Airplane mode for the movies: Wear an Apple Watch? Theater mode silences your notifications when you don’t want your watch to light up or make a sound. Swipe up from your control center and tap on the Theater mode button (it looks like a happy face and a sad face side by side).
How to get ahold of someone whose iPhone is on Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb mode has been standard on smartphones for a long time, and it’s excellent for keeping distractions at bay. It’s a great feature, but people avoid using it for fear of missing important calls and messages from certain people. Not to worry!
Here’s how to get around that so you can use Do Not Disturb without worry.
First, a refresher
Do Not Disturb mode does just that — it silences calls, alerts and notifications while your phone is locked (check out the Notification Center to see what you missed). You can set it up during work or when you need a break.
But what if someone you care about is trying to get through? That’s what exceptions are for. We’ll show you how to set up Do Not Disturb precisely how you want it.
Let these people through
Here’s how to let select people’s messages come through when using Do Not Disturb mode:
- Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb.
- Tap People and make sure Allow Notifications From is checked.
- Tap Add People and choose from your list of contacts.
- Tap Done when you’re finished.
What about phone calls? There’s a separate setting for that:
- Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb.
- Tap People, then tap the option next to Allow Calls From (the default is Contact Only)
- Choose Allowed People Only to let the people you added in the steps above ring your phone.
Bypassing Do Not Disturb with the Find My app
The Find My app lets you find your lost device by giving directions and playing a sound. This vital tool bypasses Do Not Disturb as well.
Turn your iPhone into a full-fledged webcam
With most video chatting platforms, you must download a large program, create an account and log in. Then you’ll have to figure out how it works. But there’s one great option that fixes all that. Tap or click here for a free video chat program that doesn’t require an account or even your name.
Worried someone is snooping on your iPhone? Here's how to record evidence
Safety Check for iPhone lets you quickly stop sharing your information or review and update sharing with people and apps. It’s among several safety features introduced with iOS 16, which you can read about here.
You’ll want evidence if you’ve experienced harmful or suspicious activity on your phone and must report it. Screenshots can help, but that might not always be enough. Here’s how to record what’s happening on your screen.
Tools you didn’t know were built into your iPhone
The iPhone turns 16 this year and is constantly evolving. Here’s what may be coming with iOS 17 later this year.
Whether you’re new to the iPhone or have had one for years, there’s always something new to discover. Check out these tools you’ll use all the time.
Pump it up: Stream music, movies or whatever’s on your iPad to a larger screen. Just tap the AirPlay icon in the Control Center and select an AirPlay-compatible device. Score.
WHAT? Your iPhone has a hidden way to make calls sound clearer. To turn on Voice Isolation, answer a call, then swipe from the top right corner of your screen to open the Control Center. Tap Mic Mode > Voice Isolation.
What will Apple announce for iOS 17 in June?
You know it’s a big deal when Apple rushes out one update after another. The latest iOS 16.4.1 patch addresses zero-day flaws and other security concerns. Here’s what you need to know and how to get the update.
If we go by the release dates of Apple’s mobile operating system going back to iOS 6, we should see the next one this September. And as is usual, Apple will announce what’s coming at its annual Developers Conference in June.
Need hearing aids? New study says AirPods might do the trick
Millions of people struggle to hear properly, which can significantly affect their quality of life. But correct medical care and equipment can be costly and difficult to maintain. Tap or click here to use your Echo to get medical help.
The latest iPhone update introduced a bug - Try this if your Wi-Fi is spotty
It is increasingly rare for software updates to be glitch-free. Over the last few years, there have been numerous instances where a new operating system, software upgrade or firmware update introduced weird bugs.
And the tech giants are not immune to these bugs, either. Microsoft’s Windows 11 launch generated several bugs, and now Apple’s latest iOS update is acting up for some users. If you notice that your Wi-Fi is losing connection, it’s most likely this latest glitch.
Customize your iPhone's Control Center with these hidden options
We’re getting to the point where a smartphone can completely replace a wallet. You already can pay and carry important documents on your phone, including car insurance, proof of vaccination, boarding pass, event tickets and more.
Listener question: 'Which video screen recording software should I use?'
What do you do when you want to capture what’s on your screen exactly as it is? You take a screenshot. Want to share a funny post or comment from social media with your text group? Take a screenshot. Saw something online that you think your friend would love? Send them a screenshot.
Baby crying? Glass breaking? Easily turn your iPhone into a noise-detection device
Apple has plenty of ways to help track your health. You just need to know how to use its health features like those you’ll find for Apple Watch. Tap or click here to enable and use the health features on your Apple Watch.
Amazing iPhone audio trick you need to try with a friend
Wireless earbuds are everywhere. They’re great for listening to tunes and podcasts during your commute and work just as well for calls and videos. They pair to your device via Bluetooth and are available from many manufacturers.
iPhone tip: How to identify a song with just a tap of your finger
There were so many cool features rolled out with iOS 14 that it’s hard to keep count. Thanks to the update, iPhone users now have widgets, shortcuts for emoji and a slew of other new features to play with, too.
Apple products have always been super popular, but this new iOS really took iPhones and iPads to the next level with fun and productive features. You can even use Apple Maps to avoid red light cameras and speed traps thanks to the OS upgrade, which completely overhauled the way iPhones work.
Apple trick: How to share audio across two sets of AirPods
Apple’s AirPods cut down on some inconveniences by getting rid of wires and as you might expect, it’s much easier to share what you’re listening to with whoever’s next to you. Today, it only takes a few taps to share audio with two sets of AirPods.
One of the best new iPhone features you're not using yet
Every year Apple launches a major revision of its operating system and this year’s release, iOS 14, brings with it a huge number of new features. There is a new Translation app, new memojis and new ways to increase privacy.
How to record your screen on iPhone and iPad
We’ve all been spending more time with our smartphones and tablets of late. You may have even taken the time to learn some pro tips while you were sheltering in place. When you discover a neat trick you might want to share it with someone by sending a screenshot.
You can stop police from asking for your Ring doorbell videos - here's how
We’ve seen a lot of news about Ring video doorbells lately. None of it good.
For example, we recently learned hackers found a way to take control of Ring devices that have microphones and built-in cameras. Not only that, but thousands of Ring passwords were leaked online. Tap or click here for all the gory details.
Ring is giving you more privacy controls - change these settings now
Updated 02/03/2020 to include new information about data sharing and Control Center limitations.
Home security has gotten a huge boost in recent years from new technology. Even your doorbell is getting smarter.