Evergreen pillar · timeless guides
iPhone tips & tricks
Everything we've learned about getting more out of your iPhone — verified across iPhone 12 through 17.
Hands-on iPhone guides organized by what you're trying to do — not by Apple's menu structure. We re-verify every guide each time iOS ships a major update.
In short.
An evergreen hub of iPhone how-tos. Not version-bound, not bug-of-the-week — the timeless guides we expect to keep updating for years.
Apple's own documentation is organized around settings menus. Most readers don't know which menu — they know the outcome they want. We organize around outcomes.
Skim the chapters below. If you have a specific bug or are deciding whether to upgrade iOS, jump to one of the version-pinned pillars instead.
Where most people start
Five quick wins we recommend to every reader before they go deeper.
- 01
Turn on automatic iCloud backups
Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → toggle on. Free if you stay under the 5GB iCloud allotment; invaluable when you need to restore.
- 02
Set up Face ID for a second look
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Set Up an Alternate Appearance. Apple documents this as an alternate appearance (glasses, mask, different lighting). Mask and glasses also have dedicated setup options.
It is not intended as a second person's Face ID. Use Family Sharing for other people.
- 03
Use Action Button for the thing you actually do
On iPhone 15 Pro and newer, the Action Button defaults to Silent Mode. Map it to Focus Mode, Camera, Voice Memo, or a Shortcut you actually use daily if Silent Mode is wasted on you.
- 04
Switch keyboard suggestions off if they slow you down
Settings → General → Keyboard → Predictive: off. Power users typo less without it. Casual users usually keep it on.
- 05
Put common settings one tap away
Use Control Center, Back Tap, or a Shortcut for Wi-Fi, Battery, or Low Power Mode. Long-pressing Settings does not pin arbitrary sub-screens as home-screen Quick Actions on current iOS.
Chapters
The 75+ guides in this cluster, grouped by what you're trying to do.
Setup & migration
18 guides- Set up a new iPhone the right way
- Move from Android with Quick Start or Move to iOS
- Restore from an iCloud backup
- Transfer eSIM between carriers
Battery & performance
22 guides- Make iPhone battery last longer
- Stop background battery drain
- Calibrate Battery Health reading
- Cool an iPhone running hot
Storage & photos
19 guides- Free up storage without losing photos
- Optimize iCloud Photo Library
- Stop apps from offloading data
- Recover deleted photos
Privacy & security
24 guides- Lock down Stolen Device Protection
- Hide photos behind Face ID
- Audit which apps see your location
- Use Lockdown Mode
Connectivity
15 guides- Fix Wi-Fi that keeps dropping
- Pair AirPods that won't connect
- Troubleshoot CarPlay
- Hotspot speed tricks
Hidden features
22 guides- Action Button setups we actually keep
- Notes audio + handwriting tricks
- Safari Reading List as a read-later app
- Shortcuts most people miss
All iPhone tips guides
Showing the 24 newest of 77 articles in this cluster.
Quick answers
The questions about iPhone tips we get asked most.
Which iPhone should I buy in 2026?
iPhone 16 if budget is tight; iPhone 17 Pro if you want the latest on-device AI features. Match storage and camera needs to how you actually shoot.
Read the full answer →Why does my iPhone battery drain overnight?
Often a background app refreshing on a flaky network. Settings → Battery → Last 24 Hours shows the top consumers.
Read the full answer →How do I move data to a new iPhone?
Quick Start (iPhone-to-iPhone) is usually the simplest when both devices are present. iCloud restore works without the old device. Transfer time depends on network and data size.
Read the full answer →Is iCloud worth paying for?
If you take photos, yes. The 50GB tier at $0.99/month (US pricing; check your region) is the best Apple subscription dollar for most people.
How do I unlock my iPhone if I forgot the passcode?
Try Passcode Reset first if you recently changed the code. Otherwise erase and restore from a backup. There is no fixed "7 attempts then restore" rule.
Read the full answer →What's the fastest way to charge iPhone?
20W+ USB-C PD for wired fast charge. On iPhone 16 and later, MagSafe can reach up to 25W with a 30W-or-higher adapter; older MagSafe and Qi rates are lower.