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As Android 14 debuted on October 4th, 2023, tech enthusiasts are eagerly exploring what Google’s latest operating system has in store. Packed with innovative features and important updates, Android 14 offers a blend of improved functionality, enhanced user experience, and better security.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the latest feature additions, key changes, improvements, and everything you need to know to get the most out of Android 14.
Quick Overview
Android 14 unlocks the next level of user experience with cutting-edge features like Ultra HDR for richer media and seamless camera extensions. It also helps elevate your audio experience with lossless USB capabilities and streamline user access with the effortless Credential Manager.
The latest Android OS safeguards health and fitness data while offering personalized insights using the integrated Health Connect. It also brings captivating, standout experiences for large-screen devices like tablets and folds.
What is the Official Codename of Android 14?
Android 14 has a secret nickname: “Upside Down Cake“. While Google teams and developers use this codename internally, it remains largely unknown to the public. For everyday users, itβs called Android 14.
Do you want to know more about the story behind these unique codenames? Continue reading…
Since its debut in 2009, Android captivated its users with its groundbreaking mobile operating system and a fun and delicious twistβnaming each major OS release after a sweet treat. From Android 1.5 “Cupcake” to Android 9 “Pie,” these names became a trademark in the tech world. But in 2019, starting from Android 10, Google decided to retire this tradition of confectionary-themed codenames in favor of a simpler numerical naming approach.
What are the Release Dates and Timelines for Android 14?
Whenever Google releases a new Android OS, its stable version receives three major QPR (Quarterly Platform Releases) updates, all of which bring significant improvements, new features, Pixel drops, and some security updates.
Here are the timelines and release dates for Android 14 quarterly updates:
- Android 14 first public release on October 4th, 2023.
- Android 14 QPR1, released on December 5th, 2023.
- Android 14 QPR2, released on March 4th, 2024.
- Android 14 QPR3, released on June 11th, 2024.
Whatβs New in Android 14?
Easter Egg

Every version of Android OS has a unique Easter egg hidden within the system settings. This time, Google added a logo inspired by Apollo 14, which means that this Easter egg is all about space travel.
You can easily access the Easter egg by going to the system settings, navigating to the About Phone, and then finding and tapping the Android version repetitively until you see the Android 14 logo. You can launch the rocket by long-pressing the logo and begin the mini-game. You can explore space, stars, and planets.
Circle to Search

Google initially released a gesture named Circle to Search feature for its Pixel 8 series phones, but with further updates, the same feature has now been extended to Pixel 6 and later variants. Moreover, Samsung released the same with its flagship Galaxy S24 series launch, as Galaxy AI now powers their phones.
You can search almost anything you want as it is fully compatible with text, images, and videos. That, too, without leaving the app you are using.
Partial Screen Sharing, Screen Recording, and Casting

Android 14 is privacy-focused, so to ensure your privacy is not compromised, especially while sharing screen, screen recording, and casting, Google has added a partial screen-sharing feature. This will enable you to share only the app you want to share, while the status bar and notification area will not be shared or recorded. This will protect your messages from accidentally appearing on the recording or while sharing the screen.
Previously, the Android OS shared your entire screen while screen sharing, casting, and recording.
Check Battery Health, Cycle Count, and Manufacture Date

For phones that have been promised software and security updates for more than seven years, having the option to check your overall battery health and cycle count becomes essential. Google and other manufacturers have added protective features that donβt fully charge your phone to help protect the battery from charging to 100% and sitting there longer than necessary.
Android 14 gives you much more information about your battery, including its overall health, cycle count, and manufacture date. To check yours, go to AndroidΒ SettingsΒ >Β About Phone, andΒ you should find the Battery information option. These stats will help you determine when you might need a new battery.
Weather Forecasts within the Clock App and Widget

If you used to rely on a different app for weather forecasts, now you donβt have to, anymore.
A feature that has been adopted by most mobile phone manufacturers for almost a decade, however, with the release of Android 14, Google has finally decided to update their Clock app to add weather forecasts by default. Now, when you add multiple time zones to the clock tab, the app will show you the current weather overview for each one.
Also, if you use the Clock widget, the same details will be visible on your home screen as well, which is a great addition.
Integrated Health Connect

Health Connect used to be a standalone app; however, with Android 14, it is now part of the system apps. It works as a repository and manages all the health and fitness data, such as sleep, fitness, and cycle tracking, from all the compatible health and fitness tracker apps, including Samsung and Fitbit, in one place.
With everything in a single place, you have much greater control over your data. You can decide which apps can access the data and review and change app permissions and privacy settings whenever you want.
Drag and Drop Text and Images from One App to Another

You must have used the drag-and-drop function on your computer, but with Android 14, the same feature is now added to your mobile phone. You can use the new drag-and-drop feature to move text and images from one app to another.
Even though the whole process seems kind of tricky, but hereβs how it works:
Simply select the text or image using a press-and-hold gesture. Select all the text you want to move, press and hold the selected text, and it should move. Now, while you are holding that text using one finger, you need to use another finger to navigate and open another app. Now, move the text where you want to drop it and let it go. Thatβs it!
Use Your Phone as a Webcam

Donβt have a working webcam? No worries. Now, your Android 14 phoneβs camera can be used as a webcam on your computer or laptop, regardless of the OS it is running. All you need to do is connect your Pixel device to your computer via a USB cable, and then on your phone, you have to select the option βuse USB for Webcam.β
Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile now Pops up a Menu

Previously, tapping the Bluetooth quick settings tile allowed you to toggle the feature on/off.
Now, with Android 14, when you tap on the Bluetooth tile in the Quick Settings section, an interactive pop-up menu will open with a list of your most recently paired devices, an option to pair a new device, and a toggle switch at the top to turn on or turn off Bluetooth.
Quickly Share WiFi Password via QR Code

A little privacy update that helps protect your WiFi credentials by allowing you to share WiFi through a QR code that you can share with anyone.
Android 14 brings an updated Internet quick settings tile button. If you tap on the tile, it will show you a new βshare WiFiβ button. This button takes you to the WiFi sharing page, where you can share WiFi credentials via QR code.
Repair Mode for Better Privacy

Like Samsung phones, where you get maintenance mode, Google has also introduced repair mode with Android 14. This feature allows you to submit your Pixel phone for repair without any need to reset your device. A handy feature that helps keep your personal data safe and secure from the technicians.
Once enabled, all your installed apps and data will be hidden, while repair mode will give access to the Google suite of apps and the Pixel Diagnostics app. This allows authorized repair centers to diagnose the problem.
The only prerequisite for enabling this feature is that your phone has at least 2GB of free storage space. You can find this feature in Settings by navigating to System > Repair Mode.
Better Support for Devices with Larger Screens

For foldable phones and tablet devices, like Pixel Fold, there has always been an issue with the aspect ratio and apps that wonβt go full screen because they are not correctly optimized for that specific device. Even though the apps are compatible, they used to be shown in a letterbox style.
With the Android 14 update, you can now override the apps’ original aspect ratio and force them to go full screen.
To apply this new setting to any app, navigate to Settings > Apps, select the app you want to change the aspect ratio of, and then, in the Advanced section, you should be able to find the Aspect Ratio option.
Accessibility Features
Larger Font Size

Android OS has always provided its users with amazing accessibility features, one of which is the large font size. Now, with the release of Android 14, the dev team has implemented non-linear font scaling to 200%, which is a helpful addition for users with low vision.
To try this out and enable the feature, hereβs what you need to do:
Go toΒ SettingsΒ >Β Accessibility, and navigate toΒ Display Size and Text. Under the font size option, tap the plus (+) icon to increase the font size and make it bigger.
Flash the Flashlight or Phoneβs Screen for Notifications

Android 14 has added a new and handy accessibility feature for Android users with hearing impairments. These users will prefer to see their phoneβs screen or flashlight flashing to notify them about incoming notifications. However, many users prefer this over sound because it doesnβt cause any disturbance.
To enable, simply navigate to Settings > Accessibility. Here, you should find the Flash notifications option. You can then select how you prefer to be notified, whether you want the camera flash blinking, the phone screen flashing, or both.
Personalize your Phone with Regional Preferences

If you are a European living in the United States, you might prefer to see the temperature units in Celsius rather than Fahrenheit. You may also follow a different number system or first day of the week, like Saturday.
With Android 14, you can completely personalize your experience with these new regional preferences settings, which will be reflected throughout your phone.
New Customization Features
Creating Custom AI-Generated Wallpapers

With AI taking over the world, Google has introduced AI-generated wallpaper in Android 14 that allows you to truly customize your home screen and lock screen with unique generative AI wallpapers, where you can showcase anything you imagine.
All you have to do is enter specific words or describe how you want the wallpaper to be, and based on your input and commands, generative AI will generate a unique image for you. You can also use the βinspire meβ option, giving AI the absolute freedom to generate a random wallpaper.
Love Grayscale Aesthetic? Try Dynamic Themes

Do you love monochrome themes and want to give your whole phoneβs interface a sleek, grayscale look? You would love the new Dynamic Themes option introduced by Google in Android 14. If you remember correctly, in Android 13, Google gave its users the freedom to customize the theme as well as the app icon colors right from within the Pixel launcher.
This will completely transform the look and feel, as the theme will be applied to all the elements of your device to give a unified appearance, including widgets, buttons, icons, animations, and even backgrounds.
Fully Customize the Lock Screen

Android power users always use to opt for third-party apps that enable lock screen customization further to personalize the look and feel of the lock screen.
With the release of Android 14, Google has integrated most of the customization settings within the system. You can now switch between different clock options and the ability to rearrange the location of weather and date as per your preference. You can also completely personalize wallpaper, clock styling, and color scheme.
That is not all, you can customize quick action buttons too. You can either totally disable them for a clean and minimal look, or you can change what those quick buttons do when you tap and hold onto them when your phone is locked.
Privacy and Security Enhancements
More Control Over the App Permissions

Until Android 13, whenever an app asked for access to storage, the only options we got were either allow or donβt allow. If we select allow, we wonβt really know what exactly the app is accessing on our phone, causing unwanted privacy risks.
With the release of Android 14, you have much more control over app permissions. There is a new option now, βselect photos.β Now, you can rest assured that the app can access only those photos and videos you have selected and given access to.
Support for Passwordless Sign-ins through Passkey Support

Android 14 adds a Credential Manager designed to simplify the sign-in process by providing multiple methods to sign in to accounts and websites, including passkeys, usernames, and passwords, and a Sign-in with Google option.
The greatest advantage of passkeys, also known as passwordless sign-ins, is that they are built on industry standards that offer the finest security. They are much stronger and phishing-resistant than passwords. Apart from simplifying the login process, they work across all operating systems, web browsers, and apps.
Know Why App Requests Location Access

Have you ever wondered why certain apps request location access and what exactly they do with that data? Android 14 introduces better transparency as it now requires app developers to share how they use location data and whether they share the collected data with third parties, if any.
That is not all. If you have already granted location access to any app and they made changes to their data-sharing policies, the Play Store will send you a popup notification about the changes and show you all the details about how the app collects and shares your location data and what it uses it for.
Restrictions on Installing Old and Outdated Apps
For enhanced security and to protect the latest Android OS from potential malware and breaches, Android 14 will block the installation of outdated and old apps. Google has made API requirements much stricter, which means users wonβt be allowed to even sideload outdated APK files.
Google aims to increase the minimum threshold to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which means the system will block the installation of any app that is targeted or designed for older Android OS to protect the device and the user from potential security risks.
Which Devices are Compatible with Android 14?
Since the very first beta release of Android 14, Google Pixel devices have been the first ones to receive the updates. However, as per Googleβs promised update policies, Android 14 will be compatible with all Pixel phones launched and available on the Google store after September 2020. This means Google Pixel 4a 5G is the oldest eligible for this update.
Google Pixel phones that support Android 14
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a
- Pixel 4a 5G
Samsung Galaxy series phones that support Android 14
- Galaxy S24 FE
- Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy A73
- Galaxy A72
- Galaxy A54
- Galaxy A53
- Galaxy A52S
- Galaxy A52
- Galaxy A34
- Galaxy A33
- Galaxy A24
- Galaxy A23
- Galaxy A14
- Galaxy A13