You may be familiar with the Google apps that come pre-installed on Android devices, but that's not all there is. If you love Google's offerings, these lesser-known apps can bring surprising value to your device.
9 Action Blocks
There are plenty of useful things you can do with Google Assistant, but what if you could do them with just a single tap? That's where Google's Action Blocks app comes in. It lets you create customizable shortcuts for common Google Assistant actions, like calling a friend, getting directions, or controlling smart home devices.
Instead of speaking a command every time, you can set up an Action Block once and place it on your home screen. After that, all you need to do is tap it to perform the task. You can also create custom buttons that speak phrases aloud. This can be particularly helpful for people with speech and language disorders.
Action Blocks is primarily designed for individuals with conditions such as dementia, aphasia, autism, Down syndrome, Parkinson's disease, or other cognitive and mobility challenges. However, it can be useful for anyone looking to simplify daily tasks.
Download: Action Blocks (Free)
8 Google Opinion Rewards
If you're looking for an easy way to earn Google Play credits, Google Opinion Rewards is a must-have. This simple app rewards you with Play Store credits in exchange for answering short surveys.
Once installed, the app occasionally sends you quick multiple-choice surveys, which typically take less than a minute to complete. These surveys cover topics like shopping habits, travel experiences, and brand preferences. In return, you'll earn a small amount of Google Play credit, which could range from just a few cents to over a dollar per survey.
The credits you accumulate can be used to purchase paid apps, in-game items, movies, books, and other digital content on the Play Store. While you won't get surveys daily, you could earn significant credits over time.
Download: Google Opinion Rewards (Free)
7 Wallpapers
If you're into customizing your Android phone's home screen, you know how challenging it can be to find a good wallpaper app that's both free and ad-free. Google's Wallpapers app solves this problem. It offers a curated collection of stunning images that can instantly refresh your phone's look.
The app features a wide range of categories, including landscapes, cityscapes, textures, and abstract designs. You can also use photos from your galleryto create your own abstract photos for mobile wallpapers. Additionally, the app provides an option to update wallpapers daily, ensuring your home or lock screen never feels stale.
All in all, with its clean interface and effortless navigation, Google Wallpapers is a great option for Android users who love a fresh, stylish home screen.
Download: Wallpapers (Free)
6 Google Authenticator
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is available on most popular platforms and should be enabled for enhanced security. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, the attacker still needs access to the generated code, which is updated every 30 seconds.
Google Authenticator is a lightweight app that generates time-sensitive, one-time passcodes. This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts, and you should really switch to 2FA if you haven't already. It supports multiple accounts, so you can use it for everything from your Gmail to third-party services like Facebook, Dropbox, and even banking apps.
Download: Google Authenticator (Free)
5 Magnifier
While all Android phones have built-in magnifier functionality as part of their accessibility suite, Google's Magnifier app makes it even easier to use. As the name suggests, this app turns your smartphone into a powerful magnifying tool so you can get a closer look at small text or intricate details.
If you often struggle to read small print on labels, menus, or maps, the Magnifier app can is a great app to carry around on your phone. It not only offers a zoom feature but also includes helpful options like lighting adjustments to brighten your view and contrast settings for better clarity.
You can even freeze the image to examine text and objects without holding your phone at an awkward angle. The app is especially useful when setting up an Android phone for the elderly.
Download: Magnifier (Free)
4 Gallery
While Google Photos is the default photo viewer on most Android phones, it can feel overwhelming for those who prefer a more streamlined, no-nonsense approach to photo management. Google's lesser-known Gallery app offers exactly that. Plus, it's lightweight, fast, and free from the extra features Google Photos offers.
Unlike Google Photos, which emphasizes cloud integration and automatic backups, the Gallery app offers a straightforward approach. You can easily organize your photos into albums or folders, make quick edits, and enjoy a clean interface without being overwhelmed by unnecessary options.
Download: Gallery (Free)
3 Snapseed
There's no shortage of must-have photo editing apps for Android. However, Google's Snapseed stands out as one of my favorite choices for several compelling reasons. One of the biggest is that it's completely free—there are no ads, hidden costs, or in-app purchases to worry about.
Snapseed offers a wide range of features that cater to both beginners and advanced users alike. If you're just starting out, you'll find basic tools like adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation.
nd for more experienced users, Snapseed provides advanced options like the curves tool for precise tonal adjustments, white balance for color correction, and lens blur to create a professional-looking bokeh effect.
Snapseed sets itself apart with its intuitive and user-friendly interface. It's designed to make photo editing easy, with every tool and filter neatly organized so you can quickly find and apply the adjustments you need.
Download: Snapseed (Free)
2 Chrome Remote Desktop
Have you ever felt the need to access your computer remotely to grab an important file? Chrome Remote Desktop is a surprisingly useful tool that allows you to use and control your desktop or laptop from your Android phone or even another computer.
The app is simple to set up. All you need is a Google account and the Chrome browser installed on the device you're connecting from and the computer you're accessing. Once set up, you can remotely control your computer as if you were sitting right in front of it.
What I like most about Chrome Remote Desktop is that it is much simpler than other remote access solutions. There’s no need for complex network configurations or specialized software. Plus, it offers a high level of security to ensure your remote sessions are encrypted and protected.
Download: Chrome Remote Desktop for Android or PC (Free)
1 Google Voice
Google Voice isn't available in every country, but if you're in a region where it is, you should check it out. It’s a cloud-based service that brings all your cellular communications into one platform. With it, you can receive and make calls, send text messages, and manage voicemails from the same number, regardless of which device you're using.
One of its best features is the ability to forward calls and messages to multiple devices, so you never miss an important call, whether you're on your phone, tablet, or computer. This cross-platform support is perfect for users who juggle between different devices or work remotely.
There are several other cool things you can do with Google Voice, like record calls, block spam, automate transcriptions for voicemail, and more.
Download: Google Voice (Free)
While most Google apps are widely recognized, some hidden gems don't get the attention they deserve. The apps mentioned above aren't pre-installed on Android devices, but they're definitely worth trying out.
