Utilize your smartphone's camera app to check the batteries in your TV remote. Switch to the front-facing camera and point the remote at it, then press and hold any button on the remote. If the batteries are still good, you'll see a pinkish-purplish light flickering from the remote's tip. Replace the batteries if the light is dim or nonexistent.
19 Surprising Features Your Smartphone Can Do!
Your phone is already a lot more than a phone. Here are 19 built-in features — some obvious, some genuinely surprising — that can stand in for gadgets you might otherwise go out and buy.
Battery Tester for Remote Controls
Calculator
Open the Calculator app to perform basic math functions. Rotate the phone to access the scientific calculator for more advanced actions, such as square roots and trigonometric functions.
Document Scanner
On iPhone, open the Notes app and select Scan Documents, place the document in view, and scan it — adjust the edges if needed and save the scan as a PDF. On Android (Samsung Galaxy), open the Camera app, position the document, tap the yellow "T" button, adjust the scanning area, and tap Scan; you can then save the scan as an image or PDF.
Emergency Broadcast System
iPhones receive Amber Alerts and other emergency alerts by default — manage these in Settings | Notifications. On Android, customize the types of emergency alerts you receive in Settings | Notifications | Wireless Emergency Alerts.
Flashlight
Access the Flashlight icon in the Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner on newer phones) to turn on the flashlight. You can also adjust its brightness to suit your needs.
Foreign Language Translator
On iPhone, use Apple's Translate app to translate text, voice, or conversations across a wide range of languages in real time. On Android, download Google Translate, which supports over 100 languages and offers offline translation for selected languages.
GPS Navigation System
Use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps for navigation. These apps provide turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and points of interest along your route.
Kitchen Timer
Open the Clock app and tap Timer. You can set multiple timers, label them, and receive notifications when they expire — or use the Stopwatch feature and check the time in different cities around the world.
Library
Access digital books through apps like Hoopla, Libby, or Project Gutenberg. Borrow e-books with your library card and read them right on your smartphone.
Magnifying Glass
On iPhone, use the Magnifier app to zoom in on small text and adjust the brightness and contrast for better visibility. On Android, open the Camera app and "unpinch" to magnify fine print, or use a third-party magnifying app for more features.
Metal Detector
Download metal detector apps from the App Store or Google Play to detect metal objects using your phone's magnetometer. These apps can be useful for finding lost items or exploring your surroundings.
Pedometer
On iPhone, use the Health app to track your steps automatically, set daily goals, and monitor your progress over time. On Android, use Google Fit or Samsung Health to track steps and set fitness goals, viewing your count for the day, week, or month.
QR Code Reader
On either iPhone or Android, open the Camera app and point it at the QR code, then tap the notification that appears to open the link. Android users can also use dedicated QR code scanner apps for additional features.
Radio
Listen to on-the-air or online-only radio stations using apps like Audacy, iHeartRadio, Pandora, or TuneIn. Discover new music, news, and podcasts on your smartphone.
Tape Measure
On iPhone, use the Measure app to measure objects using augmented reality — tap the screen to place points and measure distances accurately. On Android, use third-party apps like Samsung's Quick Measure for precise measurements and additional features.
Video Camera
On iPhone, open the Camera app and swipe to the Video option to record in different modes, including slow motion and time-lapse. On Samsung Galaxy, swipe to the Video option in the Camera app for additional shooting modes like hyperlapse and super slow motion.
Voice Recorder
On iPhone, use the Voice Memos app to record and manage recordings, edit them, add bookmarks, and share them with others. On Android, use a voice recording app from the Google Play Store — some offer automatic transcription and cloud storage.
Weather Forecaster
Use the Apple Weather app or a third-party weather app on iOS and Android to check the forecast, get hourly updates, severe weather alerts, and detailed forecasts for your location.
Digital Wallet
On iPhone, use the Apple Wallet app for Apple Pay, digital cards, and tickets — add boarding passes, movie tickets, and rewards cards for easy access. On Android, use Google Pay for digital passes and payment cards, paying securely in stores, online, and in apps.
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