You may have had an iPhone for years, memorized every nook and cranny of iOS, and think there’s nothing left to surprise you. But the truth is, Apple has been adding so many features and tweaks with each update that you’re likely missing out on key tools. So in this article, we’ll explain a few that you probably aren’t using properly.
Some are almost invisible, and others are right in front of you, but you’re not using them properly. We’ll tell you what they are and how to really get the most out of them.
Everyday iPhone tricks you’re missing out on
Things you should know to make optimal use of your iPhone in your daily life.
Should iPhone apps be closed if not in use?
Speaking of power, many users believe that closing apps from the app switcher improves performance, when in fact the opposite is true. The iPhone operating system, iOS, manages memory intelligently, and forcibly closing apps can cause them to launch more slowly and consume more resources. Only close them if they are experiencing errors or have frozen.
Of course, if you open an app that you use once every two weeks, it’s best to close it. But if you use it several times a day, leave it open, as it will be more efficient in terms of battery than launching it completely every time you want to use it. In this second case, the iPhone would have to completely reload all the app’s components, and it would consume more resources and battery than the other way around.
How to translate in real time with the iPhone
Another hidden gem is the Live Text feature, which lets you copy any text from an image or even translate it in real time. The best part is that you can use it right from your camera roll without even taking a photo. Just focus on any sign, menu, or document and tap the underlined text. Useful, simple, and amazing.
Shortcuts also deserve a special mention. Apple’s most powerful app yet, paradoxically, remains underutilized, considering the range of possibilities it offers. It lets you automate actions, such as sending a text message when you get home, converting a photo to a PDF, activating a specific Focus mode, or controlling your home devices. You don’t need to be an expert to get started: there are hundreds of pre-built shortcuts waiting for you to discover.
iPhone Settings You Should Check Right Now
In the privacy section, there’s a feature you should activate if you haven’t already: Hide My IP Address in Safari. This tool prevents websites from tracking your activity and creating a profile about you, and it’s found in Safari’s settings. An invisible but essential protection.
Another option that many people turn on without thinking is automatic brightness, which should adapt to ambient light, but often works against you. If you notice that the screen doesn’t adjust properly or bothers you in dark environments, disable it and adjust the brightness manually from the Control Center. This way, you can also save battery life when you need to. For example, if you’re playing a game of paddle tennis and aren’t going to look at your phone for an hour and a half, it’s best to lower the brightness to the minimum so that when the screen lights up when you receive notifications, it consumes less energy.
Another misused classic is iCloud, which many see as a simple photo backup. But the reality is that you can use it to sync notes, passwords, documents, Safari, and even automatically back up your device every night if it’s charging. You just need to set it up correctly once and forget about it.
Speaking of backups, did you know you can recover recently deleted messages from the Messages app? Since iOS 16, deleted messages are stored for 30 days in a temporary folder, and you can easily restore them from the filters menu. Many people don’t know this, but it can save you from more than one problem.
Hidden features that change the experience
One of the most underrated features is Focus Mode, an evolution of the classic “Do Not Disturb” mode. If you only use it to avoid late-night notifications, you’re missing out on its true potential. You can create custom modes for work, exercise, studying, or even watching a movie, configuring which apps and contacts can interrupt you, and even automating their activation based on time or location. It’s that powerful.
As for photos, the duplicate removal feature in the Photos app also goes unnoticed. By simply going to the “Duplicates” album, you can free up space with a single tap by merging identical or very similar images. Ideal if you take a lot of screenshots, burst photos, or take screenshots.
Another often overlooked feature is Sound Recognition, which turns your iPhone into an assistant capable of detecting doorbells, alarms, or even your baby’s cries. You can activate it from the accessibility settings and configure the sounds you want it to detect. An unexpected help in key moments.
You’re also probably underestimating how useful the iPhone’s touch keyboard can be. If you hold down the space bar, the entire keyboard becomes a trackpad for precise cursor movement and easy scrolling through text. It’s perfect for editing text without going crazy.
And what about one-handed mode? It’s designed to make using the iPhone easier on larger devices, but many people don’t even know it exists. Simply swipe down from the bottom of the screen (or double-tap the Home button, if you have one) to make the entire interface lower and more accessible.
Finally, a tool that not many people use, but that can make a difference, is Find My Offline. If you enable this option, your iPhone can send its location even without a Wi-Fi or data connection, thanks to other nearby Apple devices. This is key to recovering your iPhone if it’s lost or stolen.
The iPhone is much more than a pretty screen and a fluid operating system. It’s an ecosystem designed to help you, protect you, and make your life easier. But to do that, you first need to know it thoroughly. And most of us, out of habit or laziness, aren’t getting the most out of it. Perhaps it’s time to rediscover it, feature by feature, and stop using it just “as always.”
