While we often use our iPhones for everyday tasks, it’s easy to overlook many of the capabilities they have to offer. Today, we’ve compiled a list of lesser-known iPhone features that can significantly enhance your daily use of the device. Discovering and mastering these features will help you get more out of your iPhone.
Before we delve into these hidden gems, ensure that your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS, as these tricks are available starting from iOS 17.
1. Silence Calls from Unknown Numbers:
- Unwanted calls can be annoying. To deal with calls from unfamiliar numbers, navigate to Settings, select the Phone option, and activate “Mute Strangers.” This setting allows calls from unknown numbers to be received silently, without ringing or vibrating, and sends them directly to voicemail.
2. Avoid Ambient Noise on Calls:
- During FaceTime calls, you can reduce ambient noise for clearer communication. Access the FaceTime option in the Control Center, then select “Voice Isolation” to minimize background noise during your calls.
3. Create Events from the Browser:
- Need to quickly create an event? You can do it directly from your browser. Start typing a date like “Saturday, January 13…” in your browser, and your iPhone will suggest creating an event in your calendar.
4. Search and Find Anything on Your iPhone:
- The search feature on your iPhone often goes unnoticed. Swipe down from any home screen to access search. Type a term, and you’ll get results including apps, web search suggestions, photo matches, Siri database information, and more. You can even search within specific apps.
5. Flight Tracking:
- You can track flights without using third-party apps. If you receive a flight number in iMessage, press and hold it to reveal a widget with a preview of the flight’s location on a map. You can access a full flight tracking screen, copy the flight number, or get detailed flight information.
6. Play Background Sounds:
- If you prefer background ambient sounds while studying or working, your iPhone offers options. Open the Control Center, press and hold the Sound option with an ear icon, and tap “Background Sounds” to access a library of ambient sounds.
7. Smart Photo Search:
- Use Smart Search to find photos in the iPhone Photos app by keywords. Simply enter keywords like “beach” or “car” in the search bar, and the app will display all photos associated with that object or place, making it easier to find specific photos.
8. Scan Documents:
- Your iPhone can scan documents. Open the Files app, select a folder, and choose “Scan Document.” Capture photos of the document, and the iPhone will create a PDF file that you can save and share, making it a handy tool for digitizing documents and even signing them.
9. Send Effects with iMessage:
- Add flair to your iMessage messages by using effects. When sending a message via iMessage, hold the send button to access bubble and screen effect options, allowing you to make your messages more expressive.
10. Select Text in Photos and Live Text:
- Live Text is a powerful feature that lets you interact with text in photos. Whether in the Camera app or Photos app, you can select, copy, translate, or search for definitions within text found in images, making it a useful tool for extracting information from photos.
These lesser-known features can significantly enhance your iPhone experience and help you make the most of your device’s capabilities. With the vast array of functions offered by Apple devices, it’s easy to miss out on some of the latest tricks and features. However, by familiarizing yourself with these hidden gems, you’ll unlock the full potential of your iPhone.