After much anticipation, the OnePlus 6 has arrived. With impressive hardware and features, it’s no surprise that the device achieved Rs. 100 Crore Sales in just 10 minutes. Whether it’s performance, camera quality, or portrait mode, the OnePlus 6 shines. However, after using the device myself, I discovered that OxygenOS hides numerous useful tools and features that many users may overlook. If you’re a OnePlus 6 user, here are 15 essential tips and tricks:
1. Enable/Disable the Notch
The Notch is the current trend, and whether you like it or not, the OnePlus 6 embraces it. Additionally, it allows you to customize whether you’d like to display the notch or not. To disable the notch, head over Settings -> Display -> Notch display. You can now choose to enable or disable it based on your preferences.
2. Use Gesture Navigation
Initially introduced on the OnePlus 5T, the OnePlus 6 features the company’s gesture navigation mode for easy device navigation. To enable it, follow these steps:
1. Head to Settings -> Buttons -> Navigation bar & gestures.
2. Tap “Navigation gestures”.
- Swipe up from the center of the screen to go home.
- Swipe up from the center of the screen and hold for recent apps.
- Swipe up from the left or right edge of the screen to go back.
3. Customize Gestures
The OnePlus 6 features OxygenOS, supporting various gestures. Navigate to Settings -> Gestures to access these options. Enable three-finger screenshot and use long press on the fingerprint sensor to capture images.
Moreover, the OnePlus 6 includes Double Tap to Wake and the ability to draw alphabets on the lock screen to launch specific applications. Pretty cool, right?
4. Record Super Slow Motion Videos
The OnePlus 6 boasts an exceptional feature: the capability to capture stunning Slow Motion videos. With this device, you can record slow-motion videos in either 720p@480fps or 1080p@240fps. Simply open the Camera app and swipe up from the bottom. Then, select “Slow motion” to begin recording in this mode.
5. Personalize Bokeh Shapes
The Portrait Mode on the OnePlus 6 excels. The device allows you to customize Bokeh shapes. You can modify the shape of blurred light objects in the background. To start, open the Camera app and choose Portrait mode, then tap the Bokeh icon in the top-right corner as depicted. Now, you’ll have the ability to change light objects into circles, hearts, or stars.
6. Utilize Gaming Mode
One major addition in the OnePlus 6 is the enhanced Gaming Mode. This feature, essentially OnePlus’ game launcher, optimizes RAM to boost game performance and also offers a Network Boost to reduce online gaming latency.
To activate Gaming Mode, navigate to Settings -> Advanced -> Gaming Mode.
Next, select “Add apps for Gaming mode” and choose the games you want to optimize.
7. Activate Reading Mode
While the OnePlus 6 already has a Night Mode for nighttime device usage, the company has added a Reading Mode option for book enthusiasts. This feature adjusts screen color temperature to match ambient light conditions, optimizing it for text reading. To activate Reading Mode on your OnePlus device, go to Settings -> Display -> Reading Mode and toggle “Turn on Reading mode”.
Moreover, you can specify apps for automatic Reading Mode activation.
8. Employ App Locker
Privacy concerns us all. Many users download app lockers from the Play Store to enhance app security. However, OnePlus offers a proprietary solution. OxygenOS on the OnePlus 6 includes an App Locker feature. Access it through Settings -> Security & lock screen -> App Locker.
Add desired apps to lock. If you have an existing lock method (PIN, Password, or Pattern), App Locker will utilize it. Otherwise, it will prompt you to set a password.
9. Display Network Speed in the Status Bar
Some of you may appreciate the network speed meter in Xiaomi devices’ status bar, as seen on MIUI. We’ve even penned an article on displaying network activity in the status bar on any Android device. However, unlike that method, OnePlus’ OxygenOS includes this feature by default. Yes, you heard it right. Just navigate to Settings -> Status bar and toggle “Display network speed” to enable it.
10. Enable OTG Storage
OnePlus 6 offers storage options of 64GB and 128GB, with the 256GB variant exclusive to the Avengers Special Edition. Unfortunately, it lacks support for microSD cards, which may disappoint those seeking easy storage expansion. Nonetheless, it compensates with USB OTG support. This enables you to connect a USB pen drive to your OnePlus 6 via the USB Type-C port, facilitating data access and on-the-go storage expansion. To activate this feature, navigate to Settings -> Advanced and toggle “OTG storage” to enable it.
11. Activate Pro Mode in Camera
The OnePlus 6 boasts top-tier camera hardware available in the market. It also provides a comprehensive Pro Mode, empowering users to fully exploit this hardware. Users can manually adjust ISO, Shutter Rate, Aperture, and more. To activate Pro Mode on your OnePlus 6, launch the Camera app and swipe up from the bottom. Then, tap “Pro Mode” to access manual camera controls.
12. Deactivate Beauty Mode
The OnePlus 6 incorporates a Beauty Mode for enhancing facial appearance in photos. However, not all users favor this function. To deactivate Beauty Mode, simply open the Camera app and tap the Beauty Mode icon located in the bottom-right corner. Adjust the filters by dragging the slider, or slide it completely to the left to disable it entirely.
Moreover, if desired, you can disable this feature entirely. Swipe up from the bottom within the camera app and tap the Settings icon. Then, disable the toggle next to “Rear camera beauty mode.” That concludes the process; the beauty mode will no longer appear on your screen.
13. Capture Videos in 4K@60FPS
The OnePlus 6 offers 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The results are comparable to other flagship devices. To enable 4K@60fps recording, open the Camera app, switch to Video mode, and select 4K 60FPS resolution.
14. Enable Quick Pay
OxygenOS on the OnePlus 6 offers a handy shortcut to access your preferred payment option’s screen. With Quick Pay activated, simply place your fingerprint on the scanner to instantly open the payments app. To activate Quick Pay, navigate to Settings -> Security & lock screen -> Quick Pay and toggle “Screen off quick pay”.
That’s all it takes. Quick Pay is now ready on your OnePlus 6. Note that currently, this feature supports WeChat, AliPay, and Paytm only.
15. Front Camera Portrait Mode
The OnePlus 6 boasts a spectacular portrait mode for the rear camera. However, this feature is currently absent from the front camera. Nevertheless, OnePlus assures that a future software update will enable Portrait Mode on the front camera as well, enhancing your selfies.
BONUS: Android P Compatibility
One of the OnePlus 6’s standout features is its compatibility with Android P Developer Preview 2, a privilege typically reserved for Google devices. This allows you to install Android P on your OnePlus 6 and explore the latest innovations in the Android ecosystem.
Optimize Your OnePlus 6 with These Tips
That’s about it. After extensive time with the OnePlus 6, I’ve curated a list of tricks to enhance your device experience. These tips are designed to improve your overall user experience. If you believe we overlooked a crucial feature or have specific questions, feel free to share in the comments, and we’ll gladly assist you!
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
