iOS 15 settings you should really change on your iPhone 13

Altering these settings may also help you get essentially the most out of your iPhone.


Patrick Holland/CNET

Whether or not you acquired an iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Professional or 13 Professional Max as a present or are utilizing an older iPhone mannequin (here is how Apple’s telephones examine), you may customise your settings to make your smartphone work its greatest for you. Though every iPhone mannequin barely differs from the opposite, all of them run iOS 15 — the most recent cellular software program replace.

In case your iPhone is working iOS 15, you would possibly wish to leap proper into utilizing a few of the extra fashionable options, like SharePlay in FaceTime or textual content recognition in your digicam, however there are numerous vital settings that you must take into account altering.

Beneath, we’ll take you thru the steps to configure these settings that might make your iPhone even higher. Should you’re searching for extra concerning the newest from Apple, try all of the rumors we have heard thus far concerning the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 14. 

how-to-tech-tips-logo-badge.png
Brett Pearce/CNET

1. Carry again full-screen incoming name alerts

Previous to final 12 months’s iOS 14 replace, the incoming name display would take over your whole show when your iPhone is unlocked and getting used. It is disruptive, certain, but it surely additionally acquired the job executed.

Beginning with iOS 14, nevertheless, Apple modified the incoming name immediate to look extra like a typical alert. That’s, a small notification that exhibits up close to the highest of the display while you’re utilizing your cellphone. On multiple event I’ve practically missed a name as a result of I dismissed the alert as yet one more annoying notification that did not instantly want my consideration.

To get the extra attention-grabbing full-screen alerts again, go to Settings > Cellphone > Incoming Calls and faucet Full Display.

iphone-12-pro-call-screen-1

This incoming name alert is not ideally suited for everybody. 


Jason Cipriani/CNET

2. Change Siri’s voice

Siri gained two new voices when iOS 14.5 debuted earlier this 12 months. And for the primary time ever, Siri now not defaults to a feminine’s voice. As an alternative, the primary time you arrange a brand new system you will be requested which Siri voice you wish to use. When you make your choice, Apple will change Siri’s voice throughout the entire units linked to your Apple ID. It is fairly slick. 

You possibly can try the voice choices by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice. To be taught extra, try our full information to altering Siri’s sound.

084-apple-iphone-12-pro-and-iphone-12

5G is good, you probably have entry to it, but it surely may also be a battery hog. 


Patrick Holland/CNET

3. Flip off 5G protection you don’t need or have

Apple touts a Sensible Knowledge characteristic that is particular to its 5G telephones (the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 traces) that may mechanically change between 4G LTE and 5G networks — with out you having to know or do a factor — based mostly on the way you’re utilizing your system. The automated change is a part of an effort to enhance battery life. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll discover that your iPhone’s battery drains quicker than it did earlier than. Should you do not wish to sacrifice battery life for quicker 5G speeds, shut it down. You possibly can at all times flip 5G again on while you need it, or when service in your space improves.

To flip off 5G in your iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, forcing it to at all times use 4G LTE even you probably have 5G protection, open the Settings app then go to Mobile > Mobile Knowledge Choices > Voice & Knowledge and faucet LTE.

Alternatively, if you would like your iPhone to completely use a 5G connection when accessible, you may choose 5G On.

Learn extra: AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Professional: Evaluating Apple’s newest earbuds

4. Tremendous-tune how a lot knowledge is used on a 5G connection

Should you’re proud of 5G efficiency, here is a network-related setting you must try. Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Knowledge Choices > Knowledge Mode the place you will discover three completely different choices: Permit extra knowledge on 5G, Customary and Low Knowledge Mode.

Despite the fact that there are transient descriptions beneath the three completely different settings, they do not paint a whole image for the primary possibility. Based on an Apple assist doc, permitting extra knowledge on 5G will provide you with high-quality video and FaceTime calls, and it additionally signifies that your cellphone can obtain software program updates, stream high-definition Apple TV and Apple Music content material, and permits third-party builders to additionally enhance their respective apps.

The default setting on this web page will rely in your provider and your knowledge plan, so it is a good suggestion to verify your iPhone and ensure it is set to your desire.

Apple Watch Series 7

You possibly can unlock your iPhone together with your Apple Watch if Face ID is not working.


Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

5. Unlock your cellphone whereas sporting a face masks

One of many irritating elements of sporting a face-covering in public whereas utilizing an iPhone that has Apple’s Face ID tech built-in has been the shortcoming to unlock the cellphone. As a result of half of your face is roofed, Face ID simply does not work. And coming into your passcode to unlock your cellphone works, but it surely’s not as handy. 

Conveniently, you now have the choice to activate a face unlock characteristic that makes it tremendous simple to unlock your iPhone when your face is roofed — so long as you personal an Apple Watch. 

As soon as each units are up to date, open the Settings app in your iPhone after which open the Face ID & Passcode possibility. Scroll down till you discover the Unlock with Apple Watch part (you should be related to an Apple Look ahead to the setting to seem), the place you may activate the characteristic for any watches linked to your iPhone. It is fairly superior. 

6. Transfer the deal with bar in Safari again to its authentic spot

Apple moved the deal with bar in Safari to the underside of the display by default in iOS 15. This could theoretically really feel extra pure because it’s nearer to the keyboard and the place you sometimes place your thumbs. However it may be off-putting since many individuals are used to seeing the URL bar close to the highest of the display, as is the case on laptops. 

You possibly can change this by opening Settings, tapping Safari, and selecting the Single Tab possibility beneath the Tabs subheading. 

Learn extra: Overlook the iPhone 13 — here is why the iPhone 11 continues to be an awesome purchase in 2021

7. Manage your alerts with a notification abstract

Apple needs that can assist you handle your notifications in iOS 15, beginning with the Notification Abstract characteristic. Reasonably than letting notifications pile up on your house display, you may schedule non-urgent alerts to reach in a bundle at a particular time of day. Essential notifications like calls, direct messages and different time-sensitive alerts (just like the standing of your Uber or Lyft experience for instance) will nonetheless seem instantly.

To do that out, open Settings, press Notifications, and faucet Scheduled Abstract. 

iphone-lock-screen-screenshot.png

You possibly can determine which options you wish to entry when your cellphone is locked. 


Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

8. Customise the options you need to use when your iPhone is locked

There are occasions while you would possibly have to have sure info useful even when your cellphone is locked. That is why Apple permits you to allow some options with out having to unlock your system. These embody the notification heart, Management Middle, capacity to answer to messages and the Pockets app, amongst others.

Customise the options you’d prefer to entry on the lock display by launching the Settings menu, faucet Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode when prompted. Scroll down till you see the Permit Entry When Locked part, and toggle the sliders based mostly in your preferences. 

iphone-default-app-screenshot

You now not have to make use of Safari or Mail as your default iPhone apps. 


Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

9. Set your favourite e-mail app or internet browser as your default

It has been a very long time coming, however final 12 months’s iOS 14 replace lastly introduced the power to decide on your individual default apps — at the very least for e-mail and internet shopping. Which means while you faucet a hyperlink or a button for sending an e-mail, your iPhone will mechanically launch the net browser or e-mail supplier of your selecting somewhat than Safari or Mail. 

To get began, open the Settings menu and choose the app you’d prefer to set as a default (e.g., Google Chrome, Outlook, and so on.). You need to then see a button that claims Default Mail App or Default Browser App. Faucet that possibility and choose the app of your selecting as an alternative of Safari or Mail. 

10. Present full notifications in your lock display

The primary time you expertise Apple’s Face ID tech, you will discover which you could’t see the content material of recent alerts and notifications on the lock display. For instance, as an alternative of seeing who despatched you a textual content message and what it says, you will solely see a generic Messages alert.

By default, all iPhones with Apple’s Face ID tech will disguise the content material of an alert till you choose up your cellphone and unlock it by taking a look at it. It is a privateness characteristic that I somewhat get pleasure from, however I additionally get how it may be annoying (and have heard a number of complaints from readers and relations alike).

You possibly can change how notifications seem in your lock display by going to Settings > Notifications > Present Previews and choose At all times. Conversely, you may choose By no means if you wish to maintain the content material of your notifications at all times hidden on the lock display.

iphone-12-hdr-video

HDR video seems nice, but it surely does not work in every single place but.


Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET

11. You would possibly wish to flip off this digicam characteristic… for now

Telephones within the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineup can report HDR — or excessive dynamic vary — video with Dolby Imaginative and prescient. All that jargon means your movies might be brighter with extra correct colours and improved distinction. Sounds superior, proper? It’s. However there’s an issue — not each app or service will work with HDR video. 

Builders might want to replace their app(s) with a view to settle for HDR video, however even then, the particular person viewing the video will want a succesful system to see the HDR distinction. For Apple units, that features the iPhone 8 or newer, the 2020 iPad Air, second-generation iPad Professional and some Macs. 

So, what are you able to do? Properly, you have got a number of choices: 

  • You possibly can flip off HDR video by going to Settings > Digital camera > Document video and switch the change subsequent to HDR Video to the Off place. Going ahead, all movies might be captured in normal dynamic vary, and you will not have any points sharing or enhancing it.
  • Go away HDR Video turned on, however while you wish to share the video with, say, Fb, use the Images app as an alternative of going into the Fb app and importing it there. By utilizing the Images app, your iPhone will mechanically convert the video to SDR and add it. While you ship the video to a different iPhone consumer, Apple will detect if their iPhone, iPad or Mac is suitable with HDR Dolby Imaginative and prescient. If it isn’t, Apple will convert the video mechanically.
  • Should you go away HDR Video on and have to edit your video, you need to use Apple’s iMovie app or the Images app that is constructed into your iPhone. You possibly can even use iMovie to export the video as SDR if wanted. 
52-iphone-12-2020

Customise your house display on iOS 14 and the iPhone 12. 


Patrick Holland/CNET

12. Keep away from dwelling display app muddle

With the discharge of iOS 14 in 2020, iPhone customers have extra choices and management over what their dwelling display seems like than ever earlier than. The App Library, for instance, acts as an app drawer, permitting you to take away apps from your house display with out deleting them. Heck, you may even totally customise your cellphone’s look with completely different app icons and widgets — it’s extremely Android-like, and there is nothing improper with that.

Should you just like the minimal look, you then’ll wish to ensure that newly put in apps aren’t mechanically positioned on your house display each time you obtain an app. Or, on the flip facet, if you don’t need new apps to go on to the App Library the place you are certain to overlook about their existence after a day or two, go to Settings > Residence Display and choose both Add to Residence Display or App Library Solely.

On an iPhone with 3D Contact, you need to use a third-party app to play longer period “Stay” images in your lock display.


Patrick Holland/CNET

13. Use fancy wallpapers 

One other dwelling display tweak you must make entails your wallpaper or background. Apple has added some new wallpapers of its personal in current updates, with a reasonably cool twist. 

Open the Settings app in your iPhone and choose Wallpaper from the checklist. Be certain the change, labeled “Darkish Look Dims Wallpaper,” beneath the 2 thumbnail previews of your wallpaper is turned on. Now, faucet Select a brand new wallpaper and choose both Stills or Stay. See the circle close to the underside of every wallpaper? It is half black, half white. 

That circle signifies that the wallpaper has a light-weight and darkish mode model and can change mechanically based mostly on the system standing of your cellphone. 

You too can set reside wallpapers as your background should you’re not offered on darkish and light-weight mode.

dark-mode-iphone-11

Darkish Mode on the iPhone certain seems good. 


Jason Cipriani/CNET

14. Activate darkish mode. You will not remorse it

Talking of darkish mode, should you do not wish to should repeatedly regulate your display’s brightness, you need to use your cellphone’s devoted darkish mode that is been confirmed to avoid wasting on battery life. Darkish mode converts the entire white backgrounds in apps to, most of the time, a black background. In flip, your cellphone is ready to save battery energy because of the darker colours. 

Flip it on by going to Settings > Show & Brightness and deciding on the Darkish possibility on the prime of the display. 

Apple’s apps will mechanically change to a darkish shade scheme and most third-party apps have additionally adopted the characteristic. 

ios-13-privacy-settings

Apple has put all of its privateness controls in a single place. 


Jason Cipriani/CNET

15. Arrange a Focus to handle your notifications

We get plenty of notifications day by day, however not all of them are related on a regular basis. With iOS 15, Apple launched a brand new characteristic to deal with this referred to as Focus Mode. Consider it as a kind of customized Do Not Disturb, however tailor-made to particular circumstances. 

This enables notifications from vital individuals and apps to return by in order that you do not miss something, whereas blocking out much less related alerts. You possibly can arrange various kinds of Focus modes for particular circumstances. Apple at the moment affords choices for Do Not Disturb, private, sleep, work, driving, health, gaming, mindfulness and studying, however you can too create your individual customized mode. You possibly can schedule Focus modes in order that they activate mechanically when wanted, and show a standing in apps in order that others know when you have got notifications silenced. 

To get began, open the Settings menu, faucet Focus, and select one of many accessible choices to arrange your notification preferences. Faucet the plus (+) image within the prime proper nook so as to add a brand new Focus. 

16. Make display textual content simpler to learn

With a few faucets in your iPhone’s display, you may regulate the font measurement to make it simpler to learn. Open Settings and go to Show & Brightness > Textual content Measurement the place you need to use the slider till you are proud of the font measurement. 

For a bit added oomph, you may activate Daring Textual content (it is just under the Textual content Measurement button). 

iphone-11-pro-max-15

Face ID does not at all times get it proper. 


Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET

17. Add an alternate look to Face ID

Apple’s facial recognition characteristic, Face ID, always learns and relearns completely different elements of your face with every scan. Should you’re struggling to get Face ID to persistently acknowledge you, attempt the Alternate Look possibility. 

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > enter your PIN > Set Up An Alternate Look and undergo the method of enrolling your face once more. 

auto-brightness

Preserve your display dim to avoid wasting battery life. 


Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET

18. Disable auto brightness for longer battery life

Your iPhone’s display brightness degree can have a big effect on battery life. By default, iOS will mechanically regulate the show’s brightness based mostly on how a lot mild the ambient sensor detects. However if you wish to take full management, you may disable auto-brightness, which means no matter you set the brightness degree at is the place it should keep till you regulate it once more. 

Open Settings > Accessibility > Show & Textual content Measurement and on the backside of the web page, you will discover a change to show off Auto-Brightness. 

Now, everytime you wish to regulate your display, you are able to do so by opening Management Middle with a swipe up from the underside of the display on a tool with a house button, or a swipe down from the top-right nook on newer iPhones. 

19. Triage your privateness settings

The primary time you arrange a cellphone and all your apps, you are bombarded with prompts asking for permissions to entry private info starting from monitoring your location to your Apple Well being info or your digicam roll. It is too simple to get within the behavior of approving every little thing simply so you need to use the app, however take a couple of minutes and undergo your privateness settings and tailor what every app can and might’t see. We stroll you thru the method in two fast steps. 

Management Middle has plenty of potential, you simply should customise it. 


Jason Cipriani/CNET

20. Management Middle places every little thing a faucet and swipe away

Management Middle is a handy spot to rapidly change songs, activate airplane mode, connect with Wi-Fi or begin a timer, however there’s a lot extra to it than that. You possibly can rapidly flip your flashlight on, verify on a timer or begin recording your display with a fast swipe and faucet. 

Customise which apps and options can be found in Management Middle by opening Settings > Management Middle. Take away an possibility with a faucet on the purple minus button or add an possibility by deciding on the inexperienced addition button. Drag options up or down utilizing the three-line icon on the precise facet of the display. 

Personally, I like having fast entry to the Pockets app, turning on low-power mode and toggling darkish mode. 

As a reminder, you probably have an iPhone with a house button, just like the 2020 iPhone SE, you may swipe up from the underside of the display to open Management Middle. You probably have an iPhone with Face ID, like an iPhone X ($332 at Amazon), XS or 13, you will have to swipe down from the top-right nook of the display the place the battery icon is. 

For extra, here is the right way to arrange your new iPhone and the right way to switch your knowledge out of your previous iPhone. Plus, this iOS 15 trick provides you extra iCloud storage without spending a dime.

Leave a Comment