What is Android's new adaptive vibration feature and how can I turn it on?
We have all experienced this at some point: while we are working on a task, our phone keeps ringing without us even realizing it, and we forget the calls or messages until we choose to answer them for another reason.
We occasionally leave our phones in Do Not Disturb mode, but this is not always the case. Because our minds are elsewhere, we just do not hear our phone vibration or ringtone, but Google wants to help. Adaptive vibration is being rolled out by Android, and we will explain how to turn it on and what it does here.
What does Android's adaptive vibration mean?
Even though this feature was only available on the Pixel 7 at the time this article was written, it is very likely that by the time you read it, everyone will have access to it. What are we discussing? Adaptive vibration will soon be available on Android.
Google suggests this feature, which was included with Android 15, as one way to stop notifications from spreading throughout the network. In particular, it forces your phone to use its sensors and microphones to assess the surroundings and decide whether to turn on the vibration motor more or less intensely.
The objective is straightforward: to notify you when someone calls, texts, or sends you a new message. Naturally, it makes no difference if you are carrying the device in your backpack, pocket, or on the table or in bed. Do you want a demonstration of its operation? Here are some examples:
Adaptive vibration will stop intense vibrations if your phone is resting on a table or other hard surface. Why? Since your gadget will typically be in a visible location where you can hear it, they are typically superfluous.
The situation is entirely different, though, and the vibration level should be at its highest if you are carrying your phone in a backpack. First, if the vibrations are not so strong that you can not hear them, it is possible that other objects will absorb them; second, it will be simpler to find your phone among everything else.
Adaptive vibration will also consider noise if it is a significant environmental factor. Since it usually does not take long to notice your phone vibrating, there will be less vibration in quieter settings than in noisy ones. The opposite is also true, of course (stronger vibration in noisy areas).
How to turn on Android's adaptive vibration
As previously stated, Android 15 marks the official release of this feature, which is also very easy to activate. Here's what you need to do:
- Go to your mobile phone's settings menu.
- Go to the "Sound and Vibration" section.
- Scroll down to "Vibration and Vibration on Touch".
- Enter "Adaptive Vibration".
- Activate adaptive vibration on your Android device.