Your iPhone is central to modern life. From navigation to communication, a well-configured device can significantly improve your daily experience. If your phone feels sluggish or isn’t performing as expected, tweaking a few settings can rejuvenate it without requiring an expensive upgrade.
Whether you’re prioritizing privacy, battery life, or personalization, these 24 iOS adjustments can enhance your iPhone’s functionality with minimal effort. Here’s how to make the most of your device.
Privacy and Location Tracking
1. Control Precise Location Access: Many apps request precise location data unnecessarily. While services like ride-sharing require accuracy, others don’t. In Settings > [App Name] > Location, disable “Precise Location” to limit tracking to a general area. This balances functionality with privacy.
Device Functionality
2. Back Tap Shortcuts: The iPhone 14 and later models include an Action Button, but even older devices can utilize the back of the phone as a customizable shortcut. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and assign actions like taking screenshots or enabling Low Power Mode with a double or triple tap. This is a quick, intuitive way to access frequently used features.
3. Battery Health Management: For iPhone 15 and newer, Settings > Battery > Charging allows you to set a charge limit (80%–100%). Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster at full charge. Limiting the maximum charge can extend battery lifespan. Experiment with 95% to find a balance between capacity and longevity.
4. Live Voicemail Transcriptions (iOS 17+): Avoid unnecessary call pickups with real-time voicemail transcriptions. In Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail, enable the feature to read voicemails as they’re being left and decide if immediate action is needed.
5. Restore Full-Screen Call Alerts: If you prefer the older, more prominent incoming call display, go to Settings > Phone > Incoming Calls and tap “Full Screen.” This ensures calls don’t get lost in background apps or minimized notifications.
Network and Data Management
6. Disable Unnecessary 5G: While 5G offers faster speeds, it can drain battery faster. If 5G coverage is unreliable or unnecessary, disable it in Settings > Cellular > Primary > Voice & Data and select “LTE.” Re-enable when needed.
7. Fine-Tune 5G Data Usage: If you prefer 5G, adjust data usage in Settings > Cellular > Primary > Data Mode. “Allow More Data on 5G” prioritizes high-quality streaming but consumes more data. “Standard” or “Low Data Mode” can conserve bandwidth.
8. Stop App Clutter: Prevent newly downloaded apps from populating your home screen by going to Settings > Home Screen & App Library and selecting “App Library Only.” Access new apps through the App Library instead.
Accessibility and Convenience
9. Face ID Unlock with Masks (iOS 15.4+): Unlock your iPhone with Face ID even while wearing a mask. In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, toggle on “Face ID With a Mask” if running iOS 15.4 or later. Otherwise, link an Apple Watch for mask-compatible unlocking.
10. Safari Address Bar Placement: Customize Safari’s address bar position in Settings > Safari > Tabs. Choose “Single Tab” to move it to the top of the screen for easier reach.
11. Lock Screen Access: Enable access to certain features on the lock screen in Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Toggle sliders to allow notifications, Control Center, and Wallet access without unlocking.
12. Default App Selection: Set preferred apps for email and web browsing in Settings. Choose your favorite browser (Chrome, Firefox) or email client (Outlook, Gmail) to open links and emails automatically.
13. Lock Screen Notification Preview: Control notification visibility on the lock screen in Settings > Notifications > Show Previews. Select “Always” for full previews or “Never” for privacy.
14. Disable HDR Video (Optional): If you prefer standard dynamic range, disable HDR video recording in Settings > Camera > Record Video. This prevents automatic adjustments and gives you more control over post-processing.
15. Dark Mode Optimization: Enable Dark Mode in Settings > Display & Brightness to reduce eye strain and potentially save battery life on OLED displays.
16. Focus Modes: Reduce distractions with Focus Modes. In Settings > Focus, customize Do Not Disturb, Work, Sleep, or Personal modes to filter notifications based on context.
17. Text Size Adjustment: Adjust font size in Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size. Enable “Bold Text” for added clarity.
18. Face ID Alternate Appearance: Apple’s facial recognition learns variations in appearance over time. This is a privacy feature that ensures consistent unlocking despite changes in facial features.
Advanced Settings
19. Customize Haptic Feedback: Fine-tune haptic feedback intensity in Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Adjust settings to your preference for a more tactile experience.
20. Disable Autocorrect (Optional): For those who prefer typing without corrections, disable Autocorrect in Settings > General > Keyboard.
21. Control Background App Refresh: Manage background app activity in Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Limit data usage by disabling unnecessary app refreshes.
22. Reduce Motion: Minimize screen animations in Settings > Accessibility > Motion to reduce visual clutter and improve performance on older devices.
23. Turn off Siri Suggestions: If you don’t like Siri interrupting with unwanted suggestions, disable them in Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Suggestions.
24. Customize Emergency SOS: Ensure Emergency SOS settings are configured correctly in Settings > Emergency SOS to quickly contact authorities in emergencies.
By implementing these settings, you can significantly improve your iPhone’s performance, privacy, and overall usability. The key is to tailor the device to your individual needs and usage patterns.
