Tasks on the iPhone can feel so tedious and time-wasting. The iOS and iPadOS operating systems are filled with clever and intuitive features. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t always make these features well-known. Fortunately, it’s possible to speed up many basic tasks with these hidden time-saving tips.
I’ve put together a list highlighting ten time-saving tips to check out. Assuming you’re updated to iOS 16, some of these tips will work on the iPad and earlier versions of Apple’s iOS.
Drag the Volume Slider
Why repeatedly hit your volume buttons when you can click the volume up or down once while the music is playing and then control the onscreen volume bar with your finger from your Lock Screen?
It’s a quicker way to increase or lower volume and gives you better control over finding the exact volume you need. It’s similar to the long press of the volume bar in the Control Center.
Use the Hidden Trackpad
The hidden trackpad allows you to quickly move the cursor on the screen to an area of text that needs editing.
Simply long press on the Space bar to reveal the hidden trackpad and move the cursor where needed.
Maybe you already knew this tip? But did you know tapping the trackpad with another finger allows you to select text?
Quickly Switch from Letters to Numbers and Back
Switching between the letters and numbers keyboards happens frequently. So here’s a tip for making the transition super quick.
Rather than tap on the 123 key, hold the key down and slide your finger to the number key you want and then let go. The number keys automatically switch back to the letter keys avoiding three separate taps.
Long Press Back Buttons
Inside the Settings app, you could be several menus deep in the app. You don’t have to tap multiple times to return to a previous menu. Simple long press on the button in the upper left corner. Now, you’ll see a pop-up of the last screen you visited. Jump back to the screen you need. Easy peasy!
Quickly Take Video
You can record videos on the iPhone 11 and newer models without switching from the default photo mode. To quickly capture video in the Cameral app, press and hold the shutter button and release it to stop recording.
To keep the video recording without having to hold the button. Slide the shutter button to the right, where the lock icon is visible. The video will continue to record. While recording, you can even take a still photo by tapping the white shutter button, and when you’re ready to stop your video, tap on the red record button.
Scroll to the Top with One Tap
If you’re in Safari or scrolling through a long app menu, tap on the status bar at the top of your iPhone’s display to shoot straight back to the top of the menu.
If you use an iPhone 14 Pro with the Dynamic Island taping, it performs the same function.
Copy and Paste Photo Edits
If you have multiple photos that you want to edit the same way or you’ve made changes to an image and want to carry those changes to other pictures, use the new Copy and Paste edit tools in iOS 16.
Open the Photos app and choose an image. Next, tap edit and make any adjustments. When finished, tap Done. Finally, tap the ellipsis (three dots) in the upper right corner.
Tap Copy Edits in the drop-down menu. Next, open another photo or select multiple photos in your library. Tap the ellipsis icon again. In the drop-down menu, choose Paste Edits. You’ll see the adjustments made to those photos or photos you selected.
Set a Timer Quickly
To quickly set a timer, open Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of your screen. If your iPhone has a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Long press the timer button. Swipe up or down on the slider to set a timer duration, then tap Start.
Suppose you don’t see the timer icon in your Control Center. Open the Settings app, and choose Control Center. Scroll down until you see the timer, and tap the green + sign to add it to the Control Center.
Note: Each tile on the timer increases the duration in the following manner. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 minutes, and 1 or 2 hours. If you need more time, use Siri to set the timer.
Turn off App Ratings and Review Prompts
If you download many apps, you’ll be familiar with the “rate this app” prompt that periodically pops up.
Fortunately, you can turn this feature off and never be nagged again. Go to Settings>App Store and toggle off the switch next to In-App Ratings & Reviews.
Create a Speed Dial Icon
Are you regularly calling the same people? Just create a speed dial icon for them on your Home Screen.
Open the Shortcuts app. Tap on the + button in the upper right corner. Now, tap Add Action. Select one of the suggested contacts from the call row or tap the plus sign in the call row. Tap Contact if you chose the plus sign. Find the Contact you want to use or search for them.
Tap the Share icon at the bottom of the screen and select Add to Home Screen. Name your Shortcut. Tap on the icon next to the Name. Choose a photo of the individual or an image that would represent them. Position your photo and tap Choose. Now tap Add to place it on your Home Screen. You can quickly call whenever you want by tapping on the icon.
Conclusion
Do you have any favorite time-saving tips that I haven’t mentioned? Let me know in the comments section.
Need help with your device? I’m always available for a Free Consult.
Like video instead? Head to my YouTube channel for more great tips and a complete video walk-through.
