Tips app on Android: why you need it, how it works and how to disable it

Owners of smartphones based on Android often come across a little-known system application called "Tips" (English Tips). It appears in the list of installed apps, but its purpose is not always obvious. Many users ask questions: what kind of utility is this, can it be removed, and is it a virus?

In fact, "Tips" is an official component of the operating system, developed Google to help beginners in mastering opportunities Android. The app offers tips on how to use key features, from control gestures to hidden settings. However, its behavior may vary depending on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI, One UI or ColorOS). In this article, we will analyze in detail how the application works, who it is really useful for, and what to do if it interferes or consumes device resources.

It is worth noting that "Tips" is not required for the system to function, but disabling or deleting it may deprive you of up-to-date instructions on new functions after updates. Android. For example, the Android 14 application suggests how to use new navigation gestures or set up privacy. At the same time, experienced users often consider it useless and prefer to hide it from view.

Next we will look at all aspects of this tool - from its purpose to how to manage it on different devices.

What is the "Tips" app on Android and why do you need it

Application "Tips" (com.google.android.apps.tips or com.android.tips) is a built-in assistant from Googlethat automatically offers users quick tutorials on using basic and hidden functions. Android. Its main goal is to simplify adaptation for beginners and tell about opportunities that many do not notice.

For example, the application can show how:

• 👆 Use navigation gestures instead of buttons
• 🔒 Configure application permissions
• 📱 Activate Do Not Disturb mode or digital well-being
• 🔄 Enable dark theme or battery saving

Hints appear in the form of pop-up cards or notifications, and are also available in the application itself as a collection of instructions. It is important to understand that "Tips" is not a virus or malware - it is part of the official firmware, although some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung) may replace it with their own analogues.

It is interesting that in the latest versions Android (starting from Android 12) the application has become more contextual: it analyzes which functions you have not yet used and offers tips on them. For example, if you have never set up Google Assistant, it will show you how to do it.

What the “Tips” application looks like and where it is located

The appearance and location of the application depend depending on the version Android and shell of the manufacturer. In “pure” Android (for example, on Pixel) its icon looks like a blue circle with a white question mark or white light on a blue background. On devices Samsung it may be called "Hints" (Samsung Tips), and on Xiaomi — "Manual" (Mi Tips).

You can find it in several ways:

1. Through all applications menu (scroll down the list).
2. In Settings → Applications → All applications (sort by system).
3. Through search by system (swipe down on the main screen and enter "Tips").

If you do not find the application in the menu, this may mean:

• 📱 It is hidden by the manufacturer (for example, on some devices Huawei it is not publicly available).
• 🔄 It is disabled in the settings.
• 🗑️ Removed along with other system utilities (not recommended!).

In some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) instead of a separate application, hints are built into Settings → Support or Settings → Advanced.

How hints work: mechanism and triggers

The application "Tips" does not just store static instructions - it analyzes your behavior shows relevant hints at the right moment. For example:

• 📲 If you connected for the first time Bluetooth headphones, it will offer instructions for setting them up.
• 🔋 When the battery is low, you may be advised to turn on saving mode.
• 📷 After installing a new photo application, it will tell you how to quickly take pictures from the lock screen.

Triggers for displaying hints:

Event	Example of a hint	Where it appears
Turning on the smartphone for the first time	"How to set up fingerprint"	Pop-up window during setup
Android update	"New gestures in Android 14"	Notification in the curtain
Long inactivity functions	“You haven’t used Google Assistant. Try it!”	Card in the “Tips” application
Connecting a new device (headphones, watches)	"How to control music using gestures"	Pop-up window

Tips may appear in the form of:

• 📱 Pop-up cards (on the main screen or in the application menu).
• 🔔 Notifications in the curtain.
• 📖 List of instructions within the application itself “Tips.”

Important: if tips appear too often, this can be adjusted in the application settings (more on this in the next section).

Why may tips appear in English?

If your device was purchased abroad or The firmware is not Russified, system prompts may be displayed in the default language (usually English). You can fix this by changing the system language in Settings → System → Language and input.

How to disable or delete the "Tips" application

If you are tired of constant hints, there are several ways to disable them or remove the application altogether. However, remember: removing system applications can lead to unstable operation of the device, especially if you are not an experienced user.

Method 1: Disable notifications (the safest option):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Tips.
2. Click Notifications.
3. Disable the switch Show notifications.

Method 2: Disable the application (remains in the system, but will not work):

Go to Settings → Applications

Find “Tips” in the list

Click “Disable” (or “Stop”)

Confirm action-->

On some devices (for example, Samsung), instead of “Disable” there may be a button "Uninstall updates", after which the application will be reset to the factory version and will no longer actively offer hints.

Method 3: Uninstall the application (requires root access)

For complete removal you need root access or use ADB. Instructions via ADB:

adb shell
pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tips

⚠️

Attention: Removing system applications may disrupt the operation of Android updates or other Google services. On devices with manufacturers' shells (for example MIUI), this can lead to errors in the operation of proprietary functions.

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to disabling notifications or the application itself without completely deleting it.

Problems with application "Tips" and their solution

Sometimes the application can cause inconvenience or even errors. Let's look at typical problems and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: “Tips” constantly hangs in the background and consumes the battery

Solution:

• 🔋 Limit background activity: Settings → Applications → Tips → Battery → Limit background activity.
• 📵 Disable autostart: Settings → Applications → Tips → Autorun (not available on all devices).

Problem 2: Hints are shown in English

Solution:

• 🌐 Check the system language: Settings → System → Language and input.
• 🔄 Update the "Tips" application via Google Play (if it is updated separately).

Problem 3: The application does not open or gives an error

Solution:

• 🗑️ Clean cache: Settings → Applications → Tips → Memory → Clear cache.
• 🔄 Uninstall updates (if there is a "Uninstall updates" button).
• 📱 Restart the device.

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Attention: If, after manipulating the Tips application, other system functions (for example, Google Assistant or gesture settings) stop working, try resetting the application to factory settings: Settings → Applications → Tips → Storage → Reset.

Alternatives to standard “Tips” on Android

If you don’t like the built-in application, you can use third-party analogues. They often offer more detailed guides and cover more functions.

Popular alternatives:

• 📚 Android Tips & Tricks (from Appdrawn) - a collection of hidden functions with step-by-step guide.
• 🔍 ActionDash - shows smartphone usage statistics and gives optimization tips.
• 🤖 Google Assistant — you can ask the voice assistant how to use certain functions.
• 📱 Manuals for Android — an offline guide to settings for different OS versions.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ More detailed instructions with pictures and videos.
• ✅ Ability to search for advice on specific smartphone models.
• ✅ Lack of intrusive notifications (in most cases).

However, they also have disadvantages:

• ❌ May contain advertising.
• ❌ Require additional permissions.
• ❌ Not always relevant for the latest versions of Android.

Security: can you trust the Tips app?

Many users fear that the app "Tips" collects unnecessary data or is a backdoor for surveillance. Let's take a look at whether this is really so.

What the application collects:

• 📊 Statistics on the use of Android functions (for example, what gestures or settings you use).
• 📱 Information about the device (model, OS version) to show relevant tips.
• 🔄 Data about tips viewedto avoid repeating the same instructions.

What it is NOT does:

• 🚫 Does not transmit personal data (passwords, messages, photos).
• 🚫 Does not track location (unless associated with context clues, for example, by Google Maps).
• 🚫 Does not install additional software without your consent.

⚠️

Attention: If you see that The Tips application requests suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts), this may be a sign that the original application has been replaced by a virus. In this case, check your device with an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web) and remove the suspicious version.

To limit data collection:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Tips → Permissions.
2. Disable all unnecessary permissions (for example, access to storage or microphone).
3. T Settings → Google → Google account management → Data and personalization disable the option "Activity in applications and websites"if you do not want Google to analyze your behavior.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the "Tips" app on Android

❓ Why can't the "Tips" application be deleted without root access?

This is a system application that is integrated into firmware Android. Manufacturers limit its removal to avoid problems with the operation of the OS. Without root access or ADB you can only disable it or hide it.

❓ Is it possible to transfer it? “Tips” to a memory card?

No, system applications cannot be transferred to SD card. They are installed in a protected area of the internal memory and cannot be moved.

❓ Why after updating Android "Tips" again appeared?

During major system updates (for example, from Android 12 to Android 13disabled system applications may be restored. This is normal behavior - this ensures that new features are accompanied by prompts. To disable it again, repeat the steps in the “How to” section. disable." Google ensures that new features are accompanied by hints. To turn it off again, repeat the steps in the How to turn it off section.

❓ Are there "Tips" on custom firmwares (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)?

In most custom firmwares, the "Tips" application is missing, since it is part of the services GoogleHowever, some assemblies (for example, Havoc-OS) may include it in the composition GApps. If it interferes, it can be removed via Magisk or ADB.

❓ How to return the "Tips" application if I disabled it?

Go to Settings → Applications → Show all applications (⋮) → Show disabled. Find "Tips" in the list and click "Enable".