How to Do Everything on iPhone: Essential Tips and Tricks

The iPhone is more than just a phone—it’s a powerful tool for communication, photography, entertainment, and productivity. But even experienced users may overlook built‑in features that can make life easier. This comprehensive, up‑to‑date guide covers essential iPhone shortcuts and tricks—from taking screenshots and changing wallpapers, to unlocking your device without a computer (legally!), pairing AirPods, and even ejecting water. Whether you’re a tech novice or an iPhone aficionado, you’ll find something useful here. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone

With Face ID (no Home button): Press the side (Power) button and the Volume Up button simultaneously; release quickly. A thumbnail appears—tap it to edit or swipe left to dismiss.
With Touch ID (Home button model): Press the Home and Side (or Top) button simultaneously; release quickly.
Access edits: Tap the floating thumbnail or open your Photos → Albums → Screenshots.

2. How to Switch Off iPhone

Face ID models: Press and hold side button + Volume Up (or Down) until power-off slider appears.
Touch ID models: Hold the side or top button until slider appears.
Slide to power off. To turn on, hold the side/top button until the Apple logo appears.

3. How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Laptop

On Windows: Connect via USB; allow access on the iPhone. Open File Explorer → “Apple iPhone” → DCIM folder; drag photos to PC.
On Mac: Use Photos app (connect via USB or Wi‑Fi sync) or AirDrop to send wirelessly.
Via iCloud: Enable Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Photos → switch on iCloud Photos. Access from iCloud.com or Mac Photos app and download images.

4. How to Set Ringtone on iPhone

Purchase tones in Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Ringtone → Tone Store.
Use GarageBand:
1. Open GarageBand, import song.
2. Trim to max 30 sec.
3. Tap Share → Ringtone → export.
4. Set in Settings → Sounds → Ringtone.

Alternatively, create custom ringtones using iTunes on a computer, then sync.

5. How to Hide Apps on iPhone

From Home Screen: Long-press the app → Remove App → Remove from Home Screen (app stays in App Library).
Using App Library: Swipe to App Library and manually hide rarely used apps from Home screen.
Using Screen Time Restrictions: Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps → disable.

6. How to Restart iPhone

Face ID models: Press and hold side and Volume Down buttons until slider appears; slide to power off, then hold side button to restart.
Touch ID models: Hold side/top button until slider appears.
For a “soft” restart: quickly press Volume Up → Volume Down → hold side button until Apple logo.

7. How to Hide Photos on iPhone

In Photos, select images → tap Share → Hide. Confirm. The photos move to Hidden album in Albums → Utilities.
Use Settings → Photos to hide or show the Hidden album.
For more privacy, use Notes or third‑party apps.

8. How to Screen Record on iPhone

Add control: Settings → Control Center → add Screen Recording.
Open Control Center → tap record icon → 3‑sec countdown → recording begins. Microphone audio: long‑press icon and turn on Microphone Audio.
To stop: tap red status bar or icon in Control Center. Recording saves to Photos.

9. How to Delete Contacts from iPhone

Open Contacts or Phone → find contact → tap Edit → scroll to Delete Contact → confirm.
Delete multiple: third‑party apps (e.g., Delete Contacts+) or via iCloud.com on computer.

10. How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone

Apple’s rules restrict YouTube downloads. Use:

YouTube Premium: Allows offline viewing via YouTube app.
Third‑party apps (not App‑Store compliant).
Use web-based downloader via Shortcuts:
1. Install trusted Shortcuts workflow.
2. Paste YouTube link to download. (Be careful about copyright.)

11. How to Share Photos from iPhone to Android

Google Photos: Upload on iPhone → share folder/links → Android user accesses.
Send Anywhere, SHAREit, or Snapdrop.
Email, Messages (MMS), or WhatsApp.
AirDrop doesn’t work with Android.

12. How to Check IMEI Number on iPhone

Dial *#06# — IMEI displays automatically.
Settings → General → About → scroll to IMEI.
On hardware: on SIM tray (iPhone 6s–8), device back or original box/barcode.

13. How to Change Wallpaper on iPhone

Settings → Wallpaper → Choose a New Wallpaper → options for Dynamic, Stills, Live, or your photos. Set for Home screen, Lock screen, or both.
Use dark/light customized wallpapers with preferences.

14. How to Delete Duplicate Contacts on iPhone

Use Merged Contacts via Contacts Cleaner third‑party apps.
Or via iCloud.com: log in → select duplicates → delete/merge manually.
In iOS 17+, automatic duplicate suggestions appear in Contacts.

15. How to Screen Mirror iPhone to TV

Preferable: AirPlay compatible TVs (Apple TV, smart TVs).
Connect iPhone and TV to same network → open Control Center → tap Screen Mirroring → choose TV.
Alternative: use Lightning-to-HDMI Adapter or third-party streaming devices/apps (like AirBeamTV).

16. How to Uninstall App on iPhone

Long‑press app icon → Remove App → Delete App → confirm.
Or in Settings → General → iPhone Storage → tap app → Delete App.
Offload without deleting data: Offload App in storage settings.

17. How to Record Call on iPhone Without App

iPhone doesn’t allow internal call recording due to privacy laws. Workarounds:

Use speakerphone and record with another device.
Use an external recording device connected via headphone jack (Lightning adapter).
Use Google Voice or Zoom for recording calls (with consent).

18. How to Lock App on iPhone

Use Screen Time Limits to lock apps:
1. Settings → Screen Time → App Limits → Add Limit.
2. Select app/category and set time.
3. After limit, request Screen Time passcode to unlock.
For specific apps, use Guided Access (Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access).

19. How to Clear System Data on iPhone

“System Data” can accumulate caches and temp files.
Offload unused apps (Settings → iPhone Storage).
Clear Safari cache: Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data.
Restart iPhone or perform full backup & restore to clean deeply.

20. How to Download Songs on iPhone

Use Apple Music subscription: download songs for offline.
Use iTunes Store: purchase and download.
Use music from third‑party services (Spotify, Amazon Music).
Transfer via Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows): sync local files.

21. How to Check Battery Health on iPhone

Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
View Maximum Capacity (%) and Peak Performance Capability.
Enable Optimized Battery Charging to limit degradation.

22. How to Eject Water from iPhone

Let your iPhone 12 and above play a tone to eject water from speakers:

Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Noise Cancellation → wait for S‑tone to clear.
Or use Shortcuts script: “Water Eject” shortcut (community‑shared).

23. How to AirDrop from iPhone to iPhone

Ensure AirDrop is on: Control Center → press network card → turn on AirDrop (Contacts Only or Everyone).
Share image or file → tap Share → choose AirDrop contact → accept on other iPhone.

24. How to Unlock iPhone Passcode Without Computer

You can’t legally bypass without erasing via computer or iCloud:

To reset remotely: use Find My on iCloud.com → Erase iPhone → then restore backup via iCloud during setup.
If you don’t own the device, only legitimate options involve entering the correct passcode or Face/Touch ID.

25. How to Clean iPhone Speakers

Gently brush speaker mesh with a dry soft-bristle toothbrush or clean, dry cotton swab.
Avoid liquids or sharp tools; use compressed air only briefly at a distance.

26. How to Find iPhone if Lost

Use another Apple device or Find My app at iCloud.com → see location on map.
Play sound, enable Lost Mode, or erase remotely.
Must be powered on and connected to internet.

27. How to Delete Duplicate Photos on iPhone

In Photos (iOS 16+), go to Albums → Utilities → Duplicates → Merge duplicates.
Manually delete unused duplicates.
Use third‑party apps like Remo Duplicate Photos Remover.

28. How to Change Hotspot Name on iPhone

Changing your iPhone’s name changes the hotspot name:
Settings → General → About → Name → edit. Hotspot will appear as “Your Name’s iPhone.”

29. How to Change Country on iPhone

For App Store region:
1. Settings → [Your name] → Media & Purchases → View Account → Country/Region → Change Country or Region → choose new country, accept terms, add valid payment method.
Changing region may affect subscriptions and service availability.

30. How to Backup Contacts on iPhone

iCloud backup: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → toggle on Contacts. Contacts sync to iCloud automatically.
Via vCard export in Contacts app or iCloud.com.
Use third‑party backup apps.

31. How to View Wi‑Fi Password on iPhone

iOS doesn’t display saved Wi‑Fi passwords by default.
Workaround: On iOS 16+, go to Settings → Wi‑Fi → tap “ℹ️” next to network → tap the password field → authenticate via Face/Touch ID → password displays.
Alternatively, view on a paired Mac or router settings.

32. How to Clear RAM on iPhone

iOS manages memory automatically, but clearing RAM can help:

For Face ID models: Without shutdown: Press Volume Up → quickly Volume Down → then hold side button until power-off slider appears → tap Cancel. RAM is cleared.
For Touch ID models: Hold Home button until it clears.
Restarting the phone also clears RAM.

33. How to Pair Apple Watch with iPhone

Turn on Apple Watch; approach iPhone.
When pairing screen appears, tap Continue; or open Watch app on iPhone → Start Pairing.
Align watch in iPhone camera viewfinder.
Follow on-screen prompts; sign in with your Apple ID and configure settings.

34. How to Connect AirPods with iPhone

For AirPods (1st/2nd gen) and Pro:

Open AirPods case near iPhone.
Wait for animation; tap Connect.
Follow on-screen steps.
Already paired with Apple ID, will automatically connect to other Apple devices.

For manual pairing:

Open Control Center → long press audio card → tap Bluetooth icon → select AirPods.

Putting It All Together

This guide is your go-to resource for mastering iPhone’s essential functions—whether you’re setting ringtones, hiding apps, managing storage, or pairing accessories. Bookmark it or send it to friends—your next tech problem is now easily solved!