11 Things to Do on a New iPhone
By: RebootPoint_employee | Published: March 26, 2024
Photo by Tyler Lastovich
Your iPhone is unquestionably a fantastic piece of technology, with its sleek appearance, cutting-edge features, and tremendous capabilities. With great power, though, comes great responsibility — and, in this case, great adjustment. Your new iPhone is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch, with an abundance of options for enhancing its usefulness and making it distinctively yours. In this post, we’ll walk you through eleven crucial things to do that will help you make the most of your device from day one, whether it’s boosting efficiency, assuring security, or discovering hidden gems.
- The importance of these initial configurations
- Setting up Face ID or fingerprint lock
- Widgets
- Use a protective case and screen protector
- Customize the lock screen (iOS 16)
- Getting a VPN
- Downloading useful apps
- Prevent cross-ad tracking
- Set up Apple Pay
- Enable Find My Device
- Night mode and warmer screen
- Customize the Control Center
The importance of these initial configurations
Personalization and experience: You can modify the look, feel, and capabilities of your iPhone by setting up its settings to suit your tastes. This results in an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly interface. A more efficient user experience is produced by grouping programs, making folders, and positioning widgets on the home screen to maximize accessibility and expedite everyday interactions.
Permissions for the app: App permissions can be reviewed and adjusted to guarantee that programs access just the data that is required. User privacy can be preserved by restricting access to sensitive data, such as contacts or location information.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): By requiring an extra verification step, enabling 2FA for Apple ID improves account security. In the case that login credentials are stolen, this stops illegal access to iCloud and other Apple services.
Apple ID security settings: To preserve account control and thwart unwanted access, it’s important to periodically check and update Apple ID security settings, which include trusted devices and recovery choices.
Control over location services: Users can restrict which applications can access their location data by managing the location services settings. This improves privacy and stops pointless tracking.
iMessage and FaceTime: Setting up iMessage and FaceTime guarantees dependable video calling and texting between Apple devices. Without using SMS, you can send text messages, images, and videos via Wi-Fi with iMessage. FaceTime allows for immersive conversation with crystal-clear video calls.
iCloud and Apple ID: On your new iPhone, setting up iCloud and creating an Apple ID is more than just activating the device. It opens up a world of features and services that offer convenience, security, and a seamless integration with your everyday life inside the Apple ecosystem.
Cloud-based storage: You can share, access, and save files on different Apple devices using iCloud Drive. Get files, images, and videos from any device that is connected to iCloud. Exchange files with others to make teamwork easier.
Setting up Face ID or fingerprint lock
Your iPhone holds a lot of your private information and data, so you should keep it secure from other people by setting up a few security features. Face recognition technology (FaceID) has become more secure, faster, and more convenient than typing in a password. If you own an older iPhone (iPhone 8 and below), you can use the fingerprint sensor instead, which is a feature that should be used.
Secure and quick: With Apple’s FaceID face recognition technology, you can unlock your iPhone, verify transactions, and access private data in a very safe and effective manner. By using sophisticated facial mapping and recognition, FaceID lowers the possibility of unwanted access. Its hands-free and speedy authentication makes it practical for daily usage.
Widgets
Widgets are small boxes on your home screen that display up-to-date information from different apps. These widgets can, for example, display key information about the weather, stock news, the number of steps you’ve taken, and much more without opening up any app. This saves not only time but also battery life.
Dynamic user interface: Widgets provide your home screen with a dynamic and engaging appearance by blending in smoothly with its layout. Using colorful and captivating widgets, you may personalize your home screen a little bit. Get updates and animations in real-time right on your home screen.
Use a protective case and screen protector
Smartphones, especially expensive iPhones, need to be protected from damage. Make sure you invest in a good quality case for your phone to prevent scratches and damage from accidental drops. In addition to keeping your iPhone protected, you should also get a screen protector that protects the screen since the screen can easily be scratched or cracked. Furthermore, these things will extend your phone’s lifespan, making it more valuable over time.
Protection against drops: Unintentional drops are frequent and can cause serious harm, such as broken displays or malfunctioning internal components. More shock absorption is provided by a well-designed phone cover, lowering the possibility of screen and internal component damage. The cost of fixing a shattered screen or other damage might be high; a protective cover helps keep those expenses down.
Reducing scratches: Unattractive scratches on your phone’s surface might result from regular use, which includes putting it on different surfaces. Remaining scratch-free on the outside helps preserve the phone’s value as a collector’s item, particularly for high-end models. Purchasing a case prolongs the life of your iPhone and keeps it looking brand new and free of scratches.
Customize the lock screen (iOS 16)
iOS 16 introduces new and valuable features to your iPhone, including the ability to customize your lock screen. You may now add widgets to your lock screen, modify the clock’s design, and have numerous lock screens, among other things. Press and hold the lock screen to access the customization tool.
Clock design: Users can now add a bit more personalization to this helpful utility by customizing the lock screen clock’s look. There are several clock designs, typefaces, and color options to fit your preferences. To add even more individuality to your gadget experience, personalize the clock’s appearance to match your style or wall covering.
Multiple lock screens: iOS 16 gives users the ability to have numerous lock screens, making it simple for them to move between various configurations. Make unique lock screen setups for different events or themes to adjust your iPhone to different situations. Feel free to play around with various clock faces, backgrounds, and widgets to customize each lock screen to your own taste.
Getting a VPN
Your phone is probably the most used electronic device, and it’s filled with personal information that you don’t want hackers and other people to get their hands on. Installing a VPN will help protect against malware and intruders, hide your location, and more.
Location privacy: Sensitive information could be revealed and your privacy may be jeopardized by geo-location tracking. By directing your connection through servers located in several regions, VPNs allow you to conceal your true location. VPNs protect your privacy by hiding your actual location and preventing location-based tracking.
Data privacy: Security and privacy are seriously threatened by unauthorized access to your phone. By hiding your IP address, VPNs make it more difficult for hackers to monitor your online activity. VPNs strengthen your connection and lower the possibility of unwanted access, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
Downloading useful apps
Buying a new iPhone opens a smooth digital experience, and the key to achieving the full potential of your smartphone is making sure it is loaded with the necessary apps. We’ve compiled a list of essential apps that are essential to a useful and comprehensive iPhone experience below. By installing these necessary applications, you can make sure that your brand-new iPhone has all the features and tools required for a smooth and enjoyable online experience.
Spotify
Spend some time unwinding while listening to some music. Listening to music all day can be beneficial when working out or if you need some motivation. Spotify provides a huge selection of high-quality music at a reasonable cost.
Youtube
This app should be one of the first ones you download on your new phone because YouTube is a great source of videos for entertainment, education, and much more.
Google Drive
Documents, presentations, files, and more, are what you get with Google Drive. Not only is this a fantastic platform, but it is also accessible on many other devices, and the whole thing is free. Due to its simple sharing and editing capabilities, Google Drive is especially excellent for collaborative projects and assignments.
Google Maps
Apple has its own map app, but Google Maps is much better. Google Maps has more data and better options, making it better and more convenient than Apple Maps.
Prevent cross-ad tracking
Advertisers rely on cross-app tracking, often referred to as cross-site tracking or cross-device monitoring, to keep tabs on consumers’ online activity across various applications, websites, and devices. They can produce thorough user-profiles and offer tailored adverts depending on the surfing habits, interests, and past activities of their users thanks to this tracking.
Limit the tracking of ads: iOS has the ability to restrict ad tracking worldwide. Toggle off the “Allow Apps to Request to Track” option to activate this function. Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking. This stops apps from using the Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) on your smartphone to monitor users.
Set up Apple Pay
With Apple Pay, you can make purchases without having to carry cash or a credit card with you. With the use of NFC technology, which enables payment with a smartphone, Apple Pay delivers safe and simple payment. It’s quick, simple, and definitely worth it to set up.
Tokenization: A safe tokenization procedure is used by Apple Pay. To reduce the danger of card information disclosure, a unique token is produced for every transaction rather than your real card details being transmitted.
Online purchasing: When purchasing online, Apple Pay makes the checkout process less complicated. A single tap can be used by users to make in-app transactions securely. Furthermore, this feature offers a thorough transaction history for every Apple Pay purchase, so you can keep an eye on your expenditures.
Let go of the wallet: Leave behind your wallets and the necessity to carry several credit or debit cards. Apple Pay simplifies your daily needs by combining all of your cards into a digital format.
Quick setup with Apple Pay:
- Launch the Wallet app.
- To add a card, tap ‘+’.
- Enter information or scan the card.
- Set and confirm Face/Touch ID.
- Accept the terms.
- The card is now attached!
- All set to pay with a tap.
Enable Find My Device
“Find My Devices” is a beneficial security feature available on all Apple devices. This feature enables you to locate any lost Apple device, which is helpful if you’ve misplaced or had your device stolen. The “Find My Device” function is beneficial because it makes it more difficult for others to steal and sell your device.
Anti-theft: “Find My Devices” serves as an effective barrier against theft, making it far more difficult for unauthorized persons to steal your Apple device. The fact that the item can be tracked down and retrieved deters others from trying to steal it.
Remote control: This function offers remote management in addition to location tracking. To safeguard private information, users can remotely lock their devices, put personalized messages on the lock screen, and even start a complete device wipe.
Track your phone: “Find My Devices” is mostly useful for determining the precise location of any lost Apple device. Apple Watches, MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, and more are included in this. This function makes it easier to locate your device precisely, whether it’s misplaced at home or in a coffee shop.
Night mode and warmer screen
When setting up your phone, you can choose between a light or dark theme, and we believe a dark theme has more benefits. The darker theme will be gentler on your eyes since a darker screen will put less strain on the eyes and emit less blue light, which is bad for your eyes.
Night mode will also slightly improve your battery life by turning off the pixels on your screen (keep in mind that this only works on devices with OLED displays).
Better visibility: Dark themes work well in dimly lit environments. The darker backdrop improves visibility without being uncomfortable while using your phone in low light or at night. This is especially useful for reading or browsing at night.
Decreased eye strain: One of the main benefits of going with a dark theme is that it may lessen eye strain. Your eyes will strain less on the darker screen, especially if you use the phone for longer periods. This may result in a more cozy and entertaining watching experience.
Visual elegance: Besides the benefits for health, many users find dark themes visually pleasing. Your phone looks sleek and elegant with a black UI, adding a contemporary and fashionable touch.
Customize the Control Center
Customizing the Control Center on your new iPhone is essential to making it fit your unique requirements, tastes, and usage patterns. You can maximize your iPhone experience and make it uniquely yours by personalizing the Control Center, regardless of your priorities: efficiency, accessibility, security, or customization.
Efficiency: You may improve productivity and streamline your workflow by adding the features you use most frequently to the Control Center. You may save time and effort by accessing frequently used tasks with a single swipe, rather than having to go through several menus or settings.
Decreased clutter: The Control Center’s default settings or features may contain items you seldom ever use, which clogs the interface and lessens its intuitiveness. By personalizing it, you may clear out extraneous controls and simplify the UI, making the user experience neater and more structured.