Android 9.0 Pie: What It Does and Why It Still Matters
Did you know Android 9.0 Pie can still hold its own even with newer versions around? If you’re still using a phone that shipped with Pie, you probably enjoy the clean look and smart gestures, but you might wonder if it can stay fast and safe. Below we break down the best parts of Pie, give you quick fixes for common hiccups, and show how to squeeze more life out of the OS.
Key Features of Android 9.0 Pie
Pie introduced a handful of changes that felt fresh at the time. The biggest one is adaptive battery. Your phone learns which apps you use most and limits background power for the rest, so the battery lasts longer without you doing anything.
Another cool addition is Digital Wellbeing. It shows you screen‑time stats, lets you set app timers, and adds a “wind‑down” mode that greys out the screen at night. If you’re trying to cut down on scrolling, this built‑in tool can be a lifesaver.Pie also brought gesture navigation. Swiping up from the bottom replaces the old three‑button layout, giving you a bigger screen for apps. You can still switch back to the classic buttons if you don’t like the swipe tricks.
On the security side, Android 9 added Google Play Protect that scans apps automatically, and it started enforcing stricter app permissions. That means apps can’t just spy on your mic or location without you saying yes first.
Keeping Android 9.0 Fast and Secure
Even if your device stopped receiving official updates, you can keep it safe with a few steps. First, make sure Google Play Services is up to date – it brings the latest security patches even when the OS itself is old. Open the Play Store, go to “My apps & games,” and hit Update for Play Services.
Next, clear out apps you never use. Old apps linger in the background and can slow things down. Go to Settings → Apps, tap an app you don’t need, and choose “Force stop” then “Uninstall.”
If you notice the UI feeling laggy, try a cache clean. Head to Settings → Storage → Cached data, and tap to clear. It won’t delete your photos or messages, just temporary files that can pile up.
For battery woes, disable “Battery optimization” for apps you rely on heavily. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization, select “All apps,” find the app, and choose “Don’t optimize.” This stops Android from putting that app to sleep when you need it active.
Finally, consider installing a lightweight launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher. They replace the stock home screen with a smoother experience and give you extra customization without taxing the processor.
Keep an eye on app permissions too. Open Settings → Privacy → Permission manager, and toggle off camera, microphone, or location access for apps that don’t need them. Less permission = less chance of a privacy slip.
With these tweaks, Android 9.0 Pie can stay snappy and safe for months to come, even if you’re not ready to upgrade to Android 12 or later. So, next time you glance at your phone, you’ll know it’s still got some tricks up its sleeve.
Arvind Chatterjee, Jan, 31 2023
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