Nexus 6 tips and tricks: unleash its true potential

1. Make its size more manageable

If you have small hands, you may find the Nexus 6 hard to operate. To resolve your text messaging woes, try installing Swiftkey. Its keyboard can be positioned either on the right or the left of the screen, making it more comfortable to type on. Once you have installed the app, follow the instructions to make Swiftkey your default app.

2. Get your priorities straight

No, not your life priorities, you can reflect upon those another time. We're talking about prioritizing your Nexus 6 notifications. Since Android 5.0 Lollipop, it's been possible to decide which notifications are worth being disturbed for and which aren't. 

Head to Settings, then select Sound & Notifications. There you can choose which apps should have their notifications blocked or be set as a priority.

3. Switch to Messenger

If Hangouts isn’t your cup of tea, you can use Messenger. It’s simple and colorful, in line with the new Material Design look brought by Google, and can be set up as the default SMS/MMS app in just a few steps. Head into Settings, select More, and then Default SMS app. Now tap on it and choose the app you prefer.

• Best SMS apps for Android

4. Restrict access for guests

One genius feature that Google implemented with Android Lollipop is the ability to use multiple accounts on one phone. You can create a guest account for other users, and you can restricted access to apps and services within it. It's perfect for when you need to share your phone with family, friends or children.

5. Set up a trusted location (smart lock)

This is a really cool tip. Android has a function that means that you don’t have to use a pin code when you’re in a trusted location – your home, for example – as long as you've added that location to Google Maps.

Go to Security > Smart lock > enter your pin number and then go to Trusted places > Add a trusted place. This will mean that you don’t need to enter a pin code when your phone is in this location.

6. Quickly access battery settings

Did you know you can access your battery settings without having to enter the settings menu? Swipe down from the top of the screen twice (or swipe down once with two fingers), then tap the battery icon, and you will be taken straight there.  

Do you have any other great Nexus 6 tips? Let us know in comments.