Hints to maximize an iPhone
A few weeks ago my junior high-aged daughter showed me a function on my Apple iPhone that I had never seen before. She was typing an e-mail and bolded a few words — something I didn’t know was possible from my phone. So it got me to wondering: What other simple features are built into the iPhone that I don’t know about?
While there are probably hundreds of more advanced functions that I’m unaware of, a simple Internet search revealed several simple tips that I think will prove rather helpful for my everyday uses. These tips are from a compilation of various searches and online sites. Some apply to only certain models of iPhones; others apply across the board. So try these out to see what works for you:
Calculator hint: How many times do you type a six-digit figure in your calculator only to realize you mistyped the fourth digit? It’s not necessary to clear everything and retype the entire number. You can simply backspace and delete characters by swiping to the left or right in the answer display window.
Browsing hint: I’ve noticed certain apps or pages are very long and require a lot of downward scrolling in order to read everything. Then, of course, returning to the top of the page can be cumbersome. Facebook is one example that involves a lot of scrolling as you read through your timeline. Before you know it, you’ve scrolled down through multiple entries, so returning to the top involves a little time and effort. I’ve recently learned that by tapping twice at the top of the screen, I can quickly scroll up to the top of the page.
E-mail drafts: It’s not uncommon to be in the middle of typing an e-mail when I have to pause for an incoming call, or stop to look up some information. While I could close out the e-mail and start over, or I could hit cancel to bring up a “save draft” option, I’ve learned the easiest option is to tap on the bold subject line at the top center of the display. Then by swiping down to the bottom, the e-mail will minimize and be saved as a draft. A simple tap and swipe up will return access to it.
“Go back” button: From a laptop or desktop, it’s easy to locate the “go back” button on the keyboard. From a phone, the “back” button is not always readily available or visible. Swiping left or right from the edge of the screen allows you the ability to return to previous windows.
Earbud power: The earbuds that are supplied with the phone do more than just allow for personal listening. The earbuds also have built-in features, such as allowing the use of the volume-up button to take a picture. Who knew? You can even use the volume buttons on some of the larger phones themselves to take pictures, since the larger phones are a bit harder to manipulate.
Text message search: If text messages contain details about dates, direction or times, I tend to keep the messages until the particular event has come and gone. This means that my list of text messages can sometimes get rather lengthy. I didn’t realize it was possible to search text messages for key words or phrases. From the text message screen, a simple swipe down from the top bar populates a search window so that text messages can be filtered through.
Bolding characters: I always felt it would be helpful to have the ability to bold certain items in an e-mail, but didn’t know it was possible until my seventh-grader showed me how. It’s a simple matter of holding your finger on the word to be bolded, until the “select” option appears in a pop-up window. Press ‘select’ and a window of additional options will come up. When you choose the right scroll arrow from the window, you’ll find the B/U (bold/underline) option, along with other features.
Extra texting characters: Your keyboard has all kinds of options when you’re texting if you just press and hold a key. For example, when you’re typing the letter ‘n’, if you press and hold the key there are actually three versions of an ‘n’ that pop up for you to select: n, ń or ñ.
In a hurry to charge?: The fastest way to charge your phone is on Airplane Mode. Just go to settings and select the Airplane Mode option. You won’t receive any phone calls or texts while charging in this mode, but you will get a quicker charge.
These tips are all ones that appeal to me and my lifestyle. If you’ve got some of your own, please share! Send them my way at jhanna@etc1.net!
Jenni Hanna is the Enhanced Telecommunications Corp. public relations coordinator in the Greensburg office.