The best examples of 3 iPhone tips and tricks you need to know in 2025

1. Real examples of 3 iPhone tips and tricks you need to know for everyday life

Let’s start with the first example of a tip that instantly changes how your iPhone behaves: using Focus modes and Notification summaries together. This isn’t about memorizing every menu; it’s about copying a few smart setups that actually match real life.

Example 1: A “Work” Focus that only lets the right people through

Think about your typical workday. You want Slack, email, and your boss to reach you, but not shopping apps, random games, or social media.

Here’s a real-world setup you can use as one of the best examples of 3 examples of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know:

• Open Settings → Focus → Work (or create a new Focus).
• Under Allowed Notifications, tap People and add:
  • Your manager
  • Close coworkers
  • Family members who might need you urgently
• Under Apps, allow:
  • Your work email app
  • Slack/Teams
  • Calendar
• Turn on Share Across Devices so your Mac or iPad follows the same rules.

Now, during work hours, your phone stops behaving like a slot machine and starts acting like a tool. This is one of the best examples of how a tiny configuration change can dramatically reduce distraction.

For context on how distraction impacts focus and productivity, the American Psychological Association has a helpful overview of multitasking research here: https://www.apa.org/research/action/multitask

Example 2: A “Sleep” Focus that actually protects your rest

Another strong example of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know is setting up a Sleep Focus that works with your bedtime.

• Go to Settings → Focus → Sleep.
• In the Health app, set a Sleep Schedule (bedtime and wake time).
• Allow only:
  • Phone (for calls from Favorites or emergency contacts)
  • Messages from family or a partner
• Under Options, turn on Dim Lock Screen and Hide Notifications on Lock Screen.

Now your phone stops flashing at you at midnight because someone liked your photo. This is one of the best examples of combining software features (Health + Focus) for real life.

If you’re curious about why protecting sleep matters so much, the National Institutes of Health has a clear overview here: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation

Example 3: Notification Summary that batches the noise

Notification overload is a classic iPhone complaint. One of the more underrated examples of 3 examples of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know is Scheduled Summary.

• Go to Settings → Notifications → Scheduled Summary.
• Turn it on.
• Choose 2–3 summary times (for example: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 7 p.m.).
• Add noisy apps like:
  • Shopping apps
  • Social media
  • News apps

Now those apps don’t buzz you all day. They show up in batches at the times you picked. It’s a simple example of letting you control your phone instead of the other way around.

2. Best examples of iPhone Lock Screen and Home Screen tricks you need to know

The Lock Screen and Home Screen are where you live all day, which makes them perfect places to look for the best examples of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know. These examples include small layout changes that save you seconds every time you pick up your phone—which adds up fast.

Example 4: A “Glanceable” Lock Screen with real information

Instead of a pretty picture and nothing else, turn your Lock Screen into a quick-status hub.

Try this example of a Lock Screen setup:

• Touch and hold the Lock Screen → tap Customize.
• Add widgets like:
  • Calendar (next event)
  • Weather (current conditions)
  • Batteries (AirPods + iPhone)
  • Activity (if you use Apple Watch)
• If you’re on newer iOS versions, experiment with StandBy mode when charging horizontally on a nightstand.

Now when you tap your phone, you see what’s coming up, what the weather’s doing, and whether your devices are charged—without opening anything. This is a clean example of how to make your iPhone feel smarter without installing a single extra app.

Example 5: A “One-Hand” Home Screen layout that stops thumb gymnastics

If you’re using a larger iPhone, you know the struggle of reaching the top icons. A subtle but powerful example of 3 examples of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know is reorganizing your Home Screen for one-handed use.

Try this layout strategy:

• Put your most-used apps on the bottom two rows of the Home Screen:
  • Messages, Phone, Mail, Browser, Maps.
• Move rarely used apps to the top rows or into folders.
• Turn on Reachability:
  • Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Reachability.
  • On Face ID phones, swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen to bring the top down.

This is a small, practical example of designing your phone around your hand instead of fighting it all day.

Example 6: Widgets that replace entire app opens

Widgets aren’t just decoration. The best examples include widgets that completely remove the need to open apps for common checks.

Some real examples you can try:

• Reminders widget: Shows your today list so you don’t forget tasks.
• Notes widget: Pin a “Capture” note for quick ideas or grocery lists.
• Maps widget: Shows travel time to home or work.
• Batteries widget: Checks AirPods and Watch at a glance.

These are strong examples of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know if you’re trying to cut down on mindless app opening and scrolling.

3. Privacy and safety: less flashy, more important examples of iPhone tips and tricks

The most important iPhone tricks are often invisible. You set them once, and they quietly protect you in the background. These are some of the best examples of 3 iPhone tips and tricks you need to know if you care about privacy and safety.

Example 7: App Tracking Transparency with real boundaries

Apple’s App Tracking Transparency lets you decide whether apps can track you across other apps and websites.

• Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking.
• Turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track if you want a strict setup.
• Or, leave it on and individually disallow tracking for apps you don’t trust.

For a deeper look at why tracking matters, the Federal Trade Commission has consumer privacy resources here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security

This is a textbook example of an iPhone tip that doesn’t change how your phone looks, but definitely changes what happens with your data.

Example 8: Lockdown Mode as a high-security example of a tip

Most people don’t need Lockdown Mode, but it’s a strong example of how far iPhone security can go.

• Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode.
• Read the description carefully; it restricts many features.
• Only enable it if you’re at higher risk (journalists, activists, public figures, etc.).

Even if you never turn it on, understanding that this exists is a powerful example of how seriously current iOS versions treat security.

Example 9: Emergency SOS and Medical ID

This might be the most important example of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know, especially if you live alone or have health conditions.

Set up Medical ID:

• Open the Health app.
• Tap your profile picture → Medical ID.
• Add key info: allergies, medications, conditions, emergency contacts.
• Turn on Show When Locked.

Set up Emergency SOS:

• Go to Settings → Emergency SOS.
• Turn on Call with Hold and Release or Call with 5 Presses (varies by model).

First responders can access Medical ID from the Lock Screen in emergencies. For more on why this kind of information matters, Mayo Clinic has a helpful overview of emergency preparedness: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/first-aid/art-20056669

This is a clear example of an iPhone tip that you hope you never need—but you absolutely want set up.

4. Battery and performance: examples of iPhone tips that keep your phone feeling new

No one enjoys the “why is my battery dying at 3 p.m.?” phase. Some of the best examples of 3 iPhone tips and tricks you need to know are the boring-sounding settings that keep your phone running smoothly over time.

Example 10: Optimized Charging and battery health

• Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
• Turn on Optimized Battery Charging.

Your iPhone learns your charging routine and pauses charging at 80%, finishing just before you usually unplug. Over months and years, this helps slow battery aging. It’s a quiet, long-term example of an iPhone tip that pays off later.

While not iPhone-specific, the U.S. Department of Energy has general guidance on battery care and efficiency: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/battery-chargers-and-adapters

Example 11: Background App Refresh with intention

Background App Refresh lets apps update when you’re not using them. Left unchecked, it can drain battery and data.

• Go to Settings → General → Background App Refresh.
• Switch from Wi-Fi & Cellular Data to Wi-Fi if you’re often on limited data.
• Turn it off for apps that don’t need to update in the background:
  • Shopping apps
  • Social media
  • Games

This is a perfect example of 3 iPhone tips and tricks you need to know if you’re constantly running out of battery or data.

Example 12: Offloading unused apps without losing data

Running out of storage? Instead of deleting everything, use Offload Unused Apps.

• Go to Settings → App Store.
• Turn on Offload Unused Apps.

Your iPhone removes rarely used apps but keeps their data and documents. If you reinstall later, it picks up right where you left off. This is a smart example of an iPhone tip that keeps your storage under control with almost no effort.

5. Siri, Shortcuts, and automation: advanced examples that feel simple

You don’t have to be a power user to benefit from automation. Some of the best examples of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know involve tiny automations that shave off small annoyances.

Example 13: Location-based Do Not Disturb

Imagine your iPhone automatically going quiet when you arrive at the movie theater or your kid’s school.

You can set this up via Focus automation:

• Go to Settings → Focus → (choose a Focus).
• Tap Add Schedule or Automation.
• Choose Location.
• Pick a place (like your office, school, or theater).

Now, whenever you arrive, your chosen Focus turns on. This is a clear example of how automation can be practical, not intimidating.

Example 14: A simple Shortcut for “I’m running late”

You don’t need to build complex workflows. Try this very simple example of a Shortcut:

• Open the Shortcuts app.
• Tap + to create a new shortcut.
• Add actions:
  • Get Travel Time (to a specific address, like work).
  • Send Message to a contact with text like: “I’m on my way, ETA about ⌘(Travel Time).” (use the variable from the previous step).
• Add this shortcut to your Home Screen or ask Siri to run it.

Now, instead of typing the same “I’m running late” message over and over, you tap once or ask Siri.

This is one of the best examples of 3 iPhone tips and tricks you need to know if you want to dip your toes into automation without feeling overwhelmed.

FAQ: Real examples of iPhone tips and tricks people actually use

What are the best examples of 3 examples of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know right now?

If you want a quick shortlist, the best examples include:

• A Work Focus that only allows important people and apps.
• A Sleep Focus tied to your Health sleep schedule.
• A Notification Summary that batches non-urgent alerts.

Those three alone can dramatically change how distracting your iPhone feels.

Can you give an example of a simple iPhone privacy setting that really matters?

A strong example of a privacy setting is App Tracking Transparency. Turning off tracking requests (or denying them app by app) limits how much your activity can be followed across apps and websites. It takes less than a minute to set up and runs quietly in the background.

Which examples of iPhone tips and tricks help the most with battery life?

The most helpful examples include turning on Optimized Battery Charging, limiting Background App Refresh to Wi‑Fi or specific apps, reducing unnecessary notifications, and offloading unused apps. Together, these keep your phone cooler, less busy, and more efficient.

Are these examples of iPhone tips and tricks only for the newest models?

No. Most examples in this guide work on a wide range of devices running modern iOS versions. Features like Focus, Notification Summary, App Tracking Transparency, and Shortcuts have been around for several versions. Some newer options (like StandBy) might need more recent hardware, but the core ideas apply broadly.

How do I remember all these examples without getting overwhelmed?

Don’t try to set up everything at once. Pick one example of a tip from each area:

• One Focus mode.
• One Lock Screen change.
• One privacy improvement.
• One battery tweak.

Live with those for a week. Then come back and add another layer. The best examples of iPhone tips and tricks you need to know are the ones you actually use, not the ones you just read about once and forget.