5 extremely useful Android apps you didn’t know you needed

There are new apps appearing on the Google Play Store every day. Some are useful, some are just a waste of bits. But what are some of the apps you really, really should know about?

In this piece, we detail five apps you should download right this instant if you haven’t already.

Blokada

Download it from F-Droid.

For: advertisement and tracker blocking.

If you’re sick of advertisements appearing on apps you’ve purchased, Blokada is for you. It filters ad and tracking traffic from your connection, be it apps or browsers. Users can also enable blocklists to filter specific sources, like porn advertisements, or bitcoin miners.

WalletPasses

Download it from Google Play Store.

For: boarding pass and loyalty card management.

Some airlines distribute boarding passes in .pkpass format. It’s a file format that users on Apple device can open, but WalletPasses allows Android users to view these files too. The app acts as a digital boarding pass folder, scanning your smartphone for passes, importing them, and allowing you to easily pass security with QR codes.

You can also use the app to keep track of loyalty cards.

Trusted Contacts

Download it from Google Play Store.

For: keeping tabs on your loved one’s location.

This is Google’s novel little app to help you keep track of loved ones’ whereabouts. I’ve long sung the praises of this app, and it’s essential if you have kids or a partner who travels frequently. Those requesting the location of a trusted contact will also be able to see their loved one’s battery status.

Newpipe

Download it from F-Droid.

For: saving offline YouTube and Soundcloud files.

Newpipe is an app that provides users with a better way to save YouTube videos for offline viewing. Users can choose the file format and size of the file, and later view said file in an external media player. It’s perfect for those who travel often.

The app can also save Soundcloud files, making it a great offline media hub.

Hermit

Download it from Google Play Store.

For: turning mobile sites into “apps”.

Hermit allows users to make single-page browsers — effectively lite apps — for the sites they frequent. Sick of the Facebook app experience? Log in to the mobile site using Hermit. Customisation options are also available, so users can select a dark mode on all sites.

Image: composite of WalletPasses, Hermit & Newpipe