Your iPhone can be a useful tool to boost your productivity. In this article, we’ve lined up ten simple tips that will help you work smarter. Whether you’re a student with a packed schedule or a professional managing a bunch of tasks, these iPhone productivity hacks are here to make your life easier.
1. Enable Do Not Disturb and Focus Modes
Being productive often means striking a balance between work and personal life. While third-party productivity tools like app blockers and time-tracking software can be helpful in achieving this balance, your iPhone shouldn’t add to the distractions either.
Think about this common situation: You’re deep into an important task, and suddenly your iPhone buzzes with a notification. You give in and check it. Before you know it, you’re scrolling through social media or diving into mobile games. To prevent such situations, your iPhone offers two helpful features: “Do Not Disturb” and “Focus” modes.
Do Not Disturb Mode: This mode gives you a distraction-free zone. As the name suggests, it puts a lid on incoming notifications, calls, and sounds. It’s particularly valuable when you need uninterrupted focus. You can also customize it to permit calls from specific contacts, ensuring that critical communication is never missed.
Here is how to set Do Not Disturb Mode:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Do Not Disturb.
- Toggle on the Do Not Disturb switch.
- You can customize further settings like allowing calls from specific contacts or scheduling Do Not Disturb for specific times.
Focus Mode: This feature lets you customize your iPhone behavior. For example, you can configure a “Work” focus mode. It’ll mute most notifications but still let work-related ones through. Similarly, you can set up a “Personal” focus mode that allows personal notifications to come through during your leisure time.
To set Focus Mode:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Focus.
- Choose a pre-set focus mode (like Work or Personal) or create a custom one.
- Customize notifications, apps, and contacts for that focus mode.
- Activate the focus mode when needed from the Control Center or based on a schedule.
2. Utilize Siri for Hands-Free Messaging and Calls
You can enhance your iPhone productivity with Siri for hands-free messaging and calls. Here’s how it helps:
Voice Commands: Think of Siri as your virtual assistant. You can send messages or make calls using just your voice. For instance, say, “Hey Siri, send a message to John,” and Siri will take care of it.
Incoming Calls: You can set up Siri to tell you who is calling. You also can decide to answer or not, all by talking to Siri.
Siri and CarPlay: If you have CarPlay in your car, Siri becomes your handy companion. You can utilize voice commands to send texts, make calls, or ask for directions. All of this while keeping your hands on the wheel.
Hands-Free Convenience: Siri helps you use your iPhone when your hands are tied. For example, when you’re cooking, working out, or simply occupied.
To set up Siri, go to Settings > Siri & Search. Here you can customize the needed functions.
3. Scan Your Documents
Your iPhone can simplify your life by letting you scan documents effortlessly. Open the Notes app and follow these steps:
Tap the Camera Icon: Within the note, tap the camera icon to access your camera. Select “Scan Documents.”
Position the Document: Put the document in a well-lit area. Position your iPhone so it captures the entire document within the frame.
Capture the Document: Tap the shutter button to capture the document. You can adjust the corners to ensure the scan is accurate. If you have several pages to scan, simply continue capturing each page one by one.
Save and Organize: Once you’ve scanned all the necessary pages, tap “Save” to store the scanned document within your note.
Edit and Share: You can further edit the scan, add text or annotations, and then easily share it via email, messaging apps, or other platforms.
Organize for Easy Access: You can create specific folders for your documents within the Notes. This will keep your scanned files organized.
4. Close Safari Tabs Automatically
If you often find yourself with dozens of tabs open, there is a simple iPhone productivity hack to solve this problem.
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and find Safari among the list of apps.
- Tap on Safari to access its settings.
- Scroll down in Safari’s settings until you see Close Tabs. Tap on Close Tabs.
- You will have options to choose from: “Manually,” “After One Day,” “After One Week,” or “After One Month.” Select your preferred option.
After that, Safari will automatically close tabs after your chosen timeframe. It will help keep your browsing experience organized and clutter-free.
5. Sync Your iPhone with Other Devices
Syncing your iPhone with other devices is a practical move that brings a host of benefits. It’s all about keeping things organized. Plus, your data’s got your back with automatic backup, should the unexpected ever happen to your iPhone. Here’s how to get it done:
iCloud: If you have other Apple devices, Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. Switch on the options for the data you want to sync, like Photos or Contacts. You also need to make sure you use the same Apple ID on your other devices.
Email Accounts: For emails and calendars, add your email accounts to your iPhone’s settings. The data will sync across all your devices with the same account.
Third-party Apps: Some applications provide their own sync options. Enable them in the app settings for consistent data across devices.
6. Use App Limits
Utilizing App Limits is a practical way to control your screen time and keep a healthy digital balance. Here is how to set limits:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
- Tap App Limits.
- Choose a category of apps you want to limit, like Social Networking or Games.
- Set a time limit for that category. Tap Add to activate the limit.
- When you reach the limit, the app icon will gray out, reminding you it’s time to take a break.
7. Optimize iPhone Storage
Storage optimization is crucial for iPhone productivity. A well-optimized device tends to run smoother and faster, so you can enjoy a snappier iPhone experience.
Here is how to perform storage optimization:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Select iPhone Storage.
- Here, you’ll see recommendations for optimizing storage. This includes options like offloading unused apps and deleting large files.
8. Use Custom Text Shortcuts
Custom shortcuts save time by allowing you to type even long phrases with just a few taps. You can personalize your shortcuts for terms or phrases you use frequently.
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Select Keyboard.
- Tap Text Replacement.
- Tap the + sign to add a new shortcut.
- In the Phrase field, type the full word or phrase you want to create a shortcut for.
- In the Shortcut field, type the abbreviation or shortcut.
- Tap Save.
Now, when you type the shortcut in a text message or document, your iPhone will automatically swap it with the complete word or phrase.
9. Use Reminders
Reminders are fantastic for staying organized. They’re your go-to place for tracking tasks, appointments, and important dates all in one spot. You can make lists, sort out priorities, and check things off once they’re done. In addition, reminders sync across all your Apple devices. It ensures your lists and tasks are accessible wherever you go.
- Open Reminders.
- Tap the + icon to create a new reminder.
- Enter the task or event.
- Set a due date and time if needed.
- You can also add additional details, like location-based reminders.
10. Add Extra Details to Contacts
Enhancing your contact details with notes and custom labels is a smart move. It adds context and ensures you remember important information about each contact.
- Open Contacts.
- Tap on the contact you want to edit.
- In the contact card, look for the Edit button in the top right corner. Give it a tap.
- Scroll down until you see an option that says Add Field. This is where you can add custom labels or notes.
- Enter the additional info you want to include.
Related: Local Network Access iPhone – Learn How to Set it Up
