Whether you’re new to iPhone or a longtime user, there are likely some settings you’ve never tweaked. From enhancing privacy to boosting battery life, small changes can significantly improve your iPhone experience. Here are 23 settings you should consider adjusting.

Enhance Privacy

Stop Apps from Tracking Your Exact Location

To prevent apps from knowing your precise location:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
2. Select an app (e.g., Instagram) and toggle off Precise Location.

Enable the Secret Back Button

Turn the back of your iPhone into a button:

1. Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
2. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign actions like screenshots or launching shortcuts.

Use Live Voicemail

Read real-time voicemail transcriptions with iOS 17:

1. Go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail and turn it on.

Optimize Usage

Bring Back Full-Screen Call Alerts

Revert to full-screen call alerts:

1. Settings > Phone > Incoming Calls.
2. Select Full Screen.

Control 5G Usage

Save battery by managing 5G:

1. Settings > Cellular > Primary > Voice & Data.
2. Choose LTE to use 4G, or 5G On for 5G connectivity.

Fine-Tune Data Usage

Manage how much data 5G uses:

1. Settings > Cellular > Primary > Data Mode.
2. Choose Allow More Data on 5G, Standard, or Low Data Mode.

Manage Home Screen Clutter

Prevent new apps from cluttering your home screen:

1. Settings > Home Screen & App Library.
2. Select App Library Only.

Enhance Accessibility and Customization

Unlock with Face Mask

Unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask:

1. Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Face ID With a Mask.

Move Safari’s Address Bar

Put the Safari address bar back on top:

1. Settings > Safari > Single Tab.

Customize Lock Screen Features

Enable features on your lock screen:

1. Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
2. Toggle features under Allow Access When Locked.

Set Default Apps

Choose your default email and web browser apps:

1. Settings > select app (e.g., Chrome) > Default Browser App.

Full Notifications on Lock Screen

Show full notifications on the lock screen:

1. Settings > Notifications > Show Previews.
2. Select Always.

Manage HDR Video

Turn off HDR video if needed:

1. Settings > Camera > Record Video.
2. Toggle off HDR Video.

Customize Wallpaper

Change wallpaper to match light or dark mode:

1. Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a new wallpaper.
2. Ensure Dark Appearance Dims Wallpaper is on.

Enable Dark Mode

Save battery with dark mode:

1. Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark.

Use Focus Mode

Manage notifications with Focus Mode:

1. Settings > Focus.
2. Set up different Focus modes for work, personal time, or sleep.

Adjust Text Size

Make text easier to read:

1. Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size.
2. Adjust the slider and turn on Bold Text if needed.

Add Alternate Face ID Appearance

Improve Face ID recognition:

1. Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up An Alternate Appearance.

Disable Auto-Brightness

Control screen brightness manually:

1. Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
2. Toggle off Auto-Brightness.

Improve Functionality

Triage Privacy Settings

Review app permissions:

1. Settings > Privacy.
2. Adjust permissions for each app.

Customize Control Center

Add or remove shortcuts in Control Center:

1. Settings > Control Center.
2. Customize the apps and features.

Organize Notifications

Manage non-urgent notifications with Notification Summary:

1. Settings > Notifications > Scheduled Summary.

Change Siri’s Voice

Select a different Siri voice:

1. Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice.

Final Thoughts

By making these adjustments, you can significantly enhance your iPhone’s functionality and performance. Take some time to explore these settings and customize your device to better suit your needs.