No root. No hacks. Just smart settings hiding in plain sight.
Written by Haris R. — Product Marketing Manager & Android enthusiast since 2012.
Most Android users never look past their Settings app. But there's a secret menu — Developer Options — that’s quietly holding back the true performance potential of your phone.
Originally built for app developers, it’s packed with switches and sliders that can help speed up animations, reduce battery drain, and fix annoying Bluetooth or UI issues — no root required.
Whether you're using your phone daily or keeping it as a secondary device, these settings can make it feel faster and more efficient in just a few taps.
How to Unlock Developer Options
If you haven’t already:
-
Go to Settings > About Phone
-
Tap Build Number seven times
-
Enter your PIN or pattern if prompted
-
Return to Settings > System > Developer Options
Now let’s get to the good stuff.
1. Speed Up (or Kill) Animations
-
Where: Window animation scale, Transition animation scale, Animator duration scale
-
Set to: 0.5x or Off
-
Why it works: Cutting down animations reduces the delay between screens and taps. Your phone will instantly feel more responsive.
2. Limit Background Processes
-
Where: Background process limit
-
Set to: 2 or 3 processes
-
Why it works: Restricts how many apps stay active in the background. This saves memory and battery without breaking basic multitasking.
3. Fix Bluetooth Volume Bugs
-
Where: Disable Absolute Volume
-
Set to: On
-
Why it works: Solves inconsistent volume issues with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. A must if your audio randomly jumps or dips.
4. Sharpen Game Graphics
-
Where: Force 4x MSAA
-
Set to: On
-
Why it works: Enables anti-aliasing in supported games and apps. Makes visuals look cleaner, at the cost of a little battery.
5. Force Split-Screen Support for All Apps
-
Where: Force activities to be resizable
-
Set to: On
-
Why it works: Some apps block split-screen mode by default. This forces them to cooperate, giving you real multitasking freedom.
6. Fix Lag with GPU Rendering
-
Where: Disable HW overlays
-
Set to: On (when needed)
-
Why it works: Forces your phone to use GPU instead of CPU for UI rendering. Helpful if your phone feels sluggish or stutters occasionally.
7. Reduce Wi-Fi Background Activity
-
Where: Wi-Fi scan throttling
-
Set to: On
-
Why it works: Stops apps from scanning for networks too frequently. Great for saving battery without affecting connectivity.
8. Turn Off Predictive Back Animations
-
Where: Predictive Back
-
Set to: Off
-
Why it works: Disabling this removes unnecessary back gesture previews. Smoother navigation, less delay.
9. Disable Stylus Handwriting (If You Don’t Use One)
-
Where: Stylus handwriting
-
Set to: Off
-
Why it works: If your phone doesn’t support a stylus, this feature just takes up processing power in the background.
10. Turn Off Visual Debugging Tools
-
Where: Show Taps, Pointer Location
-
Set to: Off
-
Why it works: These are useful for demos or devs, but otherwise just clutter your screen and use system resources.
Bonus Tweaks (For Power Users Only)
If you know your way around Android, here are a few more switches to consider:
| Setting | Recommended Setting | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Strict Mode | Off | Avoids screen flashes on system delays |
| Autofill Logging | Off | Keeps system cleaner, improves performance |
| Freeform Windows | Off (unless using custom launcher) | For floating app windows |
| Force Desktop Mode | Off | Only useful with USB-C docking |
| Mock Location App | Leave unassigned | Prevents app bans or location spoof flags |
| Force Full GNSS Measurements | Off | GPS devs only |
Don’t Want to Reconfigure This Every Time?
Create a simple checklist or use a tool like Tasker to apply your preferred Developer Options in seconds. Perfect if you reset devices often or switch between work and personal setups.
Final Thoughts
These Developer Options aren’t just for developers. They’re practical tools that anyone can use to get more out of their Android device — no root, no risk, and no third-party apps.
From smoother transitions to fewer background drains, the changes above can genuinely make an older or secondary device feel new again. And if you're using a flagship, they’ll help you get the most out of your hardware.
About the Author
Haris is a Product Marketing Manager with over a decade of experience optimizing mobile devices, apps, and digital workflows. He helps users and teams work smarter by making tech feel human and accessible.
Disclaimer
These settings are available natively in Android’s Developer Options and are safe to modify. However, if you’re unsure about a specific feature, do a quick search or consult your device manual before changing it.
Want a downloadable checklist of these settings?
Let us know, and we’ll send one your way.
