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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 connect external storage devices to iPhone

by Dave Johnson

You can use the Files app and other supported apps to access files stored on external devices, such as USB drives and SD cards, connected to your iPhone. Depending on your iPhone model and device, you may need an adapter. And the device must have only a single data partition.

Connect a USB drive or an SD card reader

  1. Attach the USB drive or SD card reader to the charging port on your iPhone using a compatible connector or adapter.

    You may need the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, USB-C to SD Card Camera Reader, or Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader (all sold separately).

    Note: An external storage device must have only a single data partition, and it must be formatted as APFS, APFS (encrypted), macOS Extended (HFS+), exFAT (FAT64), FAT32, or FAT. To change the formatting of a storage device, use the Files app or a Mac or PC.

  2. Do any of the following:

    • Insert an SD memory card into a card reader: Don’t force the card into the slot on the reader; it fits only one way.

      Note: You can import photos and videos from the memory card directly to the Photos app.

    • View the contents of the drive or memory card: In a supported app (for example, Files), tap Browse and tap the name of the device below Locations. If you don’t see Locations, tap Browse again.
    • Disconnect the drive or card reader: Remove it from the charging port on iPhone.

    Note: External hard drives often require an external power source when used with iPhone. If an external hard drive doesn’t supply its own power, and your iPhone has a USB-C connector, you can use a powered USB hub. If your iPhone has a Lightning connector, you can use the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter connected to a USB power adapter.

Tag: Files
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How to multitask with Picture in Picture on iPhone

by Stacey Butler

With Picture in Picture, you can watch a video or use FaceTime while you use other apps. The video window scales down to a corner of your screen, and you can resize it, move it to a different corner, hide it off the edge of the screen, or return to a full video screen.

Note: Picture in Picture only works with supported apps and videos, so if you don’t see the option, the app or video may not support it.

A FaceTime conversation taking place, while a note about kitchen decorating fills the rest of the screen.

Start Picture in Picture

While watching a video, tap the Minimize Video button in the video window.

With the video window scaled down to a corner of your screen, you can see the Home Screen and open other apps.

Manage the Picture in Picture window

When you see the video window, you can do any of the following:

  • Resize the video window: To make the small video window larger, pinch open. To shrink it again, pinch closed.
  • Show and hide controls: Tap the video window.
  • Move the video window: Drag it to a different corner of the screen.
  • Hide the video window: Drag it off the left or right edge of the screen.
  • Close the video window: Tap the Close button.
  • Return to a full video screen: Tap the Restore Full Screen button in the small video window.
Tag: iPhone
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How to explore maps with immersive views on iPhone

by Emily Long

While exploring any location on a map, you can rotate the map to see an area with extra dimensions. In some locations, you can zoom in to see a detailed, 3D satellite view.

Maps uses aerial imagery to render cities in true-to-life detail. To see sharp details, such as architectural fixtures or the shapes of individual trees, zoom into a 3D satellite map. Or with Look Around, move through a 360-degree panoramic view.

Here’s how to explore maps with immersive views on iPhone.

Note: Not all features are available in all countries or regions.

Explore a city in 3D detail

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. In most cities, tap the Exploring Map Mode button and tap Satellite. Tap the Close button.
  3. Pinch open to zoom in. Then swipe up with two fingers to see the map in 3D.

A 3D map in the Maps app, showing details of a city.

Look around locations

Some locations have 360-degree panoramic views you can look around.

A moveable, 360-degree panoramic view appears above a map of the area marked in the Maps app. The Look Around icon overlaid on the map points in the direction of the view.

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. In select cities, tap the Look Around button near the bottom of a map.
  3. To change the view, do any of the following:
    • Pan: Drag a finger left or right on the scene.
    • Move forward: Tap the scene.
    • Zoom in or out: Pinch open or closed.
    • View another point of interest: Switch from full-screen view and then tap elsewhere on the map, or drag the map.
    • Switch to or from full-screen view: Tap the Enter Full Screen Mode button or the Exit Full Screen Mode button.
    • Remove labels in full-screen view: Swipe up from the place name near the bottom of the screen and tap Hide Labels.
  4. When finished, tap Done.

Move, zoom, or rotate a map or globe

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. Do any of the following:

    • Move around in a map: Drag the map.
    • Zoom in or out: Double-tap. Then drag up to zoom in or drag down to zoom out.

      Or pinch open or closed on the map.

    • Rotate the map: Touch and hold the map with two fingers and then rotate your fingers.

      To show north after you rotate the map, tap the Compass button.

View a 3D map

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. To turn a 2D map into a 3D map, do one of the following:

    • Drag two fingers up.
    • Tap 3D.
  3. While looking at a 3D map, you can do any of the following:

    • Adjust the angle: Drag two fingers up or down.
    • See buildings and other spatial details: Zoom in.
    • View the Earth: Zoom out until the map changes to a globe.

      Drag the globe to rotate it, or zoom in or out.

    • Return to a flat map: Tap 2D.
Tag: Maps
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How to use Photographic Styles with your iPhone camera

by Abigail Shilets

On supported models, Photographic Styles intelligently adjust specific colors in different parts of your photos to create a customized look. The style you select applies automatically to all photos you take, but you can make adjustments in Camera or edits later in the Photos app.

On iPhone 18 Pro models, you can also adjust the texture of a photo, for example, to soften skin or add film grain. Before you take a photo, you can also fine-tune a style’s tone, color, texture, and intensity. And you can remove or reset a Photographic Style.

Note: On models that support latest generation Photographic Styles, you can only edit Photographic Styles later in Photos if Camera captures photos with High Efficiency image capture. If you need to turn on High Efficiency, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and tap High Efficiency.

Select a Photographic Style

Selecting a Photographic Style before you take a photo changes its overall mood. You can fine-tune the style’s tone, color, texture, and intensity as well.

  1. Open Camera on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Camera Controls button or swipe up from the camera modes at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Tap Styles and then swipe left or right to preview the available styles.
  4. On models that support Photographic Styles 2 and Photographic Styles 3, tap Customize and then do any of the following:
    • Adjust the tone and color: Drag your finger on Camera Control Status. On iPhone 18 Pro models, tap Palette first.
    • Control the intensity of the style: Drag the slider.
    • Change the texture: Tap Texture. Then choose a texture such as Soft Skin, Glow, or Film. Drag the slider to adjust the intensity, or choose Standard to apply no texture. Tap Grain to add film grain to any texture. (Available on iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max).
  5. On other iPhone models, drag the Tone and Warmth sliders to fine-tune the look of the style.
  6. Tap the Reset button to return to the default value, or tap the Dismiss Styles Control button to close the Style menu.

To reset or change the style you selected, follow the instructions above, then select Standard, or choose a different style.

In the Photos app, you can further refine the Photographic Style values after you take a photo.

Remove or reset a Photographic Style

You can remove your Photographic Style or set a new one.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Camera, tap Photographic Styles, and then select Use Standard or choose a different style.
Tag: camera
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How to change the name of your iPhone

by Chris Smith

You can change the name of your iPhone, which is used by iCloud, AirDrop, Bluetooth®, your Personal Hotspot, and your computer, so it’s the name you’ll see in all those places. You can enter a new name whenever you like.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General, tap About, and then tap Name.
  3. Tap the Clear Text button and enter a new name.
Tags: iCloud, iPhone
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How to set Screen Time Schedules and Time Allowances in Screen Time on iPhone

by Kevin Hollington

With Screen Time, you can use Time Allowances to set how long you use your apps each day, and Schedules to set when during the day you can use them.

For example, you can create schedules for weekdays and weekends with time windows for things like work, dinner, and the evening. You can also create Time Allowances for different categories like Entertainment, Games, or Social Media, and choose apps and contacts to allow at all times. You’ll need iOS 27 or later on all your Apple devices to use them.

Note: Screen Time Schedules and Time Allowances need iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, or visionOS 27 or later on all your Apple devices. And in a Family Sharing group, every device needs to be upgraded to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, or visionOS 27 or later before you set these features up.

Set up a Screen Time Schedule for device use

With a custom schedule for your iPhone, you can control which apps you can use at different times of day. Icons in each time window show which Time Allowance categories are available, so at a glance, you’ll know what types of apps you can use at that point in your day.

The Screen Time Schedule screen showing an overview of a schedule, including Before work, During work, Dinner, and Evening.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Screen Time, tap Screen Time Schedule, and then turn on Schedule.
  3. Tap Add Schedule, tap the days of the week you want to create a schedule for, and tap the Done button.
  4. Tap the Time Window and then do any of the following:
    • Create a new name: Tap the current name and then enter the new name.
    • Change the start or stop time: Tap the time, then select a new value.
    • Select Time Allowance categories: Tap a category. If you don’t see any categories, you can create some.
    • View the apps and contacts that are always allowed: Tap Always Allowed.
    • Delete the time window: Tap Delete this Time Window.

Set how long you can use apps and websites

Time Allowances make it easier to manage the time you spend in apps across categories like Entertainment, Games, and Social Media. Apps in each category stay usable until they’ve reached either the category’s allowance or the daily total. And if an app declares an associated website, the Time Allowance applies to both.

A Time Allowances screen in Screen Time settings showing time allowed for categories like Games, Entertainment, and Productivity.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Screen Time, then tap Time Allowances.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Use Time Allowances during certain times in your schedule: Turn on Match Screen Time Schedule.
    • View the Time Allowances you’ve set for different time windows: If you’ve added Time Allowances to windows in your Screen Time schedule, you can view them by tapping the name of the Time Window.
    • Increase or decrease the amount of time you can spend on your device: Drag the slider left or right or tap the Minus button or the Plus button.
    • Increase or decrease the amount of time you can spend in an app category: Under Time Allowances, tap a category and then drag the slider left or right or tap the Minus button or the Plus button.
    • Create a new Time Allowance category: Tap Manage Categories and tap the Add button, then select a category. If you have a Screen Time schedule, you can add the category to a time window.
    • View your average daily use of a category: Tap Manage Categories, then tap a category.
    • View your average daily use of apps within a category: Tap Manage Categories, tap a category, and then tap an app.

Choose apps and contacts to allow at all times

Apps and contacts you pick can stay available at all times, no matter which Screen Time schedules or Time Allowances you’ve set. You might add the Health app or family members to Always Allowed for emergencies, for example.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Screen Time, then tap Always Allowed.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Add contacts or apps: Tap Add People or Add Apps.
    • Remove contacts or apps: Tap Edit. Tap the Remove button on the app or contact you want to remove.
Tag: Screen Time
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How to change Siri accessibility settings on iPhone

by Emily Long

You can change how quickly or when Siri responds, have Siri listen for atypical speech patterns, have Siri audibly share notifications, and more.

You can give yourself more time to finish speaking by setting a longer Siri Pause Time, change how fast Siri speaks, and choose whether Siri responds aloud or in text. Depending on your iPhone model, you may also be able to type to Siri instead of speaking.

Here’s how to change Siri accessibility settings on iPhone.

Tell Siri when and how to respond to requests

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Accessibility, tap Siri, and do any of the following:
    • Set how long Siri waits for you to finish speaking: Below Siri Pause Time, choose Default, Longer, or Longest.
    • Change how fast Siri speaks: Adjust the slider below Speaking Rate.
    • Decide when Siri responds aloud or in text: Choose an option below Spoken Responses.
    • Use Siri even when iPhone is covered or facing down: When you set up Siri, Hey Siri or Siri activates Siri only when your iPhone faces up. To change this, turn on Always Listen for Siri.
    • Require “Siri” or “Hey Siri” in order to interrupt Siri: Turn on Require “Siri” for Interruptions. This can be useful if you use VoiceOver or Voice Control and don’t want VoiceOver speech or Voice Control commands to interrupt Siri.

Type instead of speak to Siri

Typing to Siri may be an option, depending on your iPhone model.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Accessibility and tap Siri. Turn on Type to Siri.

If you have an iPhone model that supports Apple Intelligence,* this option may not be shown.

  1. To make a request, activate Siri. Then interact with Siri using the keyboard and text field.

Have Siri recognize a wider range of speech patterns

If your primary language is set to English (U.S.), Siri can listen for atypical speech. That may help with an acquired or progressive condition that affects speech, like stroke, cerebral palsy, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Siri, then turn on Listen for Atypical Speech.

If you speak a word or make a sound of your choosing, iPhone can perform an action you teach it.

Announce calls and notifications for specific apps

Siri can announce notifications and calls from apps like Messages through your iPhone speaker, on supported headphones and MFi hearing devices, and when you’re using CarPlay.

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility and tap Siri. Then turn on Announce Notifications on Speaker.
  2. Tap Announce Notifications and then for each app, choose whether to announce all notifications or only time-sensitive 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.

Tag: Siri
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How to hear audio descriptions for video content on iPhone

by Abigail Shilets

If you can’t see your screen and your content includes audio descriptions, you can listen to an audio description, a separate audio track that narrates or describes the visual content of a clip, show, or movie. You turn on Audio Descriptions in Accessibility settings.

  1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, and then tap Audio Descriptions.
  2. Turn on Audio Descriptions.
Tag: accessibility
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How to use and customize Control Center on iPhone

by Chris Smith

Control Center on iPhone gives you instant access to useful controls, including Airplane Mode, Do Not Disturb, flashlight, volume, screen brightness, and more. It’s customizable. You can see more groups of controls, change them to suit you, and temporarily disconnect from a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth devices.

Open Control Center

To open Control Center, use the method that matches your iPhone:

  • On an iPhone with Face ID: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. If you continue swiping down, you see more groups of controls.
  • On an iPhone with a Home button: Swipe up from the bottom.

You can jump to specific groups of controls by swiping through the icons on the right edge of the screen. Swipe up through the icons to go back to the first group.

To close Control Center, swipe up from the bottom center of the screen (on an iPhone with Face ID), or press the Home button.

Access more controls in Control Center

Many controls offer additional options. To see available options, touch and hold a control. For example, you can do the following in Control Center:

  • Touch and hold the top left group of controls, then tap the AirDrop button to open the AirDrop options.
  • Touch and hold the Camera button to take a selfie, record a video, or take a photo.
  • Touch and hold the Control Center Power button at the top right of the screen (while Control Center is open) until you feel a vibration. Then drag the slider to power off the iPhone.

Two Control Center screens side by side—the one on the left shows controls for Airplane Mode, cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth in the top-left group. The Camera icon is shown at the bottom right. The screen on the right shows more options in the Quick Actions menu for Camera: Selfie, Video, Portrait, and Portrait Selfie.

Customize controls

You can rearrange, add, and remove controls in Control Center.

  1. Open Control Center.
  2. Tap the Add button of Control Center to begin editing the controls.

    Control Center being edited, with a Remove button and resize handle on every control.

  3. Do any of the following:

    • Rearrange controls: Drag a control to a new position.
    • Remove a control or a set of controls: Tap the Remove button at the upper left of the control.
    • Resize a control: Drag the handle at the lower right of the control.
    • Create a new section of controls: Tap the bottom most icon (the little circle) along the right edge of the screen and then tap Add a Control, and choose which controls to add to your custom group. Or you can drag a control off the bottom of the page to create a new section.
    • Add more controls: Tap Add a Control at the bottom of the screen to open the controls gallery. Tap a control to add it to Control Center.

    The controls gallery, showing the available Control Center controls.

  4. When you finish customizing, close Control Center by swiping up from the bottom center of the screen.

Temporarily disconnect from a Wi-Fi network

In Control Center, tap the Wi-Fi Switch button; to reconnect, tap it again.

To see the name of the connected Wi-Fi network, touch and hold the Wi-Fi Switch button.

Because Wi-Fi isn’t turned off when you disconnect from a network, AirPlay and AirDrop still work, and iPhone joins known networks when you change locations or restart iPhone. To turn off Wi-Fi, go to the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi. (To turn on Wi-Fi again in Control Center, tap the Wi-Fi Switch button.)

Temporarily disconnect from Bluetooth devices

In Control Center, tap the Bluetooth Switch button; to allow connections, tap the button again.

Because Bluetooth® isn’t turned off when you disconnect from devices, location accuracy and other services are still enabled. To turn off Bluetooth, go to the Settings app, tap Bluetooth, then turn off Bluetooth. To turn on Bluetooth again in Control Center, tap the Bluetooth Switch button.

Turn off access to Control Center in apps

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone, tap Control Center, then turn off Access Within Apps.

Tag: Control Center
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