It's 2019 and smartphones can be used for a lot more than just making calls and surfing social media. In fact, there are a number of hidden features you may be missing! Here's how to get the most out of your device.

Send out an SOS
Call for help one-handed.

Although we hope there is never a day you need to call for help, you should always be prepared. iPhones and Androids are both capable of sending messages to your specified emergency contacts in times of need! Apple takes the feature one step further and also automatically calls emergency services to your location.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Emergency SOS. Services can also be accessed by simply tapping the Lock Button of your device five times. 
• On Android: Go to Settings > Personal > select Privacy and Emergency > Send SOS Messages

Record a How-To Video
Directly record your screen.

Forget explaining step-by-step instructions over the phone. Simply record your screen and send! Here's how to activate the screen recording function.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls > and tap the + next to Screen Recording. Then go to the Control Center and press the Record button.
• On Android: You will have to utilize a third-party app like ScreenCam or RecMe.

Track Your Screen Time
Create accountability.

It's easy to get lost in an app and end up scrolling for hours. Stay accountable for time spent on applications by tracking your accumulated time on each.

• On iPhone: Go to setting > Screen Time
• On Android: A third-party app will be needed. Google's free Digital Wellbeing app and the Google Family Link app can be used to monitor both personal and children's screen time.

Scan QR codes without an app
Gone are the days of a cluttered home screen.

Scan QR codes directly from your smartphone's camera! For iPhone users, all you have to do is open your camera app, focus on the QR code and then tap. A notification will then appear with a link!

• On Android: Open the Google App > enable screen search > following the same steps above!

Shake to Undo Mistakes
Because time is of the essence.

Quickly and easily undo a typo by simply shaking your iPhone! After shaking, an option to undo what you've just typed will pop up. Just click, watch it disappear and finish where you left off! Luckily, there is also an option for Android users; a "shake to undo" module is available for download.

These are just a few of the things your smartphone is capable of doing. Get quick and savvy with your phone and use it to the best of its abilities!