Tips

There are a lot of different iPhone and iPad settings, and with each new version of iOS, the list grows. Luckily, Apple realized the possibilities were starting to be overwhelming and added a search bar in the Settings app back when it released iOS 9. I’ve found this particularly useful when I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for, but I know what it pertains to. 

Your iPhone will automatically remember the Wi-Fi networks you join. When you’re in the vicinity of that network, it will automatically connect. You can view the list of network connections near you in Settings. This is also where you would tell your iPhone to forget a Wi-Fi network. You might decided to do this if you’re moving or having trouble with a particular connection. Here’s how to forget a Wi-Fi network on your iPhone.

If you have a 3D Touch-supported device, starting with iPhone 6s (but not including the iPhone SE or XR), you can add a 3D Touch multitasking gesture by way of AssistiveTouch. So, instead of pinching to zoom, you can use the AssistiveTouch button and zoom with a tap instead! Zoom and other gestures or actions can become a shortcut accessible by 3D Touching the AssistiveTouch button. This is an ideal option if you have a Home button that isn't too reliable or just want to take advantage of the convenience. 

By default, the Notes app sorts your notes by most recently updated. Even if you created a note years ago, if you edit that note it will appear at the top of the list afterward. This can be helpful, but very unorganized. However, you can easily sort your notes alphabetically by changing your settings. Your notes will then be sorted according to either the title or first line (if the note doesn't have a title). If you’re better at remembering the beginning of your note or the title of your note, this is a great option for easier organization in the Notes app. Here’s how to sort Notes alphabetically.

I didn't use walkie-talkies much as a kid, but now with this feature on Apple Watch I can indulge in a slightly more futuristic way. Here's a general overview on how to use Walkie-Talkie on Apple Watch. To use Walkie-Talkie, you'll need Apple Watch series 1 or later updated to watchOS 5.

Similarly to the Safari browser on your Mac, the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad will recommend suggested websites, show popups related to your search, and auto-fill search queries as you type. Here's how to turn off suggestions for search in Safari. It's a simple, quick tip!

There’s no doubt that kids absolutely love to play games on iPhones and iPads. But not all games are created for younger children, and you may prefer they don’t play those games. Luckily, you can set restrictions on your child’s iPhone or iPad. This will give you a little more control over the content your child consumes in the age of information. Here’s how to set Game Center restrictions on your child’s iPad or iPhone.

Ever since Apple released iOS 10 in 2016, it's been possible to use the iPhone as a magnifying glass. You don't need a separate magnifying glass app; this helpful magnifier feature is free! Of course, the screen magnifier is not only useful for those with visual challenges, but also for any of us who has ever needed a reading magnifier to see more detail in an image. Better yet, the screen magnifier includes a light, as well as the ability to adjust contrast and color, which is a big help for those with color blindness. So how does this smartphone magnifier work? Read on to find out! 

Want to see what apps are draining the battery on your iPhone? Your iPhone's battery usage is broken down app by app in the Battery Health section of your Settings app. The data lets you see the percentage of battery life used by each app, and also how long you spent on individual apps. You'll be able to save your battery life and save your phone by picking out the apps that use more battery than they should be. 

When you search the web in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, the default search engine determines what site is used to look for results. Even if you’re in the Safari browser, you can still choose to use Google search instead of say, Bing or Yahoo. iOS also gives you the option to use DuckDuckGo for Safari, which doesn't track a user's search history, for greater privacy. Changing the default browser on an iPhone or iPad is easy. You can choose what you want your iPhone default search engine to be within Settings. Here’s how to change your default search engine in Safari on iPhone or iPad. Please note that if you set Google as your default browser in Safari it is different from browsing the web with Chrome. To make Chrome the default browser on your iPhone or iPad, simply download the iOS Chrome app from the App Store and browse the web using the Chrome app instead of the Safari app.

If you lose sight of your phone in a public place, like leaving it plugged into the wall of the coffee shop while you do some remote work, your data is susceptible to USB hacking tools such as keyloggers. USB Restricted Mode can help secure your data by preventing access to the Lightning port after your device has been locked for an hour.