The iPhone’s Settings app is a labyrinth of well-hidden options and useful customizations, but they’re not immediately apparent if you don’t know where to look. Even more confusingly, some of the best settings aren’t in the Settings app at all.
1. Block Web Trackers
We all need to take our online privacy seriously. Today, one of the most common ways you’re being “spied” on is through embedded ads. They let advertisers track you across multiple websites.
To enable the security feature, open the Settings app and go to Safari > Privacy and Security. You should slide the toggles next to Prevent Cross-Site Tracking and Ask Websites Not to Track Me into the On position.
2. Prioritize App Downloads
If you do a bulk download of updates, some of the apps might be out of action for quite a long time while they wait for their place at the front of the download queue. It’s annoying if an app you use all the time is afflicted.
But did you know you can prioritize specific apps to download first? While an app is downloading, 3D Touch (or long-press) it and select Prioritize Download from the list of options. The app will jump to the front of the download queue.
3. Automatically Disconnect From Weak Wi-Fi
If you’ve spent any serious time using public networks, you’ll know how slow and weak they can occasionally be. In such situations, it’s more sensible just use your carrier’s mobile data network.
You can make your phone automatically disconnect from weak networks in advance. Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Assist. It will drop the weak network if speeds are too slow.
4. Lock Your Notes
Despite all the security advice about keeping passwords, online banking details, and other sensitive data safe, a lot of people still use the Notes app to keep a record of such information. If you worried about the contents of your Notes app, you should set up the app’s locking feature.
Go to Settings > Notes > Password. You can enter a password and a hint. If you would prefer to use your fingerprint rather than a password, slide the toggle next to Use Touch ID into the On position. To lock a note, swipe it left and tap on the lock icon. Just don't forget your password... there is no recovery process!
5. Change Video Resolution
A minute of footage will only take up 40MB if you record it in 720p at 30fps, whereas a minute of 4K video will take up about 170MB. And sure, high-resolution videos look great on 4K televisions, but how often are you going do that?
If you want to eek a little more storage out of your phone, consider lowering the video quality. If you’re looking to future proof your memories and have plenty of free space, consider using 4K quality if your iPhone supports it.
To change the resolution, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video. Your model of iPhone will dictate compatible resolution and frame rate.