Users moving from iPhone to Androidare often faced with the question: how to execute familiar commands that work on iOS through Siri, Spotlight or system gestures? Android offers no less features, but they are hidden deeper - in the developer settings ADB commands or third-party utilities. In this article, we'll look at how to emulate key functions iPhone on Android, from quick access to settings to voice control and task automation.

It is important to understand that Android is an open ecosystem with hundreds of manufacturers, and not all teams will work equally on Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel. We will focus on universal methods that work on most devices with Android 10+and also indicate where you will need root access or connecting to a PC. If you are looking for a specific function, use the table of contents or Ctrl+F to search by keywords.

1. Quick commands through a voice assistant (similar to Siri)

Na iPhone Siri is integrated into the system and allows you to control settings, applications and even hardware functions by voice. It performs a similar role, but its capabilities depend on the firmware version and region. Here's what you can do without additional settings: Android performs a similar role Google Assistant, but its capabilities depend on the firmware version and region. Here's what you can do without additional settings:

  • 📞 Calls and messages: "Call mom" or "Write on WhatsApp: I'll be there in 10 minutes."
  • 🔍 Internet search: "Find a lasagna recipe" or "Show the weather tomorrow."
  • 🎵 Media control: "Play a workout playlist" or "Pause it."
  • ⚙️ System commands: "Turn on Bluetooth" or "Increase brightness to maximum."

To activate the voice assistant, say "Okay, Google" or hold the button Home (on some devices). For extended commands, you will need to enable Personal access in the Assistant settings (Settings → Google → Services on the device → Assistant).

📊 Which voice assistant do you use on Android?
Google Assistant
Samsung Bixby
Yandex Alice
Other
I don’t use

Restriction: Google Assistant cannot manage some settings (for example, enable Mode. developer or change Screen DPIFor this you will need ADB commands or third-party applications like Tasker.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei (without Google services) and some models Xiaomi for the Chinese market Google Assistant may be disabled. In this case, use. alternatives: Yandex Alice or Samsung Bixby (on gadgets Samsung).

2. Gestures and hotkeys (analogous to AssistiveTouch)

On iPhone function AssistiveTouch allows you to create virtual buttons for quick access to actions. On Android a similar functionality is implemented through:

  1. System gestures (in Settings → System → Gestures). data-i="97">or Double tap to wake up or Swipe down to bring up the notification panel.
  2. EasyTouch application (analog AssistiveTouch) - adds a floating button with a customizable menu.
  3. ADB commands for emulating clicks (for example, simulating a button Back via terminal).

To enable hidden gestures:

  1. Activate Developer mode (click on Build number in Settings → About phone).
  2. In section For developers find Enable debugging gestures or Show touches.
  3. To create custom gestures, use Tasker + plugin AutoInput.

Activate Developer Mode|Check system gestures in settings|Install EasyTouch for a virtual button|Configure Tasker for automation-->

On devices with Android 12+ some gestures (for example Swipe on the bottom panel to return) may conflict with navigation from the manufacturer In this case. disable proprietary gestures in Settings → Screen → Navigation.

3. Commands via ADB (analogous to Terminal on iPhone)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool. which allows you to send commands to the device from a PC. Using it, you can emulate actions that are performed via iPhone are carried out through Terminal or Shortcuts. Below are the basic commands for beginners:

Command Description Do you need root access?
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings Opens Android settings No
adb shell input keyevent 26 Emulates pressing the power button (lock screen) No
adb shell settings put global airplane_mode_on 1 Enables airplane mode No
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.facebook.katana Deletes Facebook for the current user No
adb shell su -c "setenforce 0" Disables SELinux (required for some modifications) Yes

To use ADB:

  1. Download Platform Tools from the Google website.
  2. Connect the phone to a PC with it turned on USB debugging (Settings → For developers).
  3. Open the command line in the folder with adb.exe and enter the commands.
How to check the ADB connection?

Enter the command adb devices. If the device is displayed in the list with a number, the connection is successful. If not, check the drivers or restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Commands that require rootmay break the system or lead to loss of warranty. Before experiments, create a backup copy. via adb backup or TWRP.

4. Automation of tasks (analogous to Shortcuts on iPhone)

On iPhone application Shortcuts allows you to create chains of actions one tap at a time. Android this role is performed by:

  • 🤖 Tasker — the most powerful solution with support for plugins (for example, AutoNotification for notifications).
  • ⚡ MacroDroid — a simplified alternative with a visual editor.
  • 🔄 Automate — automation through flowcharts (suitable for beginners).

An example of automation in Tasker:

  1. Create a task with the condition State → Network → Wi-Fi connected.
  2. Add an action Audio → Set volume and select Mute.
  3. Save the task under the name "Quiet mode at work".

To run tasks voice, use integration with Google Assistant via IFTTT or plugin AutoVoice.

💡

In Tasker you can import ready-made profiles from the forum. JoãoApps. For example, there are profiles for automatically responding to SMS or turning on scheduled night mode.

5. Hidden codes and engineering menu (analogous to *#06# on iPhone)

On iPhone codes like *#06# (IMEI check) or 3001#12345# (engineering menu) give access to service information. Android also has hidden commands, but they differ by manufacturer. Here are the universal ones:

##4636##   — Battery information, usage statistics, network test
##06##     — Shows IMEI (analogous to iPhone)
##0*##     — Screen test (colors, sensor)
##0842##   — Vibration and backlight test
##2664##   — Touch sensor test

On devices Samsung additional codes work:

*#9900# - SysDump (system logs)
#0# - LCD and sensor test

*#1234# - Information about the firmware

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example Xiaomi for the Chinese market), the engineering menu may be blocked. Do not change settings in the menu Testing without understanding the consequences - this may lead to failure of the radio module.

6. Managing notifications and focus mode (analogous to "Do not disturb")

On iPhone mode "Do not disturb" and Focusing allow you to filter notifications by context. On Android a similar functionality is implemented through:

  • 🔔 Do not disturb mode (Settings → Sound → Do not disturb). You can set up exceptions for calls or recurring notifications.
  • 📱 Digital Wellbeing (Settings → Well-being) - limits the time you use applications and turns on Focus mode.
  • 🔕 Bixby Routines (on Samsung) - automatically turns on quiet mode according to schedule or location.

For fine tuning:

  1. Open Settings → Applications and notifications → Notifications.
  2. Select an application (for example, WhatsApp) and turn off Sound or Pop-up windows.
  3. For important contacts, set Exceptions in the mode "Do not disturb".
💡

Appeared on Android 13+ Notification panel with priorities —it automatically sorts notifications by importance, as in iOS 15+.

7. Transferring data from iPhone to Android (and back)

When moving from iPhone to Android (or vice versa), the question arises: how to transfer contacts, photos and messages? Here are proven methods:

Data type From iPhone to Android From Android to iPhone
Contact Export via iCloud → import to Google Contacts Export to VCF → import to iCloud
Photo/video Google Photos (automatic synchronization) iTunes or iCloud (via PC)
Messages SMS Backup & Restore (requires root on iPhone) iMazing or AnyTrans (paid)
Applications No direct transfer, install manually No direct transfer

For automatic transfer, use the official application Google "Move to Android" (available in App Store). It copies contacts, photos, calendars, and even some Wi-Fi settings.

⚠️ Attention: Messages from iMessage do not transfer to Android automatically. To avoid losing SMS, disable iMessage on your iPhone before switching (Settings → Messages → iMessage).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use Terminal commands on Android as on the iPhone?

Yes, but for this you need Termux (a terminal emulator) or a connection via ADB. For example, the command ls /sdcard/ in Termux will show files on the internal storage. However, system commands. (like changing the screen resolution) require root.

How to enable power saving modes, like on the iPhone?

Android has Power saving mode (Settings → Battery). On Samsung is also available Ultrasonic mode, which disables background processes. For fine tuning, use Battery Guru or AccuBattery.

Is there an analogue of the "Screen Display" function on Android time" (Screen Time)?

Yes, it is Digital Wellbeing (Settings → Well-being). It shows application usage statistics, allows you to set limits and enable Focus mode. On Samsung a similar tool is called Digital Balance.

How to take a screenshot or screen recording, like on an iPhone?

Ways depend on the manufacturer:

  • Screenshot: Power button + volume down (universal) or Swipe with palm (on Samsung).
  • Screen Recording: Enable in Settings → Advanced → Screen Recording or use Google Play Games (even for non-game applications).
Is it possible to use AirDrop on Android?

There is no direct analogue, but there are alternatives:

  • Nearby Share (built into Android 10+) - transfer files between Android devices.
  • Snapdrop (web service) - works between Android, iPhone and PC via a browser.
  • Send Anywhere - cross-platform application for large files.