8 mistakes made by first-time iPhone users

As a first-time iPhone user, you may not be familiar with all the features and functions the device has to offer. These tips give you a good starting point to get the most out of your iPhone and enjoy many years of use.

1. Not backing up the device regularly

   Your iPhone contains important data such as your contacts, photos, and messages. Losing this data can be devastating if you don’t have a backup. If you use the iCloud backup feature, your smartphone will be backed up automatically as long as it’s connected to WiFi and a power source. You can do this by going to Settings – Your Name – iCloud – iCloud Backup.

2. Not setting the Find feature

   Find may be a feature you think you’ll never have to use, but it’s a good idea to turn it on so you don’t have to worry about it later. It allows you to locate your phone in case it is lost or stolen. To set up Find My, go to Settings – Your Name – iCloud and scroll down to turn on Find My iPhone. You can enable Send Last Location to send the device’s location to Apple when the battery is low.

1. Not paying attention to app permissions

   Your iPhone requests permission to access certain features every time you install an app, such as the camera, microphone, or your location. You should be aware that allowing an app to access sensitive data such as your location or microphone can pose a privacy and security risk. If you want to review the app permissions you have granted, go to Settings – Privacy – Do Not Track.

2. Not using the improved battery charging feature

   Lithium-ion batteries in most modern devices we use, including the iPhone, degrade over time. This means that your battery won’t last as long as it used to. Certain factors such as extreme temperatures (both high and low) and prolonged charging contribute to faster deterioration of the battery. One way to preserve iPhone battery health is to use the improved battery charging feature. This feature uses machine learning to track how often you charge your phone and when you use it. Your device does not stay fully charged overnight and prevents the battery from aging. You can turn on improved battery charging in Settings – Battery – Battery Health.

3. Jailbreak to install non-App Store apps

   If you’ve switched from Android to iPhone, you can look for options to install apps and customize them outside of the store. To remove restrictions imposed by Apple and install unapproved apps from third party sources, you need to jailbreak your phone (root on Android). But jailbreaking can void the iPhone’s warranty, making it more vulnerable to malware and other security threats. It also makes it harder to install future software updates.

1. Use of unlicensed accessories

   Since the Apple charger (adapter) and lightning cable are quite expensive, you can turn to alternatives. When purchasing an Apple accessory for your iPhone at your local electronics store or online, make sure it is licensed by Apple. It may not have undergone the same stringent safety tests as official or licensed Apple accessories, putting the device at risk. You can safely choose the ones with the phrase MFi (Made for iPhone) on them.

2. Not using the mute key

   One of the most useful hardware features on the iPhone is the mute button. It’s been a long time since Apple removed the home button and headphone jack from iPhones, but even the latest iPhone models have a mute button. If you have switched from Android to iOS, you may be surprised and question the necessity of this key. You don’t have to remove the screen to put the phone in silent mode. Also, if you’re watching a video or listening to music, you can quickly and easily mute your device without affecting the volume of the media and without touching the screen.

3. Using third-party password managers

Before you start looking for the best third-party password managers for your phone, you should know that there is a useful and secure solution for your iOS device called iCloud Keychain.

iCloud Keychain is Apple’s built-in password manager that helps you create and store strong passwords for all your accounts and autofill them as needed. It also supports two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It also gives you security recommendations and can detect compromised passwords. You can turn on Keychain under Settings – Your Name – iCloud, and access all saved passwords under Settings – Passwords.