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VOV.VN - SlashGear provides insights on things to avoid when using your iPhone for the first time, ensuring you have the best experience with your new mobile device.
Switching tech habits from Android to iOS, Windows to Mac, or Xbox to PlayStation can be overwhelming. Apple tries to simplify the transition from Android to iOS. For most parts, if you're switching from Android, you can download the 'Move to iOS' app from the Google Play Store, and it will guide you on what will and won't be transferred to your iPhone.
Whether it's your first smartphone or you've just switched from Android, there's a lot to unpack, and learning to use iOS can be overwhelming at first. The significant differences between the two operating systems and the unique hardware features of the iPhone might be new to you. Here are some mistakes to avoid to prevent missed calls or data loss.
Overlooking the mute switch
A top feature that many new users overlook is the mute switch on their iPhone. As Apple points out in the support documentation, the mute switch allows you to quickly silence notifications and ringtones with a simple gesture. The switch is located on the left side, just above the volume buttons. Note that alarms set in the Clock app will still sound even when the switch is on.
If the switch displays an orange stripe (meaning it's pushed down), your iPhone is on silent. If it's positioned up to hide the orange stripe, your iPhone isn't on silent and will make notification sounds as well as ring when you receive calls. Just lowering the volume on the iPhone isn't enough; you'll still get notification sounds unless you've flipped the silent switch.
Of course, you can adjust the default volume for notification sounds by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics, where the 'Ringer and Alerts' slider will do that. And if you want to be able to adjust alert volume continuously, you can enable the 'Change with Buttons' option. With this feature on, you'll be able to change the alert volume when no sound is playing using the volume buttons on your iPhone.
Maximizing iCloud Storage
iCloud is essentially the backbone of an iPhone. It's where all your photos, messages, app data, etc., are stored. Additionally, iCloud backs up the iPhone every night when it's charged and connected to Wi-Fi. iCloud can also be used as a simple storage service similar to Google Drive or Dropbox. As long as you have enough storage for it, you can store anything you want. To upload files, you need to open the Files app and tap on iCloud in the Browse tab.
Though for newcomers to the ISO operating system, you won't see your phone run out of storage immediately, in reality, phone memory fills up quickly. This is especially true if you're someone who takes a lot of photos because photos quickly consume storage space, and Apple only provides you with 5GB for free.
More storage starts at $0.99 per month for 50GB or up to 2TB for $9.99 per month. Users might need to subscribe to a plan to keep their iCloud storage from running out; otherwise, you won't be able to store additional photos and other data that typically syncs with the cloud.
Neglecting to Set Up Find My App in Advance
New iPhone users, especially those new to Apple, may find using Find My very intriguing. Particularly with iOS 15 and above, Find My can track iPhone 11 or newer models for several hours after the battery runs out. Similarly, it can be tracked even if your iPhone isn't connected to cellular or Wi-Fi, as long as other nearby Apple devices are connected to the internet, and you've enabled the relevant settings.
If, for any reason, the Find My app isn't turned on in your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and turn that toggle on. You'll also want to ensure Send Last Location is turned on in that same settings menu. Send Last Location is an optional feature that allows Apple to automatically send your iPhone's location to Apple when the battery is critically low.
As introduced by Apple, Find My also enables what the company calls Activation Lock. This feature prevents thieves from restoring your iPhone to factory settings and resetting it without an Apple ID and password. Similarly, thieves won't be able to turn off the Find My app without an Apple ID and password, making it trackable even if they check and reset the iPhone.
Buying the Wrong Accessories
If you're using iPhone 12 or newer models (excluding iPhone SE), your phone features MagSafe. MagSafe allows you to attach accessories like chargers, wallets, and batteries to your iPhone. This feature works by using a circular magnet integrated into the iPhone and accessories compatible with your MagSafe. The first mistake you want to avoid is buying a phone case that isn't MagSafe-compatible. Since MagSafe is designed with magnets, cases without the built-in magnetic feature mean you won't be able to use MagSafe accessories without removing the case.
MagSafe allows you to attach items like the MagSafe Wallet when you leave home or the MagSafe Battery Pack when your iPhone's battery is running low. In both cases, if you've prepared in advance or have enough juice, you can remove them and keep your iPhone light and mobile. Of course, there are various third-party MagSafe accessories you can explore.
Clicking Prompts Without Paying Attention
Apple highly values privacy, and it's reflected in their software. When you download or open an app for the first time, you might be bombarded with pop-up alerts requesting permissions for various tasks. What you shouldn't do is mindlessly agree to all alerts just to quickly dismiss them. Similarly, you shouldn't constantly tap Deny. The right thing to do is assess the app you just downloaded or opened and decide whether to grant permissions.
Usually, apps have three options related to requesting your location, and you'll need to read them carefully. The 'Always' setting is straightforward and allows the app to access your location even when you're not actively using it. The 'While Using' option permits the app to track your location if you're using the app or if you have a widget on the home screen. You'll also have the 'Allow Once' option, allowing the app to use your location only once.
The second option is ideal if an app only needs to check your general location. For instance, the app might lock certain regions and needs to ensure you're in the allowed area. Of course, you might simply want to completely disable location tracking for the mentioned app by tapping Deny. Another thing to note about location is the Precise Location toggle. When on, apps will have access to your exact location, but when off, apps will only receive your approximate location rather than the precise one.
