5 Overlooked OxygenOS Features on OnePlus Phones
OxygenOS hides several genuinely useful tools that most OnePlus owners never open. This guide walks you through five of them, explains exactly where to find each one, and shows what they do in everyday use.
1. App Locker: Lock Any App Behind Your Fingerprint
OxygenOS includes a built-in app locker that works independently of any third-party app. It lets you protect individual apps with your fingerprint, face unlock, or a PIN, so a friend borrowing your phone can’t open your banking app or private gallery.
To set it up: go to Settings > Security & lock screen > App locker. Choose which apps to lock, and decide whether to hide notification content from those apps. Once enabled, opening a locked app asks for your fingerprint or PIN. This is separate from the phone’s main lock screen, so you can hand over your unlocked phone without handing over your private apps.
A common misconception is that App Locker only works with the default launcher. In fact, it works regardless of the launcher you use, though the quick-access toggle may only appear in the OnePlus launcher’s app drawer.
2. Parallel Apps: Run Two Accounts on the Same App
If you juggle a work and personal account on WhatsApp, Instagram, or any supported messaging app, Parallel Apps creates a second, isolated copy. Both copies run simultaneously, each with its own notifications and data.
Find it under Settings > Utilities > Parallel Apps. Select the apps you want to duplicate. The second copy appears in your app drawer with a small orange icon to distinguish it. You can log into a different account in each copy, and both receive notifications independently.
Not every app supports Parallel Apps. Banking apps and apps with strict security policies often block it. If an app doesn’t appear in the list, there’s no workaround within OxygenOS itself.
3. OnePlus Switch: Move Data From Any Phone
Most people know OnePlus Switch as a tool for migrating from an old OnePlus phone. It also works with iPhones and other Android brands. You can transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, and app data over a local Wi-Fi connection without using cloud storage.
On your old phone, install the OnePlus Switch app (available on the Play Store and Apple App Store). On your new OnePlus phone, open Settings > System settings > Data transfer. Follow the prompts to connect the two phones via QR code or hotspot. The transfer is encrypted and doesn’t consume mobile data.
A less-known feature: OnePlus Switch can also back up your current phone to a local storage device or a computer, creating a full snapshot you can restore later.
4. Quick Launch: Shortcuts From the Lock Screen or Fingerprint
Quick Launch lets you assign a specific action to a long-press of the fingerprint sensor or a swipe on the lock screen. For example, you can set a long-press to open the camera, turn on the flashlight, or launch Google Pay.
To configure it: go to Settings > Additional settings > Quick Launch. You’ll see a list of actions. Pick one for a long-press on the fingerprint sensor (if your phone has one) and another for a double-press of the power button. On newer models without a physical fingerprint sensor, the long-press action may not be available; the power button shortcut works on all models.
This is faster than unlocking the phone and hunting for the app. It’s especially handy for the flashlight or camera, which you often need in a hurry.
5. Hidden Space: A Private File Vault
Hidden Space is a separate, password-protected area in the file manager where you can move photos, videos, documents, and other files. It’s not a separate app; it’s a feature of the OnePlus File Manager.
To use it: open the File Manager app, tap the three-dot menu, and select Hidden Space. Set a PIN or use your fingerprint. Then, from any folder, long-press a file and choose “Move to Hidden Space.” The file disappears from the normal view and only appears when you enter Hidden Space with your credentials.
This is distinct from the App Locker. App Locker protects apps; Hidden Space protects individual files. If you want to hide a sensitive PDF or a private video, Hidden Space is the right tool.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
These features occasionally cause confusion. Here are the most frequent issues and their fixes:
- App Locker doesn’t appear in Settings: On some carrier-locked models, the option is renamed “App Lock” or moved under “Security & lock screen > App lock.” If you can’t find it, search for “App Locker” in the Settings search bar.
- Parallel Apps doesn’t show the app you want: The app must be installed on your phone first. Also, some apps (like banking or government apps) are intentionally excluded. There’s no way to force them.
- Quick Launch doesn’t respond: Make sure the feature is enabled and that you’re using the correct gesture. Long-press on the fingerprint sensor only works when the screen is off. Double-press the power button works even when the screen is on.
- Hidden Space files are still visible: If you moved a file but it still appears in a recent files list, check the “Recent” tab in File Manager. You may need to clear the recent list or move the file again from that location.
How to Choose Which Features to Use
Start with the ones that solve a real problem for you. If you share your phone with family, App Locker is the highest priority. If you run two businesses or have a work and personal life on the same phone, Parallel Apps saves you from carrying two devices. Quick Launch is a convenience that pays off dozens of times a day if you use the camera or flashlight often. Hidden Space is for anyone with sensitive documents, and OnePlus Switch is essential only when you’re setting up a new phone.
You can enable all five without any performance impact. They run in the background and only activate when you use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these features work on all OnePlus phones?
Most features are available on OxygenOS 11 and later. Older models with OxygenOS 10 may lack Quick Launch or Hidden Space. Carrier-locked models sometimes hide or rename features. Check your Settings search bar for the exact name on your device.
Are these features safe to use with sensitive data?
App Locker and Hidden Space use the same encryption as your phone’s lock screen. They are as secure as your PIN or fingerprint. Parallel Apps creates a separate sandbox, but it doesn’t encrypt data differently. For maximum security, enable a strong lock screen PIN and avoid using face unlock if you’re concerned about someone holding your phone to your face.
Can I use Parallel Apps with WhatsApp and get separate notifications?
Yes. The second copy of WhatsApp has its own notification channel. You can set different notification sounds or vibration patterns in the app’s settings. Both copies stay logged in simultaneously.
Will OnePlus Switch transfer my app logins?
It transfers app data, including login tokens, for many apps. However, some apps (especially banking and payment apps) force a re-login for security. You should always have your passwords handy.
Do these features drain battery or slow down the phone?
No. They are lightweight and only use resources when actively used. Parallel Apps runs two copies of an app, so if you use both heavily, you’ll see a small increase in battery and RAM usage, but the feature itself is not a battery hog.
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