Don't settle for your iPhone's default settings - CNET
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Changing these settings can help you get the most out of your iPhone.
Patrick Holland/CNET
If you have an iPhone released in the past few years — like 13's iPhone 2021 or the budget 2020 iPhone SE — chances are your phone is running iOS 15, Apple's latest mobile operating system. (And next week, you'll be able to rock it with iOS 15.4, a new minor update with some cool new features following the recent Apple event.)
Read more: Everything Apple Just Announced: Mac Studio, iPhone SE, iPad Air, and Studio Display
With iOS 15, you might want to use some of the OS's most popular features, like SharePlay in FaceTime or text recognition in your camera. But it's also worth paying attention to the settings, as there are plenty you should consider changing.
Below, we'll walk you through the steps to configure settings that could make your iPhone even better. If you want to know more about the latest from Apple, check out all the iPhone 14 rumors we've heard so far, and here's what to know about the recently announced iPhone SE 3.
This incoming call alert is not ideal for everyone.
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1. Bring back full screen incoming call alerts
Prior to last year's iOS 14 update, the incoming call screen took over your entire screen when your iPhone was unlocked and in use. It's disturbing, sure, but it also got the job done.
However, starting with iOS 14, Apple changed the incoming call prompt to look more like a typical alert. That is, a small notification that appears at the top of the screen when you use your phone. On more than one occasion, I nearly missed a call because I dismissed the alert as another annoying notification that didn't immediately need my attention.
To grab the most eye-catching full-screen alerts, go to Settings > Call > Incoming calls and press Full screen.
2. Change Siri voice
Siri gained two new voices when iOS 14.5 launched last year. And for the first time ever, Siri no longer defaults to a female voice. Instead, when you set up a new device, you'll be asked which Siri voice you want to use. Once you've made your selection, Apple will change the voice of Siri on all devices linked to your Apple ID. It's quite smooth.
You can check the voice options by going to Settings > Siri and research > Siri Voice. For more, check out our full guide to changing Siri's sound.
Apple would also add a neutral Siri voice option for English speakers in iOS 15.4. The update is currently in beta, but is expected to roll out this spring.
5G is fine, if you have access to it, but it can also be a battery hog.
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3. Turn off 5G coverage you don't want or don't have
Apple is touting a Smart Data feature specific to its 5G phones (the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lines) that will automatically switch between 4G LTE and 5G networks — without you having to know or do anything — depending on how which you are using your device. The automatic switch is part of an effort to improve battery life. However, you may find that your iPhone battery is draining faster than before. If you don't want to sacrifice battery life for faster 5G speeds, turn it off. You can always turn 5G back on whenever you want or when service in your area improves.
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To turn off 5G on your iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, causing it to always use 4G LTE even if you have 5G coverage, open the Settings app then go to Cellular > Cellular data options > Voice and data and press LTE.
Alternatively, if you want your iPhone to exclusively use a 5G connection when available, you can select 5G enabled.
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4. Adjust the amount of data used on a 5G connection
If you're happy with 5G performance, here's a network-related setting you should check. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular data options > Data mode where you will find three different options: Allow more data on 5G, Standard and Low Data modes.
Even though there are brief descriptions under the three different settings, they don't paint a complete picture for the first option. According to an Apple support document, allowing more data on 5G will give you high-quality video and FaceTime calls, and it also means your phone can download software updates, stream Apple TV and Apple content. High Definition Music, and allows third-party developers to also enhance their respective apps.
The default setting on this page will depend on your carrier and data plan, so it's a good idea to check your iPhone and make sure it's set to your preference.
You can unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch if Face ID isn't working.
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5. Unlock your phone while wearing a face mask
One of the frustrating aspects of wearing a face covering in public while using an iPhone with Apple's built-in Face ID technology was the inability to unlock the phone. Because half of your face is covered, Face ID just doesn't work. And entering your password to unlock your phone works, but it's not as convenient.
Conveniently, you now have the option of enabling a face unlock feature that makes it easier to unlock your iPhone when your face is covered, provided you have an Apple Watch. (iOS 15.4, which is currently in beta, would bring further updates to Face ID.)
Once both devices are updated, open the Settings app on your iPhone, then open the app Face ID and password option. Scroll down until you find the Unlock with Apple Watch section (you must be signed in to an Apple Watch for the setting to appear), where you can enable the feature for all watches linked to your iPhone. It's pretty awesome.
6. Move the address bar in Safari back to its original location
Apple moved Safari's address bar to the bottom of the screen by default in iOS 15. It should theoretically feel more natural because it's closer to the keyboard and where you typically place your thumbs. But that can be off-putting because many people are used to seeing the URL bar near the top of the screen, like it is on laptops.
You can change this by opening Settingstyping Safariand choosing the Single tab option under the Tabs subheading.
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7. Organize your alerts with a summary of notifications
Apple wants to help you manage your notifications in iOS 15, starting with the Notifications Summary feature. Rather than letting notifications pile up on your home screen, you can schedule non-emergency alerts to arrive in a group at a specific time of day. Important notifications like calls, direct messages, and other time-sensitive alerts (like your Uber or Lyft ride status, for example) will always appear immediately.
To try this, open Settingspress Reviewsand touch Scheduled Summary.
You can decide which features you want to access when your phone is locked.
Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
8. Customize the features you can use when your iPhone is locked
There may be times when you need to have certain information at your fingertips even when your phone is locked. That's why Apple allows you to enable certain features without having to unlock your device. These include Notification Center, Control Center, the ability to reply to messages, and the Wallet app, among others.
Customize the features you want to access on the lock screen by launching the Settings menu, touch Face ID and password and enter your password when prompted. Scroll down until you see the Allow access when locked section and toggle the sliders according to your preferences.
You no longer need to use Safari or Mail as your default iPhone apps.
Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
9. Set Your Default Preferred Mail App or Web Browser
It's been a long time, but the iOS 14 2020 update finally made it possible to choose your own default apps, at least for email and web browsing. This means that when you tap a link or button to send an email, your iPhone will automatically launch the web browser or email provider of your choice rather than Safari or Mail.
To get started, open the Settings menu and select the app you want to set as default (e.g. Google Chrome, Outlook, etc.). You should then see a button that says Default messaging app ou Default browser application. Tap on this option and select the app of your choice instead of Safari or Mail.
10. Show Full Notifications on Your Lock Screen
When you first experience Apple's Face ID technology, you'll notice that you can't see the contents of new alerts and notifications on the lock screen. For example, instead of seeing who sent you a text message and what they say, you'll only see a generic Messages alert.
By default, all iPhones with Apple's Face ID technology will hide the content of an alert until you pick up your phone and unlock it by looking at it. It's a privacy feature that I rather appreciate, but I also understand how annoying it can be (and I've heard a few complaints from readers and family members).
You can change how notifications appear on your lock screen by going to Settings > Reviews > Show previews and select toujours. Conversely, you can select Never if you want the content of your notifications to always remain hidden on the lock screen.
HDR video looks great, but it still doesn't work everywhere.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
11. You might want to disable that camera feature…for now
Phones in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 line can record HDR – or high dynamic range – video with Dolby…
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