasking tray

If you have used any device with stock Android, you would notice that it does not have a button to clear all tasks at once. But skinned UI or custom modified UI has clear all option. Have you thought why Android has not given that option out of the box? Well, as an operating system, Android is very good at multi-tasking. When any task is not used for a long time or is consuming more resources, Android kills it silently. Apps that are on the multi-tasking tray are in dormant state and they are ready to resume from where you left it. That increases the speed of the App. If you kill it, it has to start loading and that would cause lag and also use additional system resources. Hence leave the multi-tasking tray alone and never keep clearing apps from it. It does not speed up your mobile. On the contrary, it just slows it down.

2. Install from unknown sources with utmost caution

Every app that is on the official play store has gone through a few steps of verification. But if you want to install an app by downloading apk files, make sure you trust your source. Apk files can be tampered with and though the app may look and work like the original app, it could be stealing data from your mobile without your knowledge. So make you know what you are doing and proceed with utmost caution, while installing apk files from non-official channels.

3. Don’t use Battery optimization applications

There are a billion apps out there that promise to monitor your battery usage or make your mobile battery last longer. Well, these apps are doing some base level optimization like turning off GPS, reducing display brightness, etc… These are simple tasks that you can do by yourself and you don’t need an app for it. These apps are running on the background and are constantly draining your resources. Do yourself a favor and uninstall those apps for a better Android mobile experience.

4. Don’t use memory cleaning application

Application like the Cleanmaster, CM Security or the DU speed booster are apps that promise to clean your memory give you a faster mobile. But these apps do nothing. They just close all running apps and release RAM (which is not a recommended task, see point 1) and claim clean cache files to free up storage. Well, these apps just keep running on the background and are constantly draining your resources. Clear the cache files yourself, once in a while and if you feel the need to have an app to do it, use the CCleaner app, which is much more effective.

5. Give your mobile some rest

Like any other machine, your mobile also needs some time-off. Just shut down your mobile once in a week for a few minutes. This will reset battery calibration and also clear out cache. Have a heart and give your mobile some time-off.

6. Do not over-charge your mobile

Never charge the mobile over-night. Maintain charge levels between 30% and 80%. Do not let the battery drain to 0% very often. Charging the mobile beyond 100% does not give it 200% battery. It just reduces battery life and performance.

7. Understand app-permissions

Most of the apps ask for permissions that is not required by them. Permissions manager is a powerful feature of Android and most user just ignore it. Why would a browser need permissions to track your calls and SMS? Why would Facebook app need access to your mic? Why does every single app needs access to your location? Take a calculated decision. Open settings > Applications > select apps one by one and inspect the permissions they have on the mobile. If you feel that they have inappropriate permissions, just select and deny.

8. Anti-virus applications

Again, like the memory cleaner or battery optimizer, Anti-virus app is redundant and is a placebo. It does nothing consumes your system resources. I have been using Android devices for over 10 years now and never have installed any anti-virus apps. Android is secure enough to block security threats to keep your mobile secure. You just have to lend a helping hand to Android. Don’t install untrusted apps. Don’t visit shady websites. Don’t click on links that you get from your messenger apps, without checking its trust. If you continue to exploit your Android mobile, any Anti-virus app on the planet cannot save you.

9. Mad about apps

Apps are the only reason you are on a smart-phone. I understand it. But you need to understand an app before installing it. It is just like letting a stranger into your house. You let them in, only if you trust them. So why you to use the same mental filter to install apps? Before installing any app ask these two questions. 1. Do you need it? Install an app, only if you absolutely need it. Don’t install out of curiosity or just because everyone around you has it. 2. Do you know about it? Read app reviews in the play store. Make sure you understand all the implications of letting that app into your mobile.

10. Cheap memory card

Budget mobiles these days come with limited internal storage and give you flexibility to extend the storage. Most of us just buy any memory card off the market. Make sure you understand the memory card. Always buy trusted brand. Make sure you have a high-speed memory card. Go for Class 10. Class 10 memory cards are expensive, but they have much better performance than class 4 or 6. A poor memory card will slow down your mobile and ultimately put more pressure on processor and other resources. Invest wisely on a good memory card, because your mobile deserves it.