In just a few years, OnePlus managed to build a fan base around the world.
And the company’s own interface, called OxygenOS, plays an important role in this success, with many customization features and options to simplify tasks.
In this article we show some tips to help you get the most out of your OnePlus smartphone.
At first glance, OxygenOS is an interface relatively close to “pure” Android, and the most recent version (at the time of writing this article) is 9.0.4, based on Android Pie.
But do you know how to enjoy everything it offers?
Use the game mode
Many users use their smartphones in “automatic mode”.
They configure the device as they want and always use the same apps and shortcuts, without paying attention to what is around.
Probably, many of these people are unaware that among the shortcuts on the Quick Access panel at the top of the screen, there is a “game mode”.
This mode is very interesting for those who like to play on the smartphone, and blocks the display of notifications, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game.
Its use is not only a simple «do not disturb» function, but it also adapts the network configuration so that you have an ideal connection, in addition to controlling the automatic adjustment of screen brightness.
Activating game mode / © NextPit
You can configure this menu manually at Settings> Utilities> Game mode or holding your finger over the corresponding option in the Quick Access panel.
Then you can indicate what to do in each situation: network optimization (as explained above), control automatic brightness, notifications and how calls should be answered, in addition to indicating which apps will automatically activate the game mode.
Gesture navigation instead of virtual buttons
In the next version of Android (Android Q), Google wants to change the way we navigate through Android, replacing the virtual buttons with gestures.
Unfortunately, it will take some time for Android Q to become the standard on Android smartphones.
But luckily some manufacturers, such as OnePlus and OPPO (to name just two), already offer this feature.
Just access Settings> Navigation bar> Navigation actions to activate them.
The controls are very simple: swipe briefly from bottom to top on the side of the screen to «Back», swipe briefly from bottom to top on any button on the screen replaces «Home» and a «long» swipe from bottom to top allows you to open the task manager.
© NextPit
Block access to certain apps
By default, OnePlus offers a protection system for your applications: this way you will need a code (or fingerprint) to open them.
This can be useful, for example, for parents who want to prevent their children from accessing certain apps.
Go to Settings> Utilities> Encrypt applications and indicate the applications you want to block.
In this same menu you can also choose to hide the notification content of the selected applications.
A little more security © NextPit
Get rid of the “shelf”
For a few years now, the OnePlus interface includes a menu on the left of the screen, called Shelf (something like “shelf”), which offers an overview of various information (storage, battery, weather, etc.), as well as quick access to recent apps and contacts.
It is useful for some, totally useless for others.
If you’re in the second category, you’ll be happy to know that you can disable it.
If we are not using it, we could also disable it, really? © NextPit
Just hold your finger over an empty space on the home screen and tap Home screen settings in the bottom right corner.
Choose Disable the shelf and you’re done.
Since you’re here, you can take a look at the other options in this menu, such as customizing the app drawer.
Use Reading Mode
OnePlus understands that smartphone users like to use their devices to read, be it a news site or an e-Book on the Kindle app … But how about doing this comfortably?
OnePlus 5, for example, has a special mode for this, called Reading Mode, which can be activated in the Quick Access panel at the top of the screen.
In this mode, the colors of the screen change slightly: the system filters out the bluish tones, to reduce fatigue on the eyes and avoid disturbances in your sleep.
A very practical feature (not visible when catching the calf). © NextPit
You can also find this feature in the Settings app, and you can set it to be activated automatically with some apps or to block notifications that can hinder your concentration.
What is the biggest advantage of OnePlus smartphones for you? Leave your opinion in the comments below.
