This hidden Android 15 feature turns your screen saver into a smart home control center

I have Nest cameras, doorbells, and speakers at home. I regularly access those devices from my phone, which is easy to do from the Notification Shade. However, when my phone is docked on its charger, I don't always want to pick it up to go through the Notification Shade or go into the App Drawer to open the Home app.

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Thankfully, in Android 15, the new Home Controls feature offers an easy solution. With this enabled, your Android phone will display controls for your Google Home devices as your screensaver when charging. The new feature allows you to view those devices with a single tap. 

If you sleep with your phone charging by your bed, this could be a real gamechanger if someone rings your doorbell or approaches your house in the middle of the night, and you don't have the brain capacity to go through the usual steps to access the interface for either the Nest camera or Nest doorbell.

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But how do you enable the feature?  It's a bit tucked away but simple to switch on, so let me show you how.

How to enable Home Control for Android 15

What you'll need: To use the new feature, you'll need a device running Android 15. Although the feature works great on phones, it's even better on tablets. You'll also need some Google devices (such as Nest doorbells, cameras, and speakers). Even some non-Google devices may work, but your mileage may vary.

Once you've finished, tap Save, and you're ready to experience Home Controls on your device. Plug in your phone or place it on its dock to see it in action.

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Congratulations, you now have easier access to all your devices connected to Google Home.