Most iPhone users stick to the default habits they’ve picked up over time—but that doesn’t always mean they’re doing things the best way. This article highlights ten common iPhone habits you should reconsider and reveals faster, smarter ways to get things done.
If you’re ready to improve how you interact with your device, read on.
1. Stop Typing the Slow Way—Use QuickPath
If you’re still tapping each individual letter when typing, you’re missing out on a faster method. QuickPath is a built-in swipe-to-type feature that allows you to glide your finger from one letter to another. It’s much faster and more intuitive, especially for long words.
Try typing “antiestablishmentarianism” using QuickPath—you’ll be surprised how easily your iPhone recognizes it. Once you get used to this swipe-based method, it’s hard to go back.
To try it:
Just swipe across the keyboard without lifting your finger, and your iPhone will convert it into a word automatically.
2. Stop Scrolling for Apps—Use Spotlight Search
Still swiping through pages or digging through your App Library to find apps? There’s a much faster way.
Spotlight Search can instantly locate and open any app. Simply swipe down on your home screen and type a few letters of the app’s name.
You don’t even need to type the full name—just a few letters will do. It’s faster and more efficient than manually searching through your folders or library.
3. Stop Tapping Through Menus to Share Screenshots
Many users tap on a screenshot thumbnail, then go through the editing menu to share it. But there’s a quicker way.
Here’s the trick: After taking a screenshot, press and hold the thumbnail in the corner instead of tapping it. This will instantly open the share sheet—no need to open the editor first.
This saves time and makes it easier to send screenshots directly via Messages, Mail, or social media.
4. Stop Giving Every App Full Permissions
When an app asks for access to your location, contacts, or files, it’s easy to tap Allow without thinking. But not every app needs unrestricted access to your data.
To manage app permissions:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
- Tap Location Services
- Review which apps have access to your location and whether they’re allowed to access it Always, While Using, or Never
Apply the same principle to other areas like Contacts, Files, Bluetooth, and your Wallet. Take control of what apps can see and do.
5. Stop Using the Default Video Resolution
By default, your iPhone records video in 1080p at 30 fps. While this is fine for most users, you can unlock better quality with just a few taps.
To record in 4K:
- Open the Camera app
- Tap the resolution setting in the top corner (e.g., HD or 4K)
- Or go to Settings → Camera → Record Video and select 4K at 30 or 60 fps
Higher resolution means sharper videos, though it will take up more storage. If you’ve invested in an iPhone with an advanced camera system, take full advantage of it.
6. Stop Guessing Your Battery Percentage
Some iPhone users still swipe into Control Center just to check their battery percentage. But there’s a simpler way.
To enable battery percentage in the status bar:
- Go to Settings → Battery
- Toggle on Battery Percentage
Now your exact battery level will always be visible in the top-right corner—no extra gestures required.
7. Stop Underusing Your App Icons
Most users think app icons are only there to open the app. But did you know they offer quick actions?
Try this:
Press and hold an app icon. A shortcut menu will appear with options specific to that app.
Examples:
- Settings: Quickly access Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Battery, and Cellular settings
- Camera: Jump straight to Video, Portrait, or Selfie mode
- Safari: Open new private tab, bookmarks, or reading list
- Messages: See recent conversations or start a new one
Explore these shortcuts and you’ll find yourself navigating your iPhone much faster.
8. Stop Typing Without Haptic Feedback
Typing on an iPhone feels much better when you turn on Haptic Feedback—a subtle vibration for every keypress.
To enable haptic feedback:
- Go to Settings → Sounds & Haptics
- Tap Keyboard Feedback
- Toggle on Haptic
This adds a tactile feel to your keyboard and improves your typing experience instantly.
9. Stop Using Safari’s Boring Default Settings
Safari can be customized far beyond its plain default view.
To personalize Safari:
- Open Safari and tap the Edit button on the homepage
- Choose a background image to add flair
- Enable options like Privacy Report, iCloud Tabs, or Frequently Visited Sites
Adding a background image and useful tools makes Safari more personal and functional.
10. Stop Redialing Numbers the Hard Way
If you just called someone and want to redial, don’t go digging through your recent calls.
Here’s a trick:
Tap the green call button in the Phone app once. It will auto-fill the last dialed number. Tap it again to call.
It’s a small shortcut that can save you a few steps—and a lot of time.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes we use our iPhones the way we always have, without realizing there’s a better, faster method available. These ten tips are designed to help you get the most out of your device—saving time, improving performance, and increasing efficiency.
Did you learn something new from this guide? Have a favorite iPhone tip that we didn’t mention? Share it in the comments below!
Tags: iPhone tips, iOS shortcuts, iPhone settings, iOS guide, iPhone privacy, QuickPath, iPhone camera settings, Safari customization, iOS productivity, haptic keyboard, Apple tips, iPhone tricks
Hashtags: #iPhoneTips #iOSTricks #AppleHacks #iPhoneShortcuts #iOS18 #iPhoneSettings #AppleGuide #QuickPath #SafariTips #HapticKeyboard #iPhonePrivacy #iPhoneProTips
