6 Pixel UI tweaks I wish I knew sooner

By Parth Shah Published 57 minutes ago

Parth is a technology analyst and writer specializing in the comprehensive review and feature exploration of the Android ecosystem. His work is distinguished by its meticulous focus on flagship devices, particularly Google Pixel and Samsung mobile hardware and software.

Parth's insightful commentary extends beyond device specifics. He provides expert guidance on productivity software, system optimization, and the advanced functionalities that allow users to maximize their device's potential. His analyses are crucial resources for readers seeking to master complex operating system features and streamline their digital workflows.

When he is not busy with technical analysis and software evaluation, Parth dedicates his time to watching K-dramas, studying mobile technology trends and the role of artificial intelligence.

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If you own a Google Pixel, you probably love the clean, intuitive Android experience. But even the best interfaces have hidden depths.

For months, I navigated my Pixel on autopilot, completely missing out on crucial features and quality-of-life adjustments. This post is dedicated to closing that gap.

Forget the generic tips. These six UI tweaks are the specific, effective adjustments that veteran Pixel users utilize every day.

Get ready to stop settling for the defaults and start customizing your phone for peak efficiency and aesthetic perfection.

Person holding a Google Pixel smartphone, surrounded by colorful icons representing automation features like location, home, sleep, and routines

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Set it and forget it

Posts 7 By Parth Shah Sep 15, 2025

Use Pixel UI rules

This is easily one of the most underrated and time-saving features in the Pixel UI, and honestly, I wish I’d known about it sooner because it solves a problem I had struggled with for years: manual sound profiles.

The feature I’m talking about is Pixel Rules (found deep in Settings > System > Rules). Simply put, Pixel Rules allows you to set up basic, automated ‘If This Then That’ conditions for your phone’s sound profile.

It’s an easy-to-use automation tool that works based on Location or the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.

The actions are limited but powerful: they can only switch your phone to Silent, Vibrate, Ring, and enable DND.

For years, I was that person. The one whose phone rings in a quiet office meeting, or the one who misses half a dozen calls at home because the phone is still silently vibrating from the trip to the gym. My routine was a mess.

Pixel Rules completely eliminated this mental load for me. I set up two simple rules that run on autopilot.

If I connect to my office Wi-Fi, set the phone to vibrate.
If I connect to my home Wi-Fi, set the phone to ring.

It’s seamless, it’s automatic, and I never have to fumble with the volume rocker or Quick Settings tiles again.

While the feature isn’t as robust as some competitors’ routines, its very simplicity that makes it a hidden gem.

Create custom modes

Creating custom modes on my Pixel is one of the tweaks I wish I had explored sooner.

Unlike the simple Rules I mentioned earlier that only control sound, the Modes feature takes the entire experience to the next level.

Now, I have a couple of custom modes that are worth talking about.

I have a Writing mode that automatically kicks in during specific hours. During that time, Pixel UI automatically enables DND and gets me alerts from specific contacts only.

There is also a Theater mode that I manually enable while watching my favorite TV shows and movies, which automatically makes required changes to the sound profile and notifications.

Learning to create these custom modes was the key to finally making my Pixel feel like a bespoke tool rather than just a generic smartphone.

It’s amazing how much more productive and less stressed I am when my phone literally configures itself for the task at hand.

Explore Pixel UI Private Space

Although this feature is new, Private Space on my Pixel 8 has become an absolute must-have. It goes way beyond a basic app locker.

With Private Space, I can basically sign in with another Google ID, install apps, games, finance tools, and more, and keep it separate from my main profile. It’s basically a watered-down version of Samsung Secure Folder.

There is even an option to add files directly from the main profile to the Private Space. I installed every banking app, finance app, and payment app exclusively inside Private Space. After all, I don’t need real-time alerts from these apps.

I can head to the Settings and hide the Private Space entirely from the app drawer. It only appears when I type ‘Private Space’ in the search bar and enter the PIN to access it.

I initially thought it was overkill, but having this robust, invisible, and self-contained layer of security has made my Pixel feel less like a public device and more like my true personal vault.

A hand holding the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 XL, comparing the sizes of the two phones

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Posts 1 By Dhruv Bhutani Jul 19, 2025

Utilize repair mode

Another tweak on my list — and a relatively new one that I wish every smartphone had years ago — is the repair mode on Pixel devices.

Before this existed, dealing with a phone repair was a huge hassle, and I always had a knot in my stomach whenever I had to hand my device over.

Think about it: When your phone screen cracks or your device battery needs replacing, you have to hand it over to a technician.

The person either wipes the entire phone, or you are left crossing your fingers and hoping the technician is strictly professional, even though every personal photo, private message, and banking app is easily accessible while they test the phone.

I went through option two once, and the sheer anxiety of knowing my entire digital life was exposed to a stranger was terrible.

Now I simply enable the Repair Mode from the Settings mode. It hides my real data, gives a clean slate, and makes sure that the testing is possible.

When I get the phone back, I simply enter my PIN or biometric to exit repair mode. This feature is a godsend for peace of mind.

Use Heads Up

Heads Up is a feature within the Digital Wellbeing settings on my Pixel. It’s designed to gently remind me to look up when I’m walking while focused on my phone screen.

Like many people, I’m guilty of checking my email, responding to a text, or quickly glancing at social media while I’m walking between buildings, through parking lots, or just down the street. It’s a terrible habit.

After I enabled Heads Up in Pixel Settings, it started using my location and screen usage to send a clear, full-screen notification that simply asks me to look up with a small animation. It’s a simple, direct, and timely intervention.

Customize notifications on the lock screen

customize lock screen notifications Pixel

This is such a simple setting, but customizing my lock screen notifications on the Pixel is one of those tweaks I regret not setting up immediately.

I used to just leave the default settings on, which meant that anytime a WhatsApp message, a private email, or a sensitive banking alert came in, the entire content was visible on the lock screen.

If my phone were sitting on my desk, charging on the kitchen counter, or even popped up in the car, my privacy would be completely compromised. Anyone could glance at my lock screen and know my business.

With Pixel UI, I can make my notifications compact, disable sensitive content, and even hide silent notifications.

Beyond the basics

Implementing these adjustments is the final step in moving from a casual user to a true power user. The Pixel UI is fantastic on its own, but with a few targeted tweaks, it becomes a personalized extension of your productivity and style.

Now that you have unlocked these hidden efficiencies, your Pixel should feel faster, smarter, and perfectly tailored to your needs.

Aside from the Pixel UI, the default Camera app is also packed with hidden features. Check out my separate post to learn more.

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