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iPhone

The iPhone is a smartphone from Apple that runs the iOS mobile operating system. Between its apps, communication features, the camera, mobile internet access, and other functionalities, the iPhone has quickly become an integral part of many peoples tech lives.

How to request Roadside Assistance via satellite on your iPhone

by Stacey Butler

On supported models, you can request Roadside Assistance via satellite when you’re outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Roadside Assistance via satellite requires an active SIM.

It starts in the Messages app on your iPhone. Once you’re connected, you’re asked about things like the model of your car and the issue you’re having, and you can send messages directly to a roadside assistance provider.

Note: Roadside Assistance via satellite isn’t available in all countries or regions.

Request Roadside Assistance via satellite on your iPhone

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Compose button. Type “Roadside” in the address field.

    A new message addressed to “roadside.” Below it is a link for Roadside Assistance via satellite.

  3. Tap Roadside Assistance and follow the onscreen instructions.

Important: To help you connect to a satellite, make sure to hold your phone naturally in your hand—you don’t need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but make sure your phone has a clear line of sight to the sky. If you’re under heavy foliage or surrounded by other obstructions, you might not be able to connect to a satellite.

You’ll be asked for important information once connected, such as your car’s model and the issue you’re having.

After answering the questions, you’re guided to connect to a satellite and message a roadside assistance provider directly. The provider may ask follow-up questions to make sure they’re sending the right kind of help. You can ask them about the estimated time until someone arrives, too, as well as any fees associated with the service.

The Roadside Assistance via satellite screen. The Request Assistance button is at the bottom of the screen.

Tag: Emergency SOS
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How to make a call on iPhone

by Chris Smith

There are a number of ways you can make a phone call on your iPhone: dial the number on the keypad, or call a favorite, a recent call, or a number in your contacts list.

Siri can dial for you, too. And on models with Dual SIM, you can choose which line to use before you call. You can also add or remove contacts from your Favorites.

Here’s how to make a call on iPhone.

The Calls tab in the Phone app in Unified layout. Favorite contacts appear at the top. Below the Favorites is a list of recent calls and voicemail. Buttons to view the Calls, Contacts, and Keypad tabs appear at the bottom. The Search button is in the bottom-right corner.

Dial a number

Siri: Ask Siri to call or dial a number. Speak each digit separately—for example, “four one five, five five five….” For the 800 area code in the U.S., you can say “eight hundred.” Or without using Siri:

  1. Start the Phone app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Keypad and then do any of the following:
    • Use a different line: On models with Dual SIM, tap the line at the top and choose a line.
    • Enter the number using the keypad: If you make a mistake, tap the Delete button.
    • Redial the last number: Tap the Call button to see the last number you dialed and then tap the Call button to call that number.
    • Paste a number you’ve copied: Tap the phone number field above the keypad and tap Paste.
    • Enter a soft (2-second) pause: Touch and hold the star (*) key until a comma appears.
    • Enter a hard pause (to pause dialing until you tap the Dial button): Touch and hold the pound (#) key until a semicolon appears.
    • Enter a “+” for international calls: Touch and hold the “0” key until “+” appears.
  3. Tap the Call button to start the call.

To end the call, tap the End Call button.

View information when you make a call

With Apple Intelligence,* a Call Context card with related information may appear when you start a call. This can include an upcoming or recent birthday when you call a contact, or it can include tickets, orders, or confirmation numbers when you call certain businesses. Tap the card to view the information in the related app, such as Mail or Wallet. To turn Call Context on or off, do the following:

  1. Open Settings, then tap Apps.
  2. Tap Phone, then tap Apple Intelligence & Siri.
  3. Turn Show When Calling on or off.

The call screen, showing a Call Context card with a flight confirmation.

Note: Call Context identifies the business from the phone number you dial. Then it searches Mail, Messages, Wallet, and Calendar for related information, such as confirmation codes or reservation numbers.

Note: Apple Intelligence on iOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 model or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

Add or remove contacts from your Favorites

  1. Start the Phone app on your iPhone.
  2. Do one of the following, depending on which Phone app layout you’re using:
    • Unified layout: Tap Calls, tap Edit, and then tap Add Favorite. If you’ve already added a Favorite, tap Edit, tap Edit Favorites, and then tap the Add button.
    • Classic layout: Tap Favorites and tap the Add button.
  3. Tap a contact and choose the default method of communication (for example, message, call, or video) and the preferred number. Tap the Done button.
  4. To remove a contact from your Favorites, do one of the following:
    • Unified layout: Tap Calls, tap Edit, tap Edit Favorites, tap the Remove button in the upper-left corner of the contact you want to remove, and then tap the Done button.
    • Classic layout: Tap Favorites. Then swipe their name all the way to the left.

To contact someone in your Favorites, tap their name.

Redial or return a recent call

  1. Start the Phone app on your iPhone.
  2. Do one of the following, depending on which Phone app layout you’re using:
    • Unified layout: Tap Calls, tap the name or number you want to call, tap the Call button, and tap the number you want to call. Note: To start a call as soon as you tap a name or number in the Recents list, go to Settings > Apps > Phone, then turn on Tap Recents to Call.
    • Classic layout: Tap Recents and then tap the name or number you want to call.
  3. To get more info about a call and the caller, do one of the following:
    • Unified layout: Tap the name or number in the Recents list.
    • Classic layout: Tap the Info button next to the name or phone number in Recents.

Call someone on your contacts list

Siri: Ask Siri something like, “Call Eliza’s mobile.” Or without using Siri:

  1. Start the Phone app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Contacts. Then tap the contact you want to call.
  3. Tap the Call button, then tap the phone number you want to call.

Unless you set a preferred line for this contact, the call uses the default voice line on models with Dual SIM.

WARNING: For important information about avoiding distractions that could lead to dangerous situations, see Important safety information for iPhone.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

Tag: Phone
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How to use Apple Intelligence with Home cameras and notifications on iPhone

by Abigail Shilets

With Apple Intelligence in the Home app, you can automatically generate video descriptions for recorded clips from compatible Home cameras. You can then search your recordings using natural language.

It cuts down on alerts, too. Related notifications are grouped together, so you get fewer alerts from the Home app, and you’ll need a home hub, such as HomePod or Apple TV 4K, to use it.

Here’s how to use Apple Intelligence with Home cameras and notifications on iPhone.

Note: Requires a home hub such as HomePod (2nd generation), HomePod mini, or Apple TV 4K with the latest operating system software. The owner of the home must have an Apple Intelligence–enabled iPhone,* have Apple Intelligence enabled in the Home app, and subscribe to a 2TB iCloud+ plan. Apple Intelligence on iOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 model or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

Generate Home camera video descriptions on iPhone

By analyzing your Home camera footage, Apple Intelligence can generate searchable video descriptions.

  1. Start the Home app on your iPhone.
  2. On the Home tab, tap the More button and then tap Home Settings.
  3. Turn on Apple Intelligence. Enable or disable video descriptions for each camera.

Reduce notifications from the Home app

To reduce notifications, Apple Intelligence can bundle similar Home notifications, such as a door locking and unlocking repeatedly.

  1. Start the Home app on your iPhone.
  2. On the Home tab, tap the More button and then tap Home Settings.
  3. Tap Apple Intelligence, then enable or disable Reduce Notifications.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

Tags: Apple Intelligence, camera
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How to use and customize the Action button on iPhone

by Moses Johnson

On supported models, iPhone has an Action button in place of the Ring/Silent switch. You can choose which function you want the Action button to perform when you press it.

Because the button is so accessible, it’s useful for actions you perform often. And it’s easy to change the Action button to perform a different function, right in Settings.

Here’s how to use and customize the Action button on iPhone.

A screen showing that the Action button is located on the left edge of the iPhone 15 Pro. You can customize the function of the button in Settings > Action Button.

Use the Action button

To perform the action assigned to the Action button, press and hold the Action button.

For many functions, the Action button can be used to turn a setting on or off. For example, if the selected action is Silent Mode (the default), you can press and hold the Action button to put iPhone in Silent mode. If you press and hold the Action button again, it turns off Silent mode.

Customize the Action button

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Action Button.
  3. To choose an action (like Silent Mode), swipe to the action you want to use—its name appears below the dots.

    The screen for customizing the Action button. The Camera is the selected action. Other features appear to the right and left of the camera, including Do Not Disturb and Flashlight. Below the actions are dots you can tap to switch to another action. Below the selected action, Camera, is a menu of Camera options you can tap to assign to the Action button.

  4. If there are additional options for the selected action, the Menu button appears below the action; tap it to see the list of options.

For the Controls, Shortcut, and Accessibility actions, you need to tap the button below the action and select a specific option—otherwise the Action button does nothing.

Icon Action
the Silent Mode button Silent Mode: Switch between Silent and Ring for calls and alerts.
the Focus button Focus: Turn on a Focus to silence notifications and filter out distractions.
the Camera button Camera: Open the Camera app to capture a moment.
the Visual Intelligence button Visual Intelligence: Use Visual Intelligence to learn more about the places and objects around you (Requires Apple Intelligence).

Note: Apple Intelligence on iOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 model or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*
the Flashlight button Flashlight: Turn on extra light when you need it.
the Voice Memo button Voice Memo: Record personal notes, musical ideas, and more.
the Recognize Music button Recognize Music: Find out what song is playing nearby or on your iPhone with Shazam.
the Translate button Translate: Translate phrases or have a conversation with someone in another language.
the Magnifier button Magnifier: Turn your iPhone into a magnifying glass to zoom in on and detect objects near you.
the Controls button Controls: Quickly access your favorite control.
the Shortcut button Shortcut: Open an app or run your favorite shortcut.
the Accessibility button Accessibility: Quickly use an accessibility feature.
No Action Do nothing.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

Tag: Action Button
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How to use Vocal Shortcuts on iPhone

by Emily Long

With Vocal Shortcuts, you can teach iPhone to perform an action when you speak a word or another sound of your choosing. Vocal Shortcuts can be useful if you have moderate to severe atypical speech but can reliably vocalize certain utterances. Audio is processed on device.

You can add a Vocal Shortcut, use it, and delete it when you no longer need it.

Here’s how to use Vocal Shortcuts on iPhone.

Set up Vocal Shortcuts

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, and then tap Vocal Shortcuts.
  2. Tap Set Up, then tap Continue.
  3. Choose an action for iPhone to perform when you say the shortcut. If you want the action to be a request to Siri, tap Siri Request. Enter the request.
  4. Enter the phrase you’ll say when you want iPhone to perform the action and then follow the onscreen instructions to repeat the phrase out loud so that iPhone can recognize it.

After you set up Vocal Shortcuts, the Microphone In Use icon is shown in the status bar to indicate that Vocal Shortcuts is using the iPhone microphone to listen for shortcuts. When you don’t want Vocal Shortcuts to use the microphone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts, then turn off Vocal Shortcuts.

Add a Vocal Shortcut

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, and then tap Vocal Shortcuts.
  2. Tap Add Action, then tap Continue.
  3. Choose an action for iPhone to perform when you say the shortcut. If you want the action to be a request to Siri, tap Siri Request. Enter the request.
  4. Enter the phrase you’ll say when you want iPhone to perform the action and then follow the onscreen instructions to repeat the phrase out loud so that iPhone can recognize it.

Use a Vocal Shortcut

Once Vocal Shortcuts is set up, say the phrase for one of the shortcuts you’ve created.

Delete a Vocal Shortcut

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, and then tap Vocal Shortcuts.
  2. Tap Edit, tap the Remove button next to the shortcut you want to delete, and tap Delete.

Quick tip: If you have an acquired or progressive condition that affects speech, you can have Siri listen for and recognize a wider range of atypical speech patterns.

Tag: Shortcuts
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How to set up a custom email domain with iCloud Mail on iPhone

by Stacey Butler

When you subscribe to iCloud+, you can add up to five custom email domains and create email addresses for those domains on your iPhone. You can then send and receive email in the Mail app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, in your Mail account on iCloud.com, and in an email app on a Windows device.

You can add a domain you already own or buy a new one. Either way, you need to have a primary iCloud Mail address first. You can also import existing email messages, and create and delete email addresses.

Here’s how to set up a custom email domain with iCloud Mail on iPhone.

Note: Sign in to the same Apple Account on each device.

On devices where you’re not signed in to your Apple Account, or where the Mail feature is turned off, your custom email domains and mail won’t be visible.

Add a custom email domain to iCloud Mail

In iCloud Mail, you can set up a custom email domain you already own, or buy a new one.

Note: Before you can add a custom email domain on iPhone, you need a primary iCloud Mail address.

  1. Open Settings, tap [your name], tap iCloud and tap Mail (under Saved to iCloud). Then make sure Use on this iPhone is turned on.
  2. Tap Custom Email Domain and tap one of the following: Buy a Domain: Choose this option if you don’t yet have a custom domain.

    After you purchase it, you can create custom email addresses.

  3. Use a Domain You Own: Choose this option if you already have a domain, and you want to use it with iCloud Mail.

    You can configure email addresses you already have at that domain, and create more.

    Follow the onscreen instructions.

    If you’re adding a domain you already own, some registrars require you to change DNS records to set up your domain.

Import existing email messages

Once someone in your Family Sharing group, or you, sets up a custom email domain for iCloud Mail, iCloud.com lets you import existing email messages from your previous email provider. This isn’t available for all email providers.

Create and delete email addresses

After you set up a custom email domain, you can create and delete email addresses for that domain easily.

  1. Open Settings, tap [your name], tap iCloud and tap Mail (under Saved to iCloud). Then make sure Use on this iPhone is turned on.
  2. Tap Custom Email Domain. Then tap the domain you want to make changes to.
  3. Tap Manage Email Addresses. Then do one of the following: Add a new email address: Tap Create Email Address, enter the new address, then tap Continue.
    • Delete an email address: Swipe left on an email address, tap Delete, and tap Remove.
    • Add People: Tap to invite someone to your custom email domain.

Remove a custom email domain

If you’re done with a custom email domain, remove it using your iPhone.

Once you remove a custom email domain, Mail can’t send or receive email for any addresses at that domain.

  1. Open Settings, tap [your name], tap iCloud, and then tap Mail (under Saved to iCloud).
  2. Tap Custom Email Domain. Then tap Edit next to Your Domains.
  3. Tap the Delete button and tap Delete.

    If you’re moving your domain to a new provider, make sure to do the following: Go to your domain registrar to update the domain records to your new email provider and remove iCloud-related records.

  4. Set up any email addresses you want to continue using with your new provider.

    Note: When you remove a custom email domain, you can still send and receive email from your primary @icloud.com address.

Allow all incoming messages to your domain

Your iCloud Mail email address can work as a catch-all address.

This way, you receive all the messages sent to your custom email domain, even when the exact address they were sent to hasn’t already been created.

  1. Open Settings, tap [your name], tap iCloud, and then tap Mail (under Saved to iCloud).
  2. Tap Custom Email Domain and tap your custom domain.
  3. Turn on Allow All Incoming Messages.

    If the domain owner allows all incoming messages, any messages that aren’t sent to an active email address go to the domain owner’s inbox.

    If this setting isn’t turned on, those messages are returned to the sender.

    Note: Messages sent to deleted email addresses are automatically returned to the sender.

Tags: iCloud, Mail
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How to set up iPhone Handoff on iPhone

by Emily Long

With iPhone Handoff, you can use the same phone number on two iPhone devices and switch between them whenever you like. Your calls, voicemail, messages, Find My location, and other data synced with iCloud follow whichever iPhone you’re using.

There’s a catch, though: only one iPhone is active on the network at a time. When you unlock an iPhone, it becomes the active device, and the other one becomes inactive automatically. Both iPhone devices must be signed in to the same Apple Account, and iPhone Handoff works with participating carriers in supported countries and regions.

Note: The two iPhone devices must be signed in to the same Apple Account. iPhone Handoff is available with participating carriers in supported countries and regions; contact your carrier to confirm availability. Some features may not be available when using iPhone Handoff.

Before you can use iPhone Handoff, you need to set up iPhone Handoff on the second iPhone you plan to use. That adds the eSIM for your phone number to that iPhone.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Cellular and tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
  3. Select Use Number on This iPhone and Another and tap Continue. Then follow the onscreen instructions.

After setup, unlocking either iPhone makes it the active device for calls, voicemail, and messages.

Tag: Continuity
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How to convert units or currency in Calculator on iPhone

by Abigail Shilets

You can convert length, weight, currencies, and more while using the basic or scientific calculator. You just choose which units or currencies you want to convert from and to. Conversions appear as you type, with categories like Speed, Time, and Weight, and you can also convert units and currencies in Math Notes.

The basic calculator with a currency conversion.

  1. Open the Calculator app on your iPhone.
  2. While using the basic or scientific calculator, tap the Change Mode button. Tap Convert.
  3. Tap the Unit button and choose the units or currencies you want to convert from and to.

    Swipe the categories at the top of the list to see others, such as Speed, Time, and Weight.

  4. Enter a value in either field to see conversions as you type.
  5. To reverse how the units are converted, tap the Swap Units button.

In Math Notes, you can also convert units and currencies. Type or write “50 m in feet =” in a note, for example.

Tag: Calculator
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How to control the location information you share on iPhone

by Dave Johnson

You control whether iPhone and apps have information about your location. To figure out where you are when getting directions, setting up meetings, and more, Location Services uses information, when available, from GPS networks, your Bluetooth® connections, your local Wi-Fi networks, and your cellular network.

When you set up iPhone, you’re asked if you want to turn on Location Services, and you can turn it on or off at any time after that. When an app is using Location Services, the Location Services icon appears in the status bar.

The first time an app wants location data from your iPhone, you receive a request with an explanation. Some apps may make a one-time only request for your location, while others may ask you to share your location now and in the future. Whether you grant or deny ongoing access, you can change an app’s access later.

Turn on Location Services

If you didn’t turn on Location Services when you first set up iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, then turn on Location Services.

Important: If you turn off Location Services, many important iPhone features stop working.

View apps using your location information

  1. Open Settings, tap Privacy & Security, and then tap Location Services.
  2. To review or change access settings for an app or to see its explanation for requesting Location Services, tap the app.

If you want an app to use your specific location, keep Precise Location turned on. Turn it off to share only your approximate location, which may be enough for an app that doesn’t need your exact location.

Note: Set an app’s access to Ask Next Time, and you’ll be asked to turn on Location Services again whenever an app next tries to use it.

Review a third-party app’s terms and privacy policy to understand how it uses the information it’s requesting.

Hide the map in Location Services alerts

Once an app has permission to always use your location in the background, you may get alerts about how the app is using that information, which let you change your permission if you want. The alerts include a map of locations the app accessed recently.

To hide the map, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Location Alerts, then turn off Show Map in Location Alerts.

If the setting is off, you’ll continue to receive location alerts, but the map isn’t shown.

Review or change Location Services settings for system services

Several system services rely on Location Services, including location-based suggestions and location-based ads.

To see the status for each service, to turn Location Services on or off for each service, or to show the Location Services icon in the status bar when enabled system services use your location, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.

Tag: Privacy & Security
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