Was there an iPhone under the Christmas tree? Here are 15 useful tricks you should know

Home ›There was an iPhone under the Christmas tree? Here are 15 useful tricks worth knowing 12/29/2018 19:34 iPhone - a list of useful tricks and gestures. (depositphotos) Mateusz Budzeń

One of the most frequently mentioned advantages of the iPhone is its convenient and intuitive operation. I must admit that iOS was actually designed so that everyone could use the smartphone out of the box. However, Apple's software has some handy tricks and gestures that aren't so obvious as to be known to every user. Therefore, we decided to prepare this short guide.

We hope you will find these tips useful for new and more experienced iPhone owners. It's worth noting at the outset that some tricks can only work on the latest version of iOS 12.

1. Turn your keyboard into a trackpad

When writing a message, Twitter post, or any other text, there may be times when you want to correct a previously written word. Yes, you can try to hit it with your finger so as not to delete the entire sentence. However, it is much more convenient to use a trackpad that is built into the default keyboard.

In the case of iPhones that are equipped with the 3D function (iPhone 6s and newer models, except for the iPhone XR), just press the keyboard harder until you feel a slight vibration. Then, holding your finger down, move the cursor to the selected place. If you have an iPhone that does not detect pressure, keep your finger on the space bar longer.

1. Comfortable one-handed typing

The function may prove useful especially in iPhones with larger displays. Of course, you can also use it on models with screens with a smaller diagonal.

You need to hold the emoji icon on the keyboard longer. After a while, the keyboard selection menu will pop up, with three layouts at the bottom. By default, the primary is active with the keys stretched from the left to the right edge. However, you can choose a layout closer to the left or right edge of the screen - depending on which hand you hold the iPhone.

1. Quickly delete written text

If we want to quickly delete the entire sentence written, it is enough to gently shake the smartphone. You should see Undo typing. The operation is confirmed with the Undo button.

1. Quick go back to the top of the page

When reading longer articles or browsing mobile versions of websites that are often significantly stretched vertically, we can quickly get back to the top. You only need to double-click just above the address bar in Safari.

1. Selecting several applications at the same time

You don't have to put an application in a folder in advance to move several applications to a new place on the screen at once.

Hold your finger on the icon of any application and wait a moment for the application layout editing screen to appear. We grab the selected application and then, using the other hand, click on the icons to add more items to the list.

1. Search for photos in the gallery

Are you looking for a specific photo? Photos with the selected subject or those taken in a specific location? Thanks to the built-in search engine, you can easily search through the photos stored on your iPhone.

We enter the Photos application and select the Search option. Now we can enter any word in the search field, e.g. car or Warsaw. Additionally, words can be combined to more precisely define the photos you are looking for, eg Winter + Warsaw. Then all the photos we took during the winter in Warsaw should appear.

1. Quick access to the camera from the lock screen

Unlocking the screen, finding the camera app ... it doesn't take long, but we may not be able to take a photo. However, you can access the camera much faster and directly from the lock screen.

Just make a quick gesture of swiping from the right edge to the center of the display. Alternatively, you can press harder on the camera icon on the lock screen (iPhones with 3D Touch), although you have to bear in mind that the swipe gesture is faster and more convenient.

1. Scanning QR codes

There is no need to install third party applications to scan QR codes on iPhone. The corresponding function has been built into the camera application.

You just need to turn on the camera and put a QR code in the lens. A notification should appear at the top of the screen - to follow the information contained in the QR code, simply click on the message.

1. Search all iPhone content

The iPhone is equipped with a search engine that allows you to search for documents, files, contacts, history of visited pages, as well as the content of messages, notes or posts placed on Twitter. Yes, third party apps are also supported.

The iPhone's built-in search engine is a really powerful and useful tool. So how do you get quick access to it? On the home screen, perform the swipe down gesture - that's it.

1. Floating button

Are you using a new iPhone that has been stripped of the home button? Maybe you want a button that gives you quick access to basic functions? The floating button can be activated in the iOS settings.

To do this, go to Settings, then General and select the Accessibility section. Then, in the list of available options, we look for the AssistiveTouch item. Now you just need to activate the function. The button can be placed on any edge of the screen. Additionally, you can configure the gestures performed on it.

1. Non-disappearing messages

In the default setting, the messages that appear at the top of the screen are only visible for a moment. However, they can be set permanently - they will disappear only after the user's reaction.

Go to Settings and select Notifications. Now select the application from the available list and then click on the Banner style. It remains to select the option Constants.

1. Changing the power of the flashlight

On iPhone, you can turn on the flashlight from the Control Center - the main camera's LED light is used.

You can easily set the power of the flashlight. It is enough to press harder on the flashlight icon to display a screen that allows you to choose one of four levels of light intensity.

1. Screen recording

iOS comes with a tool that allows you to record the screen. So there is no need to use third party applications.

Recording activation is very simple and comes down to a few steps. Go to the Control Center and then select the Screen Recording icon. After pressing the icon with more force, additional options appear - you can turn off the microphone while recording.

1. Do not disturb - on schedule

Tired of notifications when you're at home or don't want to be disturbed while sleeping? It's a good idea to use the Do Not Disturb feature and its schedule.

To do this, go to Settings and click on Do not disturb. Then select the option According to schedule and manually set the hours when this mode will be automatically activated. It is also worth configuring the Make exceptions option, which allows you to specify people from whom calls will not be muted.

1. Blinking notification LED

If vibration is not enough to effectively notify you of an incoming call in silent mode, an interesting option is to use an LED lamp. iPhone does not have a notification LED, like some Android smartphones. However, there is another way to do it.

Go to Settings, select General and then Accessibility. In the Hearing section, click on the LED flashing next to the alerts and turn on the function.

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