With a global market share of 27.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022, iOS is the second most popular mobile operating system. As an iOS user, you have access to over 1.6 million apps on the App Store, offering a wide range of productivity, education, health, and gaming options. However, using iOS effectively can be tricky. If you’re not careful, you might undermine your device’s performance, security, and functionality. In this article, we’ll provide you with some valuable tips and tricks to help you optimize your device and make the most of its features.
Mistake 1: Neglecting Device Security
Think of security as a suit of armor for your iOS device, protecting you from online threats. Without proper security measures in place, it’s like leaving your front door wide open for hackers and malware. Recent incidents have proven that even Apple’s defenses can be breached. That’s why it’s crucial to take steps to enhance your device security, such as utilizing biometric authentication, regularly updating your software, installing a trusted VPN, and using strong passwords along with a reliable password manager designed for iOS.
Mistake 2: Underestimating Built-in Apple Apps
Some iOS users miss out on the full potential of their devices by overlooking the valuable built-in apps provided by Apple. It’s like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and only filling up on bread rolls. Apple offers a variety of apps that can truly enhance your iOS experience. Let’s explore a few noteworthy examples:
- Find My: This app can be a lifesaver if you ever misplace your Apple device or if it falls into the wrong hands. It also allows you to keep tabs on your friends and family, enabling you to locate each other quickly and easily.
- Shortcuts: Save time and streamline your tasks by creating custom shortcuts. These shortcuts can automate routine actions, making your day-to-day activities a breeze.
- Flanco: Office workers will find the Flanco app to be a real life-saver. It facilitates the booking of meeting rooms and desks, while also providing extensive statistics on all your bookings.
- Measure: Forget about the traditional ruler! With this app, your iPhone becomes a high-tech measuring tool. Utilize your camera and augmented reality (AR) technology to measure anything and everything accurately.
Mistake 3: Neglecting Regular Data Backups
If you’re an iOS user, regularly backing up your device data is essential to safeguard it from loss or damage. While you can choose to back up your data using cloud storage or your computer, iCloud offers a convenient and secure solution. With iCloud, you can enable automatic data backups, ensuring that your information is protected. Furthermore, iCloud encrypts your backups by default, adding an extra layer of security. To utilize iCloud backup, you need an iCloud account with sufficient storage space. By default, you get 5GB of free storage, but if you require more, you can upgrade to a larger plan. Additionally, iCloud allows you to manage your backups and delete old ones when necessary.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Device Customization
Customizing your iOS device settings is a crucial aspect of unlocking its full potential. With iOS, you have the freedom to tailor your device to meet your preferences, making it more user-friendly and productive. Some commonly overlooked settings include:
- Do Not Disturb: Activate this feature to minimize interruptions when you need to focus or concentrate.
- Screen Time: Keep track of your usage and set limits to ensure a healthy balance between your device and the real world.
- Accessibility: Explore the accessibility features that can make your device more comfortable and easier to use, catering to specific needs.
- Siri & Search: Leverage the power of voice commands and shortcuts to save both time and effort.
Mistake 5: Neglecting Battery Health
The health of your iOS device’s battery directly impacts its performance and longevity. As your battery health declines, you may notice shorter battery life, slower performance, or unexpected shutdowns. To improve battery health and extend the lifespan of your device, consider the following tips:
- Optimize battery charging: Take advantage of the optimized battery charging feature, which allows your device to learn from your charging routine and only charge past 80% when necessary. This helps reduce battery aging and prolong its overall lifespan.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: High or low temperatures can adversely affect your battery’s health and performance. To prevent damage, keep your device within the temperature range of 16°C to 22°C (62°F to 72°F).
- Keep your software up to date: iOS updates often include advancements that optimize battery performance and enhance its longevity.
- Adjust your settings: By adjusting settings such as brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, location services, and background app refresh, you can effectively manage and conserve battery usage.
Just like high-performance cars, iOS devices require maintenance and careful usage to reach their full potential. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can unlock the true power and versatility of your iOS device.