Android 15 is available for Pixel devices and more phones are expected to be updated in the coming months. Here are some features we think you should enable or change right away to enhance, secure, and enhance your Android 15 experience.

Many of the basic security and privacy settings on Android 15 have simply been carried over from the 14th update. First, familiarize yourself with all things Android 14 before making any changes. Although we compiled this list with the intention of improving your daily experience, if you change some Android 15 features – which we have noted if necessary – you may lose some functionality.

Theft protection

While Anti-Theft isn't technically tied to Android 15 per se, you should turn it on immediately if you haven't already. Basically, this should be very helpful if someone hijacks your phone.

Basically, anti-theft protection uses device sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to find out if someone has snatched your phone from your hand and run away. Your device will automatically lock the screen once it detects this.

You can use some of the other tools to remotely lock your device, locate it using Find My Device, or wipe it for security reasons. This isn't a perfect solution, as thieves know how to bypass some of these admittedly basic protections and reset to factory settings. Aside from some limitations, this is still useful for protecting files and content on the device in the worst-case scenario.

Adaptive vibration

If you want a better experience with vibration-based feedback on the device for things like notifications, you should pay attention to the new Adaptive Vibration toggle. Instead of having one vibration strength in all situations, after updating to Android 15, the sensors and microphone in the device will be used to determine the noise levels where your phone is placed.

Theoretically, the vibrations of the device are less pronounced on a hard surface. On a soft sofa cushion, the vibration strength increases to notify you better. Google states that it never records data, but requires you to determine whether you agree to the use of these sensors.

Private space

Private Space in Android 15 is a valuable feature for users who value privacy and want to create a secure environment for their sensitive apps and data. By activating Private Space, you can effectively protect your personal data, financial data or work-related files from unauthorized access.

This feature is particularly useful if you have a dual phone for work and personal life and allows you to have a better work-life balance. This allows you to isolate work-related apps in a separate, password-protected area to minimize distractions and increase productivity.

Additionally, Private Space provides an additional layer of security that makes it harder for hackers to break into your device and gain access to your sensitive data. The dedicated area simplifies management and access to private apps, making it easier to find and use them when needed. If you value your privacy and want to take proactive measures to protect your data, enabling Private Space in Android 15 is a worthwhile consideration.

Disable the default frame rate for games

To get the best experience while gaming on your smartphone, you may want to use the new “Disable default frame rate for games” option to get a little more performance – especially if you have a display with a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher.

Depending on the game, it may be limited to lower frame rates, which may look choppy on a screen with a higher refresh rate. If you disable this, the system will allow your games to run at the highest speed, giving you a better time.

Lock mode

Lock mode has been around in Android for a while, but in Android 15 it's even more secure due to some changes to how it works. Having “Lockdown Mode” enabled adds an extra layer of security as the feature now prevents USB access, ADB commands, and more.

Together with the new Anti-Theft feature, you can fully protect your device. When you are not actively using your phone, turn on lock mode and there is little chance for malicious actors to break into your phone or access sensitive information.

Change the default wallet app

This may not apply to everyone, but if you live in a region where Google Wallet isn't particularly useful, Android 15 has a new feature that allows you to change the default wallet application. You can set up any supported payment application or disable the feature entirely if you want.

AI core

This is for the regular Pixel 8 and 8a owners out there. Remember when Gemini Nano was limited to the Pro models? Well, that changed a while ago, but you have to adjust a setting to access it on your phone. Technically, you don't need Android 15 to enable this. Simply go to Developer Options, search for “AICore,” and then check “Enable GenAI features on device.”

You need to do this if you want things like summarize in Google Recorder, better Magic Compose suggestions, and better TalkBack audio descriptions. We strongly recommend enabling this option if you haven't already.

Send device name

There are many new privacy controls in Android 15, but the Send Device Name feature needs to be changed immediately for a little more security. Adjusting this setting will hide your device name when connecting to certain Wi-Fi networks.

Turn off Bluetooth tomorrow

When you enable or access Bluetooth settings in Android 15, the feature works slightly differently. It does not remain disabled indefinitely. Instead, it will reactivate after 24 hours unless you make a change to the setting.

Simply tap the “Turn on automatically tomorrow” switch if you want Bluetooth to stay off, or leave it on if you don't mind it turning back on and reconnecting to previously paired devices. Please note that this may impact some systems such as Find My Device.

Switch hearing aids

A nice new Quick Settings tile called “Hearing Aids” is a great accessibility option that also quickly accesses some audio-related features built into Android 15. It's designed for quick pairing with hearing aids and similar devices, but there are quick settings for Live Captions and Live Transcription, which might be most useful for anyone without a hearing impairment.

Allow WEP networks

For purely security reasons, this is a setting in Android 15 that should be left disabled. However, in certain circumstances you may need to be able to connect to WEP networks. In that regard, it's nice to be able to at least turn the feature on or off as needed.

What features have you enabled or disabled in Android 15?

As with any major OS upgrade, there are things that come out of the box, but what are you using so far in Android 15? Let us know in the comments section below! Be sure to check out our deep dive.