Google Hardware Guides
Google has brought a lot of changes to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL phones,
including some fundamental ways you navigate and control your device.
Let’s take a look at some of the main new features of these amazing
devices, and how to make the most of them in your day-to-day use.
Google Pixel Tips
and Tricks
Accessing Overview
❱ Overview allows you to quickly see and scroll through all of the apps
you have been using and that are waiting in the background. To open the
Overview, slide your finger upwards over the small pill-shaped button at the
bottom on the screen. You can then scroll left and right through the open
apps, and even access the settings and search.
Quickly switch between apps
❱ Previously, switching between the last two used apps could be done
by double tapping the Recent Apps button. With Pie on your Pixel, this
function is still there, but is achieved by swiping left or right over the small
Home button. You can also swipe and hold over the button to open a
carousel of previously used apps (just like opening the Overview, but done
in one motion).
Fingerprint Sensor Gestures
❱ Depending on how you hold your phone, the fingerprint sensor is
sometimes easier to reach than the top of the screen. Therefore, for some
users it will be easier to use the new fingerprint sensor gestures to open
the quick settings panel. Just swipe your finger down over the sensor to
open the panel.
Double-Tap to Wake
❱ If you want to be able to quickly see the time, and any notifications you
have, but don’t like having the Always-on Display running, you can now
enable Double-tap to Wake. This allows you to quickly tap twice anywhere
on the sleeping screen to display the clock and notifications. Head into
Settings > Display > Advanced > Ambient display, to turn this on.
Suggestions in Overview
❱ Android Pie brings app suggestions in a couple of places, including in
the Overview. App suggestions will vary, depending on what you use
most, or what you have been previously been
using. To enable suggestions in
Overview, open Settings and
look for Suggestions.Direct Reply
❱ The latest version of Android on
your Pixel allows for Direct replies.
This means that you can open the
notifications panel, see a message
from a contact, hit the reply button
and type, without having to leave the
notification panel and open the app.
This feature needs to be enabled by app
developers, so you might not see it all the
time, but expect more and more apps to
allow it.Open the App Drawer
❱ In previous versions of Android on Pixel, you opened the main app tray
by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. With the new Home and
Overview controls, you will need to get used to swiping up a bit further,
taking the gesture past where the Overview will open. Try to swipe at least
1/4 of the way up the screen to hit the sweet spot.