An iPhone is among the most powerful pieces of consumer electronics ever devised. If you’re lucky enough to get one for Christmas, or to pick one up in the Black Friday sales, then you’ll benefit from a range of modern, AI-driven features. But if you want to get the most from your iPhone, you’ll want to set it up in the right way. There are a number of game-changing options that can radically alter your experience with the device.
Use Direct Transfer (Quick Start)
The easiest way to send data from one phone to the next is with the help of a built-in migration tool called Quick Start. You don’t have to waste time starting from scratch – simply make sure that your old phone is backed up somewhere, and then make sure it’s in the vicinity when you get started with your new one.
Prioritize Core Security Features
If you don’t get started with making your phone secure from the beginning, then you’re at risk of running into problems – especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi (or, in fact, if you’re using your phone in public at all).
Set up your Face ID and Touch ID services immediately, and set up a strong password. This will ensure that no one else can get into your phone if it’s stolen. You’ll also want to set up Find My, so that you can see where your phone is (and wipe it from a distance.)
Secure All Connections for Privacy
If you’re browsing, shopping, or sending email, and you don’t want other people to be able to see what you’re doing, then you need a VPN. This is a means of not only encrypting your data, but also routing it through a special server so that not even your internet provider can see where the packets are ultimately being sent.
A good VPN for iPhone is a particularly worthwhile tool if you intend to use public WiFi in, say, an airport bar or a cafe.
Review and Declutter Apps Post-Transfer
Once you’ve transferred all of your apps and settings, you might take a moment to perform a quick audit. It might be that there are apps that you don’t use very often, which can bog down your device, and waste energy.
If you haven’t used an app in six months, delete it. Certain apps might be essential, but data-hungry. If you can’t bring yourself to delete them, at least check the permissions you’re granting, so that they don’t chew through more data than necessary.
Optimize iCloud Storage and Photos
Your iCloud is a great means of ensuring that you don’t waste any space on your device. Make sure that ‘Optimize iPhone Storage’ is checked, under your iCloud photo settings. This will automatically back up high-resolution versions of all your photos, while keeping a local, compressed version, so that you can access them quickly.
