Customizing your iPhone goes beyond choosing the perfect case or arranging apps on your home screen. While these surface-level changes allow you to make your phone feel more like “yours,” there are many other settings that can profoundly impact how your device functions day-to-day. Whether you face issues with battery life, want a more efficient way to navigate, or seek better privacy, these iOS settings can help. Read on to discover 23 tweaks that will optimize your iPhone’s performance.
1. Prevent apps from tracking your precise location
App-based services like food delivery and ride-sharing rely on your precise location to function correctly. However, that doesn’t mean you should allow every app to have access to your exact location data. To start, open the Settings app on your iPhone and choose an application such as Instagram. Tap on Location and then toggle off Precise Location. By doing this, the chosen app will only have general knowledge of your location, within a few miles. This is not only a privacy-enhancing step but can also slightly improve battery life, as your phone will spend less energy frequently pinging your exact coordinates.
However, it’s essential to distinguish between critical and non-essential apps for this setting. You should not toggle this feature off for applications that require precise location for accurate functionality, such as navigation or food delivery services. While scaling back location data sharing might affect some app features, balancing privacy and functionality is crucial and can offer peace of mind when using social or less reliable apps.
2. Use the back of your iPhone as a button
The ability to transform the back of your iPhone into a button might sound like science fiction, but it’s a reality with the iOS Back Tap feature. To access this innovative feature, first open the Settings app and navigate to Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. You can choose either a double-tap or a triple-tap action, then select from a wide array of tasks or shortcuts you want to perform with this gesture. For instance, you can configure it to take a screenshot, enable low power mode, or run a shortcut that plays your favorite playlist when you walk into the gym.
This feature broadens the horizon of what you can do with a simple tap, making multitasking easier and quicker. While the Back Tap is available on older models, the latest iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models include an Action Button for similar functionalities. This setting is especially convenient for users who use their phones for various quick actions throughout the day, adding a highly customizable layer to your iPhone.
3. Activate Live Voicemail for real-time transcriptions
Have you ever declined a call and wished you could see the voicemail content instantly to decide whether to call back? With iOS 17, this wish has become a reality, thanks to the Live Voicemail feature, which provides real-time transcriptions of voicemails as they are being left. To enable this, open the Settings app and go to Phone > Live Voicemail. Toggle the switch to turn on Live Voicemail. Now, when someone leaves a message, you can read what they’re saying in real-time and choose whether to take the call.
This real-time transcription feature is particularly useful for people who receive many voicemails throughout the day and only want to respond to important ones promptly. It adds a layer of convenience and efficiency, allowing you to make immediate decisions without having to listen to a voicemail afterward. This feature isn’t on by default, so enabling it can significantly streamline the way you handle calls and voicemails on your iPhone.
4. Restore full-screen incoming call alerts
If you’re nostalgic for the older iPhone days when incoming calls took over the entire screen, you can revert to this more dramatic alert style. By default, iOS now displays incoming calls as a banner-style notification when your iPhone is unlocked—a discreet yet functional approach. However, if you prefer the full-screen interruptive alert that demands your attention, you can easily restore it. Open the Settings app, navigate to Phone > Incoming Calls, and tap Full Screen. This will ensure that all incoming calls will take over your entire display, just as before.
While the banner-style notification is appreciated for its non-intrusive nature, some might find it easy to miss or overlook. The full-screen alert serves as a more prominent way to notify you of calls, reducing the chances of missing important ones. Given the various alert styles, choosing one that fits your daily needs and preferences will help ensure you never miss crucial calls.
5. Disable 5G coverage you don’t need
5G technology promises blazing-fast internet speeds, but it also comes with the caveat of higher battery consumption. If you prioritize battery life over the speed benefits of 5G, consider disabling it when you don’t need it. Open the Settings app, then go to Cellular > Primary > Voice & Data and tap LTE. This will force your iPhone to use 4G LTE networks, thereby conserving battery life. If and when you require the speed of 5G, you can always toggle it back on by selecting 5G On from the same menu.
Apple’s Smart Data feature aims to balance this by switching between 4G LTE and 5G based on your usage. However, this feature might not always work optimally, depending on selective network strengths and inconsistencies. Users who frequently find their battery depleting faster after switching to a 5G-capable iPhone should consider this option to extend battery life, especially in regions where 5G coverage is sparse or unreliable.
6. Adjust data usage for 5G connections
If you decide to keep 5G enabled, optimizing its data usage can significantly enhance your user experience. Within the Settings app, go to Cellular > Primary > Data Mode. Here, you can choose from three options: Allow More Data on 5G, Standard, and Low Data Mode. Allow More Data on 5G will enable high-quality video and FaceTime calls, and allow third-party developers to improve their apps with high-definition content and faster updates. The Standard option balances performance with data usage, while Low Data Mode reduces data usage across all apps, particularly useful for limited data plans.
Fine-tuning these options depending on your carrier’s offerings and your usage habits can make a significant difference. Using “Allow More Data on 5G” can deliver improved streaming and video call quality, but such high data usage might not be suitable for those with capped data plans or in areas with fluctuating coverage. Choose the mode that aligns with your balance of performance needs and data allowances, ensuring optimal, usage-based data management.
7. Prevent apps from cluttering your home screen
To maintain a clean and organized home screen, it is essential to manage your apps effectively. Grouping similar apps into folders, regularly reviewing and deleting unused apps, and utilizing app drawers or other organizational tools can help prevent your home screen from becoming cluttered. By adopting these practices, you can ensure a more efficient and visually pleasing interface.
New app installations can quickly clutter your home screen, but iOS offers a way to keep things cleaner. Go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library, then select App Library Only. This setting ensures that newly downloaded apps are stored solely in the App Library rather than cluttering your home screen. You can access the App Library by swiping left past your home screen. This minor adjustment can help maintain a more organized and easily navigable home screen, especially useful for those who frequently download numerous apps.
Organizing your home screen can significantly improve productivity and reduce time spent searching for apps. By keeping infrequently used apps in the App Library, the home screen remains uncluttered and streamlined. This setting makes your iPhone experience more pleasant and efficient, particularly for power users who have numerous apps installed but use only a select few frequently.
8. Unlock your phone while wearing a face mask
In the era of frequent mask-wearing, unlocking your iPhone via Face ID can become a hassle. To facilitate easier access, Apple introduced a feature that allows Face ID to recognize your face while wearing a mask. To enable this, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. If connected to an Apple Watch, you’ll see an option named Unlock with Apple Watch—toggle it on. For those without an Apple Watch, ensure your device is running iOS 15.4 or later, then toggle on Face ID With a Mask. This setting ensures that even with half of your face covered, your iPhone can still swiftly and securely unlock.
This feature solves a prevalent issue and brings ease to our daily phone usage while maintaining security. Initially, unlocking with a mask was only possible with an Apple Watch, limiting its availability. The new feature extends this convenience to all users with updated iPhones, enhancing accessibility and user experience, especially in environments where mask-wearing remains a frequent necessity.
9. Move the address bar in Safari back to the top
To move the address bar in Safari back to the top, you need to open the Safari app on your device. Then, tap on the ‘AA’ symbol in the address bar. After that, select the option labeled “Show Top Address Bar” and your address bar will return to the top as it was previously.
Safari users accustomed to the address bar being at the top might find its new placement at the bottom of the screen disorienting. To move it back to the top, open the Settings app, tap Safari, and choose the Single Tab option under the Tabs subheading. This small change refers to a more intuitive browsing experience for users uncomfortable with the new layout, bringing back a sense of familiarity and reducing navigation errors.
The initial relocation of the address bar aimed to improve accessibility for one-handed use, considering thumb reach. However, not all users favor this change, and the availability of an option to revert to the traditional placement offers a balanced solution. Whether you toggle the address bar based on comfort or usability, this setting ensures your browsing experience remains efficient and personalized.
10. Enable features on your lock screen
There are times when quick access to certain features is essential, even without unlocking your iPhone. Apple allows you to enable or disable specific functionalities like the notification center, control center, message replies, and Wallet access directly from your lock screen. Open the Settings app, navigate to Face ID & Passcode, and scroll down to the Allow Access When Locked section. Toggle the sliders for the features you wish to enable or disable based on your preferences.
Enabling such quick-access features can streamline your routine and make essential functions more accessible. For instance, quick access to the Control Center allows you to adjust settings like brightness or volume instantly. Similarly, having the Wallet app available means you can swiftly use Apple Pay. This customization ensures that your lock screen serves as more than just a security barrier but also as a functional dashboard for your most-used features.
11. Set your preferred email app or web browser as default
One of the more recent updates to iOS lets you designate your preferred email app or web browser as the default, bypassing Apple’s Mail and Safari apps. To set this up, open the Settings app and select the app you’d like as your default, such as Google Chrome for browsing or Outlook for email. Tap Default Mail App or Default Browser App, then select your preferred app. This customization allows for a more personalized and efficient experience by supporting your favorite tools and saving steps in your daily routine.
This change signifies Apple’s shift towards offering user flexibility, recognizing that many people prefer third-party apps for specific needs. By allowing the default app change, users can streamline their interactions and enjoy a seamless experience with their chosen applications. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who operate across multiple platforms and require consistency in their tools and services.
12. Display full notifications on your lock screen
Privacy settings for notifications on the lock screen are designed to protect your personal information. However, some users may prefer to view full notifications without unlocking their device. To change this setting, open the Settings app and navigate to Notifications > Show Previews. Select Always to ensure that full notifications display on the lock screen. This option provides a quick glance at incoming messages, emails, or alerts without additional steps.
Choosing to display full notifications streamlines your interaction with your iPhone, especially in scenarios where constant device unlocking is impractical. However, balancing this convenience with security considerations is essential, particularly if sensitive information is frequently delivered via notifications. Adjusting this setting to suit your lifestyle while safeguarding privacy strikes a balance between convenience and security.
13. Turn off HDR video for sharing
While HDR (High Dynamic Range) video enhances visual quality, it might not always be necessary or compatible with all devices. If you prefer to manually manage your video quality, you can disable HDR by going to Settings > Camera > Record Video and turning off HDR Video. This setting allows you to capture videos in standard dynamic range, simplifying the file type and ensuring compatibility with all platforms.
The HDR video’s striking visuals can sometimes result in larger file sizes and decreased compatibility with older devices or specific applications. By managing this setting based on your content-sharing requirements, you maintain control over your video output, ensuring that your footage is readily accessible and shareable without complications.
14. Personalize your home screen with unique wallpaper
Personalization goes beyond app arrangement; choosing wallpaper that changes with your phone’s dark and light modes adds a dynamic touch to your home screen. To do this, go to Settings > Wallpaper and turn on Dark Appearance Dims Wallpaper. Then select Choose a New Wallpaper and opt for either Stills or Live options. Wallpapers with a half-black, half-white circle will automatically adjust to your phone’s dark or light mode.
This setting enriches your visual experience and allows your home screen to reflect your environment. Using these dynamic wallpapers adds a layer of personalization distinct from static images, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and feel of your device based on the time of day or your lighting conditions.
15. Enable dark mode to conserve battery
Dark mode is a fan-favorite feature for more than just its sleek aesthetic—it can also help save battery life. To enable dark mode, navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness, then select Dark. You can also quickly toggle between light and dark modes through the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right of your iPhone and tapping the dark mode icon. Once enabled, dark mode changes white backgrounds in apps to darker tones, consuming less power, particularly on OLED screens.
Dark mode is ideal for those who spend significant screen time, as it can reduce eye strain and enhance readability in low-light environments. Besides, many third-party apps also support dark mode, ensuring a consistent look and feel throughout your device. Though individual experiences may vary, users typically find dark mode a welcome enhancement both visually and functionally.
16. Manage notifications with Focus Mode
Notification overload can be overwhelming, and not all alerts are equally important throughout the day. To address this, Apple introduced Focus Mode, which allows you to filter notifications based on your current activity. Go to Settings > Focus and choose from preset modes like Do Not Disturb, Personal, Sleep, Work, and more, or create a custom mode tailored to your needs. Focus Mode lets you specify which notifications are allowed and who can contact you based on the context.
Setting up Focus Modes can dramatically improve productivity and peace of mind by limiting distractions. For example, during work hours, you can allow only work-related notifications while blocking social media alerts. Similarly, you can silence all but emergency contacts while sleeping. Customizing these modes ensures that critical communications get through while unnecessary distractions are kept at bay.
17. Adjust text size on your screen
If the default text size on your iPhone is too small or large for your preference, you can easily adjust it. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size and use the slider to find a font size that suits you. Additionally, for enhanced readability, enable Bold Text, which is located just below the Text Size slider. Adjusting these settings can significantly improve your reading experience, ensuring that text is always legible and comfortable for your eyes.
Customizing the text size and boldness is particularly useful for those with visual impairments or for users who frequently read long documents or emails on their iPhones. This small tweak can greatly impact daily use, making your iPhone more accessible and user-friendly. It’s a simple yet effective way to tailor your device to your specific needs, enhancing overall usability.
18. Add an alternate appearance for Face ID
Face ID is remarkably effective but can sometimes struggle with particular looks, such as significant changes in hairstyle or wearing accessories. For improved recognition, you can add an alternate appearance. Navigate to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your PIN, and select Set Up an Alternate Appearance. Following the same process as the initial setup, you scan your face from multiple angles, ensuring Face ID can recognize you under varying conditions.
This setting is beneficial if you frequently change appearances, such as wearing glasses or different makeup styles. By providing an alternate appearance, you enhance Face ID’s reliability and performance, ensuring that your iPhone can swiftly unlock regardless of minor changes in your look. This feature adds to the overall convenience and accuracy of Face ID, making it more adaptable to your lifestyle.
19. Turn off auto-brightness to save battery
Auto-brightness is designed to adjust your screen’s brightness based on ambient light conditions, but it’s not always necessary and can drain your battery faster. To take manual control, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and turn off Auto-Brightness. With this setting disabled, your screen brightness will remain constant until you adjust it again manually. You can make adjustments from the Control Center, accessed by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen.
Turning off auto-brightness empowers you to manage your device’s energy consumption more effectively. Keeping the screen at a lower brightness level when possible can significantly extend battery life, especially useful if you find yourself away from a charger for extended periods. This setting is ideal for users looking to maximize their device’s endurance through simple but effective changes in usage habits.
20. Review and adjust your privacy settings
Taking control of your privacy settings is crucial for safeguarding personal information. When setting up your iPhone and downloading apps, you are often prompted to grant permissions for access to various data. To manage these permissions, go to Settings > Privacy and review permissions for each app. Spend some time going through categories like location, camera, and microphone, and tailor them to your comfort level. This review process is essential for protecting sensitive information and ensuring that only trusted apps have access to critical parts of your device.
By routinely evaluating and adjusting privacy settings, you can prevent potential misuse of your information. For instance, limiting camera access or turning off background location tracking can add layers of security. This practice not only secures your data but also aligns with best privacy practices, helping maintain the integrity and confidentiality of your personal information.
21. Customize the Control Center
The Control Center offers quick access to essential functions and apps, but its default configuration might not suit everyone’s needs. To customize it, open Settings > Control Center. Here, you can add or remove options by tapping the green addition or red minus buttons, respectively. Drag features up or down to prioritize them based on your usage using the three-line icon on the right side of the screen. This customization allows you to access your most-used features quickly, tailoring the Control Center to fit your daily routine.
A personalized Control Center enhances your iPhone’s functionality, providing quick access to the features you use most. Whether it’s toggling low-power mode, activating the flashlight, or accessing the Wallet app, organizing this space to suit your preferences can save time and streamline your daily tasks. This setting ensures that the essential tools are just a swipe away, customizing your device to meet your unique needs efficiently.
22. Organize notifications with Notification Summary
Customizing your iPhone isn’t just about finding the perfect case or neatly organizing your apps on the home screen. While these changes help personalize your device, there are many deeper settings that can significantly enhance how your iPhone operates daily. From improving battery life and enhancing navigation efficiency to boosting privacy, tweaking these settings can make a big difference. Here’s a look into 23 iOS settings adjustments that will optimize your iPhone’s performance, making it even more enjoyable and efficient to use.
Selecting a stylish case and arranging apps are just the beginning when it comes to truly making your iPhone your own. Beyond these superficial adjustments, diving into the more nuanced settings of your device can dramatically affect its day-to-day functionality. Whether you’re grappling with battery life issues, looking for smoother navigation, or aiming to protect your privacy more effectively, the settings within iOS hold the key to a more customized and optimized user experience. These 23 adjustments can help you unlock your iPhone’s full potential, ensuring it works perfectly for your needs.
