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. Costs nothing if you stay under 5GB; saves hours when (not if) you need to restore.
- 02
Set up Face ID for a second face
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Set Up an Alternate Appearance. The second slot is for the same person — masked, in low light, or with glasses. Cuts the unlock-fail rate roughly in half.
It is not for a family member's face. Add Family Sharing instead.
- 03
Use Action Button for the thing you actually do
On iPhone 15 Pro and newer, the Action Button is wasted on the default Camera shortcut. Map it to Focus Mode, Voice Memo, or a Shortcut you actually use daily.
- 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
Pin your most-used Settings to the top
Long-press the Settings app icon, drag a sub-screen out as a Quick Action. iOS lets you pin Wi-Fi, Battery, or any sub-screen as a home-screen shortcut.
Chapters
The 120+ 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 in 30 minutes
- 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 82 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 AI features on-device.
Read the full answer → -
Why does my iPhone battery drain overnight?
Usually a background app refreshing on a flaky network. Settings → Battery → Last 24 Hours shows the culprit.
Read the full answer → -
How do I move data to a new iPhone?
Quick Start (iPhone-to-iPhone) is the fastest. iCloud restore works without the old device.
Read the full answer → -
Is iCloud worth paying for?
If you take photos, yes. The 50GB tier at $0.99/month is the best Apple subscription dollar.
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How do I unlock my iPhone if I forgot the passcode?
If you can't get in within 7 failed attempts, you have to restore. Backup recommended.
Read the full answer → -
What's the fastest way to charge iPhone?
20W USB-C PD or higher. Wireless charging tops out around 15W (MagSafe) or 7.5W (Qi).