Tips and Tricks for Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 is one of the most refined smartphones in the Android ecosystem. Powered by Android 15, the Pixel 9 brings advanced AI tools, a sleek design, and Google’s signature clean software experience. Whether you’re a new Pixel owner or upgrading from an older model, these tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your phone.

Customize the Lock Screen with Widgets

With Android 15, Pixel 9 lets you add interactive lock screen widgets. You can now access tools like weather, calendar, or music without unlocking your phone.

How to do it:
Go to Settings > Lock Screen > Add widgets and pick your preferred tools.

Pro Tip: Add a smart home widget for quick control over lights and thermostats.

Use AI-Powered Call Screening

Pixel 9 features an upgraded Call Screen powered by Google Assistant. It screens unknown numbers and gives you a live transcript of what the caller is saying.

How to enable:
Go to Phone app > Settings > Spam and Call Screen > Call Screen and toggle on the feature.

You can even customize how aggressively the phone screens spam and robocalls.

Smart Battery Optimization

Pixel 9 includes smarter battery controls that learn your usage patterns and extend life where possible.

Tips for extending battery:

• Enable Adaptive Battery in Settings > Battery > Adaptive Preferences
• Use Battery Saver mode during travel or long days
• Disable 5G when not needed (Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network)

Supercharge Photos with Pixel’s Pro Controls

The Pixel 9’s camera app now includes Pro Mode, giving you manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

How to access:
Open the Camera app > Swipe up > Pro Controls

Trick: For night photography, use a tripod and manually lower ISO and slow the shutter for cleaner low-light shots.

Magic Editor and Magic Eraser in Google Photos

One of Pixel’s most powerful AI tools is Magic Editor, which allows you to completely reposition objects in your photos or remove them entirely with Magic Eraser.

Use it in:
Google Photos > Edit > Tools > Magic Editor / Magic Eraser

Pro Tip: Combine Magic Editor with AI lighting adjustments to make portraits pop.

Gesture Navigation Shortcuts

Pixel 9 supports fluid gesture navigation. But you can also set custom gestures for actions like opening the camera or turning on Do Not Disturb.

Enable in:
Settings > System > Gestures

Examples:

• Quick Tap: Double-tap the back to take a screenshot or open an app
• Flip to Shhh: Place the phone face down to activate DND
• Swipe to Split: Use two-finger swipe up to activate split-screen multitasking

Live Translate in Real-Time

Thanks to Google’s AI, the Pixel 9 can now translate conversations in real time—even on calls, live videos, or chat apps.

Use via:
Settings > System > Live Translate

You can also translate text instantly using the camera or screenshot function. Perfect for travel or multilingual messaging.

Adaptive Sound for Better Audio

Pixel 9 can automatically adjust audio output based on your surroundings using Adaptive Sound. It boosts clarity during calls and improves media playback.

How to turn it on:
Settings > Sound & vibration > Adaptive Sound

Ideal for noisy environments or when listening to music without headphones.

App Suggestions on the Home Screen

Pixel’s launcher intelligently suggests apps based on time, location, and usage patterns.

How to enable:
Long-press on the home screen > Home settings > Suggestions > Enable app suggestions

It can speed up your routine—like suggesting Spotify in the morning or Maps when you’re leaving work.

Enhanced Privacy Dashboard

Privacy is a big focus on Android 15, and Pixel 9 makes it easier to manage permissions.

Check in:
Settings > Privacy > Privacy Dashboard

Here, you can review what apps accessed your camera, mic, or location and revoke access if needed.

Bonus: Use Camera and Mic Toggles in Quick Settings to instantly block sensors.

Make the Most of At a Glance Widget

The At a Glance widget has improved in Pixel 9. It now shows real-time flight info, package tracking, weather alerts, and even doorbell camera previews.

Customize it:
Press and hold the widget > Tap the settings gear icon

Choose what you want it to display and how often it updates.

Use Voice Typing with AI Grammar Fix

Gboard on Pixel 9 supports AI-powered voice typing that’s fast and highly accurate. Plus, it can auto-correct grammar in real time.

Use it in: Any app with a text field. Tap the mic icon and speak.

It now supports emoji suggestions, multi-language input, and smart punctuation.

Turn Your Pixel 9 into a Personal Security Tool

Pixel 9 includes a Personal Safety app that can detect crashes, share your location with emergency contacts, and even check in during late-night walks.

Set it up:
Personal Safety app > Emergency sharing / Car crash detection

Also, use Safety Check for timed alerts if you’re going out alone.

Speed Up Performance with App Hibernation

Pixel 9 automatically hibernates unused apps to save space and speed up the system.

Check hibernated apps:
Settings > Apps > See all apps > [App] > Unused apps

You can manually hibernate apps or let the system manage it after 30 days of inactivity.

Link Pixel Watch or Pixel Buds for More Power

If you own a Pixel Watch or Pixel Buds, the Pixel 9 ecosystem offers enhanced features like:

• Smart unlock via Pixel Watch
• Real-time translation through Pixel Buds
• Wellness integration across devices

Tip: Use the Device & Sharing > Nearby devices setting to keep everything seamlessly connected.

Final Thoughts

The Google Pixel 9 isn’t just a smartphone—it’s a smart assistant, productivity tool, camera powerhouse, and security device all in one. With Android 15 and Google’s continued focus on AI and usability, the Pixel 9 gives users incredible features right out of the box.

Whether you’re optimizing performance, boosting battery life, or exploring hidden tools, these tips and tricks will help you get the absolute best experience from your Pixel.