The iPhone is packed with features and capabilities, many of which are underutilized or completely unknown to users. Whether you're new to the iPhone or a seasoned veteran, mastering these tips and tricks will help you maximize your device's potential. Below, we outline 50 essential things every iPhone user must know to enhance their experience.
1. How to Reset Your iPhone
If your iPhone freezes or experiences performance issues, you can reset it by pressing and holding the power button and the volume down button (for newer models) until the Apple logo appears.
2. Enable Low Power Mode
Save battery life by enabling Low Power Mode. Go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode to extend usage time.
3. Take a Screenshot
Quickly capture your screen by pressing the Side Button + Volume Up Button on iPhones with Face ID, or Home Button + Power Button for older models.
4. Customize Control Center
Access your most-used features quickly by customizing the Control Center. Navigate to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and add your favorite tools.
5. Use Siri Shortcuts
Automate tasks with Siri Shortcuts. Download the Shortcuts app and create commands to simplify your daily routine.
6. Measure Objects Using AR
The Measure app uses augmented reality to measure dimensions of objects. Open the app, point your camera, and follow the instructions to calculate lengths and heights.
7. Access Hidden Features with Back Tap
Activate Back Tap under Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Assign actions like screenshots or app launches by double- or triple-tapping the back of your device.
8. Recover Deleted Photos
Go to the Photos app > Albums > Recently Deleted folder to restore mistakenly deleted pictures within 30 days.
9. Check Battery Health
Monitor your battery’s performance under Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Replace it if the health drops below 80%.
10. Use Night Shift Mode
Protect your eyes by enabling Night Shift in Settings > Display & Brightness. It adjusts the screen’s color temperature to reduce blue light.
11. Organize Apps with App Library
Swipe left past your Home Screen to access the App Library, where apps are automatically organized by category.
12. Use Guided Access
Restrict your iPhone to a single app for focus or parental controls by enabling Guided Access under Settings > Accessibility.
13. Block Unknown Callers
Silence unknown callers by enabling Silence Unknown Callers under Settings > Phone.
14. Use Face ID with a Mask
Update your device to iOS 15.4 or later to unlock your phone using Face ID even while wearing a mask.
15. Schedule Do Not Disturb
Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb to schedule quiet hours and avoid interruptions.
16. Find Your iPhone with Find My
Enable Find My iPhone under Settings > [Your Name] > Find My. It helps locate your device if it’s lost or stolen.
17. Scan Documents
Open the Notes app, create a new note, tap the camera icon, and select Scan Documents to digitize physical papers.
18. Use iCloud for Backup
Activate automatic backups under Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup to secure your data.
19. Access Medical ID
Add vital health information in Health > Medical ID. Emergency responders can access this from your lock screen.
20. Take Burst Photos
Hold down the Shutter button in the Camera app to take rapid-fire photos for action shots.
21. Create Custom Ringtones
Use the GarageBand app to make personalized ringtones directly on your iPhone.
22. Optimize iPhone Storage
Enable Optimize iPhone Storage under Settings > Photos to save space by keeping high-resolution images in iCloud.
23. Edit Live Photos
Turn Live Photos into videos or still images in the Photos app by swiping up and selecting your desired effect.
24. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Secure your Apple ID with two-factor authentication under Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security.
25. Use Split Keyboard on iPad
For iPad users, pinch the keyboard outward to enable the split keyboard for easier typing.
26. Customize Notifications
Go to Settings > Notifications to tailor alerts for apps, ensuring you’re only notified about what matters.
27. Use Safari Reader Mode
Simplify web pages by tapping the Reader icon in the address bar to focus on text and images.
28. Enable Text Replacement
Set up text shortcuts under Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement to type frequently used phrases faster.
29. Turn Off App Tracking
Under Settings > Privacy > Tracking, toggle Allow Apps to Request to Track to limit data collection.
30. Share Wi-Fi Passwords
Bring another iPhone close to yours and tap Share Password when prompted to securely share your Wi-Fi credentials.
31. Hide Photos
Select photos and tap Hide to move them to the Hidden album in the Photos app.
32. Record Your Screen
Enable Screen Recording in the Control Center to capture on-screen activities.
33. Customize Your Home Screen
Long-press on your screen to rearrange apps, create folders, or hide pages for a cleaner look.
34. Turn Off Shake to Undo
Disable this feature under Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Shake to Undo if it causes accidental undos.
35. Access Emergency SOS
Press the Side Button + Volume Button to activate Emergency SOS and contact local services.
36. Delete App Cache
Offload apps you rarely use under Settings > General > iPhone Storage to free up space.
37. Use CarPlay
Connect your iPhone to a compatible vehicle for seamless music, calls, and navigation.
38. Magnify Objects
Enable the Magnifier under Settings > Accessibility to use your iPhone’s camera as a digital magnifying glass.
39. Use Focus Modes
Customize Focus modes like Work, Sleep, or Personal to filter notifications and apps.
40. Update Your iPhone
Regularly check for updates under Settings > General > Software Update to keep your phone secure and functional.
41. Create Memoji Stickers
Personalize chats with Memoji stickers available in the Messages app.
42. Adjust Flashlight Brightness
Press and hold the flashlight icon in the Control Center to adjust brightness levels.
43. Turn On Spatial Audio
For AirPods Pro users, enable Spatial Audio under Settings > Bluetooth for an immersive sound experience.
44. Schedule Texts
Use the Shortcuts app to schedule messages for future delivery.
45. Locate AirTags
Track AirTags attached to your belongings using the Find My app.
46. Adjust Touch Sensitivity
Modify touch response under Settings > Accessibility > Touch for customized interaction.
47. Hide Your Caller ID
Dial *67 before a phone number to hide your identity on outgoing calls.
48. Translate Text Instantly
Use the Translate app or tap text in Safari to translate it into other languages.
49. Enable Voice Control
Activate Voice Control under Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control for hands-free navigation.
50. Use Widgets
Add widgets to your Home Screen by long-pressing the screen and tapping the + button to enhance productivity.