Android 15 lets you turn your phone into a handy smart-home dashboard – here’s how

Android 15 logo on a phone, in a hand
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Mojahid Mottakin)

Android 15 has been out for a while now, but we’re still discovering new features – such as a screensaver that allows you to control your smart home without even unlocking your phone.

The Home Controls feature turns your phone into a smart-home dashboard when the phone is docked – and it’s not just exclusive to Google’s platforms, either.

Those concerned about battery health when leaving their phone connected to a charger for a prolonged period will be happy to hear that Android 15 offers an 80% charging cap on Pixel phones – we hope to see this feature come to other platforms, too.

For now, though, we’re glad to see these useful smart home options rolling out to all Android 15 users.

When will my phone get Android 15?

When your particular Android phone will get Android 15 features depends on the plans of the phone’s manufacturer.

Phone makers that use Android tend to add a cosmetic skin with some exclusive features, known as a 'wrapper', sometimes styled as an operating system unto itself.

As mentioned, Pixel phones will get Android 15 later this month, and other manufacturers like Motorola and Nothing have either announced rollout plans or begun beta testing.

For the latest updates on when Android 15 will come to your phone, be sure to keep up with our Android coverage.

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Jamie Richards
Mobile Computing Staff Writer

Jamie is a Mobile Computing Staff Writer for TechRadar, responsible for covering phones and tablets. A lifelong tech-obsessive, Jamie began his writing career as a music blogger before studying journalism at Goldsmiths College, and joined TechRadar in 2024. He thinks the iPhone 5S is the greatest phone of all time, but is currently an Android user.

As well as reporting on the latest in mobile hardware, software, and industry developments, Jamie specialises in features and long-form pieces that dive into the latest phone and tablet trends. He can also be found writing for the site's Audio and Streaming sections from time to time, or behind the decks as a DJ at local venues around London.