Modifier Key Extraordinaire

The Option key, also known as the Alt key on some keyboards, is a modifier key that alters the functionality of other keys when pressed in combination. While it might not have the same level of recognition as the Command or Control keys, the Option key is equally important in providing additional functionality.

Extended Character Palette

One of the most prominent uses of the Option key is accessing extended characters. Holding down the Option key while typing allows you to enter a wide range of special characters and symbols that are not readily available on the keyboard. For example, pressing Option + Shift + 2 will produce the trademark symbol (), Option + 8 will give you a bullet point (•), and Option + 3 will generate the pound symbol (£). This feature can be incredibly handy for writers, designers, and anyone who frequently uses special characters.

Menu Shortcuts

The Option key also serves as a gateway to hidden menu options in various applications. When you hold down the Option key and click on a menu item, you might notice that some options change or become more comprehensive. This allows you to access additional settings or alternative functions that are not readily available in the standard menu.

For instance, holding down the Option key while clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar reveals additional information and advanced network settings. The Option key can help you uncover hidden features and customize your Mac experience.

Alternative Startup Options

When it comes to starting up your Mac, the Option key can be a lifesaver. Holding down the Option key while your Mac boots up displays the Startup Manager, which lets you choose from multiple startup disks if you have them. This is particularly useful if you have multiple operating systems installed on your Mac or if you want to boot from an external drive. The Option key provides flexibility and control over your Mac’s startup process.

Window Management

The Option key can also assist you in managing windows and applications on your Mac. For example, pressing Option + the green maximize button in the top-left corner of a window will expand it to fill the screen without going into full-screen mode. This can be helpful when you want to see more content without the distractions of other open windows.

Additionally, holding down the Option key while clicking the yellow minimize button will minimize all open windows of the active application, giving you a clutter-free desktop.

Troubleshooting Assistance

In troubleshooting situations, the Option key can be your ally. Holding down the Option key when clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar allows you to access additional network diagnostics and troubleshooting tools. Similarly, when encountering software issues, the Option key can offer alternative startup options, such as booting in Safe Mode or launching the macOS Recovery environment. These options can help you identify and resolve problems with your Mac system.

The Mac Option key might be small, but its impact is significant. By familiarizing yourself with its various uses and functionalities, you can unlock a world of hidden features and shortcuts, enhancing your productivity and efficiency.

So, next time you’re sitting in front of your Mac, remember to give that unassuming Option key the attention it deserves. You’ll be amazed at what it can do for you.

The post Mac Option Key: Unlock Hidden Functions and Boost Productivity appeared first on SmartnTechs.

• How often do you find yourself running out of battery during the day?
• How much time does it take to fully charge your phone when it’s about to die?
• How frustrated are you when you’re in the middle of an important call, and your phone dies?

These are all valid questions with real consequences that can be avoided with the tips were about to share with you.

In this article, you will discover 17 tips and tricks that will have a positive impact on your iPhone’s autonomy. If you have an android smartphone see: Improve your smartphone battery backup smartly

Check the state of your iPhone’s Battery.

Over time, smartphone batteries degrade; there is nothing you can do about it. If your smartphone is already several years old, then it will not hold the charge like a new one. And we’re not talking about battery capacity, which indicates how much charge it’s designed for, but battery health, which is how much charge it can hold after a certain period of use.

Since iOS 11.3, Apple has made it possible to view the battery status without any third-party apps.

1. Open the settings,
2. Scroll down and select the Battery tab,
3. Then select the Battery Status tab.

Typically, you will begin to notice a degradation in performance or a decrease in battery life if the battery health is at 80% or less. While you can still use the tips below, their effectiveness will not drastically change the situation. The best solution for you is to replace the Battery or purchase a new device.

1 Turn off Location Services (Geolocation | GPS)

GPS is one of the other things that can drain your battery, especially if an application is using it in the background without your knowledge. Geolocation is becoming more and more a basic option in any game or program. So, they try to track us, offering ads tailored to the area.

Every application, on the first startup, asks for the permission to determine your location; if it is accidentally allowed to use GPS

Go to Settings → Privacy → Geolocation Services and disable access for most applications.

What is the Battery Impact of Location Services?

Based on research findings, the strength of the GPS signal has a significant impact on battery life. In areas with a strong GPS signal, battery life is minimally affected, with a reduction of only 13%. Conversely, when remote workers find themselves in regions with weak GPS signal strength, the battery depletion can be as high as 38%.

2 Reduce the use of visual effects

After a long time of use, we don’t really pay attention to the different animations used by iOS. Reducing these different effects can have a positive impact on the iPhone’s autonomy.

You can reduce the animations on your phone with the steps bellow:

• Open Settings;
• Go to General and access the Accessibility menu;
• Then go to Reduce Animations and enable the feature.

3 Enable the “DARK MODE”

For iPhones with OLED screens, dark mode is a great way to save battery life.

OLED displays can illuminate individual pixels, while IPS displays illuminate everything at once. When you need to display black, IPS simulates it with a combination of other dark colors, while OLED completely turns off the backlighting of that pixel, which not only results in true black but also consumes much less battery power.

To enable dark mode:

• Open Settings;
• Select Display and Brightness.
• Select Dark.

4 Set up your notifications – keep only those you consider truly useful

One of the main consumers of battery power is notifications. With a large number of messages, the iPhone’s screen can practically never turn off, which does not affect the smartphone’s battery life in the best way.

Sort things out and keep only the ones that you consider truly useful.

• You can, according to the old habit, go to the settings – Notifications menu and go through the list of apps, disabling unnecessary ones,
• Or you can use the new iOS 12 feature. To avoid browsing the list of dozens or hundreds of apps, you can simply manage new incoming notifications directly from the lock screen.

5 Adjust the screen’ brightness

Full-screen brightness will consume Battery much faster than half brightness. To quickly reduce it, open Control Center and swipe down the brightness bar.

Turning off the automatic screen brightness can also save battery life. If it is on, then the brightness will be automatically adjusted according to the surrounding lighting; for example, it will increase if you are in direct sunlight.

To disable auto-brightness:

• Open Settings;
• Select Accessibility;
• Select Display and Text Size;
• Scroll down and turn off auto-brightness.

6 Enable Power Save Mode

This is a great feature for saving battery power, but it does involve some compromises. When you enable power saving mode, some background processes on your device are suspended, such as automatic downloads, iCloud backups, email sync, Hey Siri, etc.

Your device will automatically offer to switch to this mode when the battery charge is at 20%, but you can manually activate it at any time:

• Open Settings;
• Select Battery;
• Enable power-saving mode.

7 Disable automatic downloads

Automatically downloading updates or new purchases from another device can become an energy drain, especially if they are done with mobile data. To avoid this, it’s best to disable all automatic downloads from your device.

• Open Settings;
• Go into the iTunes Store and App Store menu ;
• Disable automatic downloads for all categories.

You can also take the opportunity to disable the automatic playback of app preview videos in the App Store.

8 Temporarily disable mobile data.

There is nothing worse for the iPhone’s battery life than poor network coverage. Those who frequently take the train have probably already noticed; their iPhone battery seems to melt away like snow in the sun.

It is, therefore, better to temporarily disable mobile data and opt for Wi-Fi if you have a connection.

• open the Control Center;
• Now, tap on the mobile antenna signal icon,

or

• Go to Settings,
• Then Mobile Data
• And turn off Mobile Data.

You will still be able to receive calls and use your phone, but you will no longer have access to 3G/4G/5G Internet.

9 Disable wireless connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, …)

Disable Bluetooth if no other devices are connected to the iPhone, as the phone will try to find nearby Bluetooth devices in the background, which will increase power consumption.

• You can do this from Control Center or via Settings> Bluetooth.

Disable Wi-Fi completely when you’re not connected to any network.

• It’s not enough to do this from the Control Center, but you’ll need to go directly to Settings> Wi-Fi.

However, we recommend that you try to use Wi-Fi networks whenever possible, as mobile data generates more battery consumption.

10 Disable Siri’s quick launch

One of the features of the voice assistant allows you to activate it with a secret phrase without touching your smartphone. This is cool and fun, but not everyone uses this opportunity.

It means a special module monitors what’s going on and waits for a key phrase, thus consume the battery.

For some people, Siri sometimes turns on at inappropriate times or does not respond properly to their requests. For others, it is simply the desire not to feel permanently under surveillance.

Fortunately, deactivating Siri is relatively simple.

• Go to the iPhone settings and scroll down to the “Siri & Search” option and select it.
• Then, in the “Ask Siri” section, disable the “Allow “Hey Siri” option as well as the option to trigger Siri via the side or home button.
• A box should then appear on your screen asking you to validate the deactivation of Siri.

The voice assistant can be easily launched using Apple Watch, HomePod, AirPods, CarPlay system and Siri is also on Mac, so you do not drive your smartphone in vain.

11 Disable all vibration effects

In the “Universal Access” item, there is a button to disable all vibration effects – even for calls. Or you can disable vibration in silent mode.

Here is how to do it:

• Go to the main screen of the system settings,
• open “Sounds, touch signals.”
• and disable vibrations in silent mode.

12 Disable Night Shift

“Night Shift” is a function that changes the screen color to warm colors in order to reduce blue light. When it is on, it seems to consume more power than usual. Night Shift itself is often used at night (after 10 pm, etc.), but you can turn it off if you’re interested.

• Got to the Control Center or “Settings” → Display and screen brightness → Night Shift.

13 Lowering the volume

You can save battery power by turning down the volume a little. Turn down the volume with the volume knob on the side of the iPhone.

You can also change the “Ringtone and notification sound,” disable the “Keyboard click” and “Lock sound” in the sound and touch sensations of the “Settings” application.

14 Reduce the time of automatic screen lock

Auto-lock is used to lock the iPhone screen when you don’t use it for a certain time. You can set the time after which you want to lock the screen, for example, after 15 seconds of inactivity or more. It is best to choose the shortest available time.

To enable automatic screen lock:

• Open Settings → Display and Brightness;
• Select Auto-Lock and make your choice.

15 Avoid battery-draining apps

Your iPhone collects data on how well apps work and how much battery they use.

• To get a report on battery usage, open Settings → select Battery.

From there, you will see which apps have used the amount of battery power over the last 24 hours or 10 days.

To prevent all or some applications from doing this in the future:

• Open Settings and select General;
• Select Content Update;
• Click Disable,
• or search for the desired app and disable this feature for that app only.

Most of them only work when you launch them, but some types of Facebook, Messenger, … constantly sync with services and drain the device’s Battery.

16 Disable the Game Center

Game Center is not only annoying with its notifications but also wastes battery power. If you’re not an avid gamer, disable the feature at the bottom of the iOS settings.

17 Disable Dynamic Backgrounds

Dynamic backgrounds, like the ones that move subtly when you tilt your phone, can also drain battery life. Opt for a static wallpaper in your settings to conserve power.

The post 17 Tips to Save Battery Life on Your iPhone appeared first on SmartnTechs.

Table of Contents

• Find My iPhone: Your Most Powerful Tool
  • How to Use Find My App
  • Crowd Sourced Location Tracking
• Using iCloud to Find your iPhone
  • How to Track iPhone Using iCloud
• Find Lost iPhone Using Siri and Apple Watch
  • How to Locate Lost iPhone with Apple Watch and Siri
• Using Bluetooth and AirTag Integration
• Carrier Assistance and Tracking
  • How to Protect your iPhone with the Network Carrier
• Preventive Measures to Avoid Losing Your iPhone

Find My iPhone: Your Most Powerful Tool

One of the most powerful tools for locating a lost iPhone is Apple’s Find My app, which is pre-installed on all iOS devices. This app allows users to locate their lost device, even if it’s offline, using GPS, Bluetooth, and crowd-sourced location data from nearby Apple devices. Below is a step-by-step guide to using “Find My” app to track your lost iPhone.

How to Use Find My App

1. Access the Find My App: On another iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, open the “Find My” app. If you don’t have another Apple device, you can also use the iCloud website (discussed later).
2. Sign in with Your Apple ID: Ensure you’re logged in with the Apple ID linked to the lost device.
3. Locate Your iPhone: A map will appear showing the last known location of your device. If the iPhone is online, you can see its current location in real-time, including its movement if it’s being carried or used.
4. Activate Play Sound: If your iPhone is nearby, but you can’t find it, use the “Play Sound” option to make your phone emit a loud tone, even if it’s in silent mode. This feature is especially useful if your phone is misplaced around the house or office.
5. Enable Lost Mode: If you suspect that your iPhone has been stolen or lost in a public area, immediately activate Lost Mode. Lost Mode will lock your iPhone and display a customizable message on the screen. You can also provide a phone number that the finder can use to contact you. Importantly, Lost Mode also tracks your phone’s location even if it’s turned off.
6. Erase Data: If your iPhone contains highly sensitive information, and you’re worried about potential misuse, you can remotely erase all data from your device. This option ensures that personal data such as photos, emails, and financial information cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals.

Crowd Sourced Location Tracking

One of the lesser-known but powerful features of the Find My app is the crowd-sourced location feature. If your iPhone is offline, its location can still be updated by any nearby Apple device that happens to pass by. This data is anonymized and securely transmitted to the Find My network, allowing you to locate your iPhone even without an active internet connection.

Using iCloud to Find your iPhone

If you don’t have access to another iOS device, you can still find your iPhone using iCloud from any web browser. This method is highly useful if you’re traveling or do not have immediate access to other Apple products. Here’s how to do it:

How to Track iPhone Using iCloud

1. Visit iCloud.com: Open any web browser on a laptop, desktop, or tablet and visit iCloud.com.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID and password associated with the lost iPhone. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll need access to another trusted device or a recovery code.
3. Open Find iPhone: Once logged in, click on the “Find iPhone” icon. After selecting this option, a map will display all your Apple devices linked to your account.
4. Track Your Device: The iCloud Find My interface offers similar functionality to the Find My app, allowing you to play a sound, activate Lost Mode, or erase data remotely. This method is ideal for those without immediate access to another Apple device.

Find Lost iPhone Using Siri and Apple Watch

Another innovative way to locate your iPhone is by using Siri or an Apple Watch. If you’ve misplaced your iPhone but are wearing your paired Apple Watch, simply ask Siri to help.

How to Locate Lost iPhone with Apple Watch and Siri:

1. Activate Siri on Your Apple Watch: Raise your wrist and say, “Hey Siri, find my iPhone.”
2. Play Sound: Siri will trigger a sound on your iPhone, which is helpful if it’s lost somewhere in your home or nearby.
3. Apple Watch Control Center: You can also open the Control Center on your Apple Watch and tap the “Find iPhone” icon, which will trigger the sound on your iPhone.

This method is quick and effective for those who regularly use Apple’s ecosystem and often misplace their devices around their home or workplace.

Using Bluetooth and AirTag Integration

With the rise of Apple’s AirTag, you can further protect yourself against losing your iPhone. AirTags are small, coin-sized devices that can be attached to items you frequently lose or misplace, like keys or bags. While they are typically used for non-digital items, AirTags can indirectly assist in finding your iPhone.

When your iPhone is in close proximity to an AirTag, you can leverage the Precision Finding feature on compatible iPhones (iPhone 11 or later) that uses ultra-wideband technology. This allows you to precisely track the direction and distance of the item with the AirTag. If you’ve placed an AirTag with your phone in a bag, you can use your friend’s iPhone or another device to pinpoint the exact location.

Carrier Assistance and Tracking

In certain situations, especially when your iPhone is stolen or completely turned off, you might need the help of your mobile carrier. While carriers cannot actively track a lost phone in real-time as Apple’s tools can, they can offer assistance by providing the last known location based on the device’s interaction with nearby cellular towers.

How to Protect your iPhone with the Network Carrier:

1. Contact Your Network Provider: Immediately report your lost iPhone to your network carrier. Some carriers offer their own device protection plans that may include GPS tracking or remote locking services.
2. Suspending Service: Most network carriers can temporarily suspend service to your device, preventing unauthorized use of your data or cellular plan.
3. Blacklisting the Device: Many network carriers offer a service that can prevent your device from being used on their network if it’s reported as stolen. This will deter potential thieves from trying to use or sell the device.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Losing Your iPhone

While knowing how to locate lost iPhone is crucial, taking preventive measures can save you significant time and stress. Below are some essential steps you should take to secure your iPhone in advance:

1. Enable Find My iPhone: Always ensure that Find My iPhone is turned on. This feature is enabled by default when setting up a new device, but it’s important to verify it remains active.
   • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and make sure it’s toggled on.
2. Turn on Send Last Location: Ensure that your iPhone sends its last known location to Apple when the battery is critically low. This feature can help you locate your iPhone even if the battery dies shortly after.
3. Use a Strong Passcode: Set a strong alphanumeric passcode to prevent unauthorized access to your iPhone. Avoid simple codes like “0000” or “1234.”
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Apple ID to prevent unauthorized access to your account. With 2FA, even if someone knows your Apple ID password, they won’t be able to access your account without the secondary authentication code.
5. Regular Backups: Consistently back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. Regular backups ensure that your data is secure and can be restored on a new device if needed.

Losing your iPhone doesn’t have to be a nightmare thanks to Apple’s advanced technology and easy-to-use features. With tools like the Find My app, iCloud, Siri, and the crowd-sourced location network, finding your iPhone has become simpler and more efficient than ever before. Combine these methods with proactive security measures, such as enabling Lost Mode, using strong passcodes, and backing up your data, and you’ll minimize both the risk of loss and the stress of recovery.

The post How to Find Lost iPhone: Comprehensive Guide to Locate & Secure Your Device appeared first on SmartnTechs.