With the endless array of apps available in the Apple Store and new iOS updates to choose from each month, it may seem like there’s no right answer when it comes to making sure we are truly making the most of our mobile devices. There’s an application available on the online marketplace for nearly any need you can think of, whether that’s a financial planner or dog walking service; but often the best solution to getting the most out of our devices is to keep things simple and the number of background applications low.
For those of us who are less tech-savvy or only want to use our mobile phones for what they were originally intended, here are some of the most essential things to do:
- Device Location Tracking | For Apple devices, simply download Find My App to ensure that if you ever misplace your phone or other Apple device it can be located in real-time, or even pinged for easy finding.
- Emergency Contact | Designate one of your contacts to be your “emergency contact” in the event of a medical or other emergency. On your iPhone, this contact will receive a notification with your phone’s location if or when the Emergency SOS function is activated. You can even designate a legacy contact if you pass away.
- Clear Storage | One of the most common problems iPhone users face is a lack of storage due to one too many unused applications taking up unnecessary space. Head to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and select the “Free up space” tool to clear data from apps you no longer use.
- Block Spam | If you want to avoid solicitors or robocalls on your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders to divert both calls and messages from unknown numbers.
- Manage App Subscriptions If repeated monthly charges for online services you never use have gotten out of hand, open Settings > tap your name > Subscriptions to easily unsubscribe or update any subscriptions you may have tied to your Apple account.
While technology rules over many aspects of our lives these days, it certainly doesn’t have to. Making use of these tricks will simplify your online life and streamline the functionality of your phone down to the necessary basics!