Mastering Apple Devices: Tips and Tricks for Enhanced Emergency Preparedness and Daily Usage

Whether you are an experienced iPhone user or just starting out, understanding the full range of features available can significantly enhance your device's usability in critical moments. Here are some essential tips and features to know, particularly focusing on emergency scenarios and daily productivity.

Emergency Preparedness on Apple Devices

To ensure you can get timely help in an emergency, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with Apple's emergency features. These include making emergency calls, setting up emergency notifications, and sending distress messages.

Making an Emergency Voice Call

One of the most important features is the ability to make an emergency voice call. Here's how:

Press and hold the side button and either volume button on your iPhone until the Emergency SOS screen appears. Drag the Emergency SOS icon to make a voice call or tap Medical Card for immediate access to a medical emergency card.

Note that you can use an iPhone in an emergency without unlocking the device or even checking the owner's medical emergency card if you're using someone else's iPhone. Simply swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen or press the Home button to access the emergency features.

Setting Up Emergency Features

After setting up these features, you can further enhance your security and information sharing by storing important medical information and emergency contacts. This information is accessible just in case you need it during a critical situation.

Battery Life and Emergency Use

For longer battery life, delay recharging until the device shows 10% remaining. This can help maximize the number of hours your phone can operate in an emergency situation.

Additional Features for Enhanced Experience

Beyond emergency preparedness, Apple devices offer a host of other useful features that may not immediately come to mind. Here are a few noteworthy tips:

Using Face ID with a Mask

With advancements in technology, it's now possible to use Face ID even when wearing a mask. While the security of this feature is lessened, it's still an option. To set it up, go to Settings > Face ID Passcode > Face ID with a Mask. This might require iOS 15 or later and is more secure if you have “Require Attention for Face ID” selected, which necessitates your attention before unlocking the device.

Creating and Sharing Links in Facetime

If you want to share Facetime links with individuals who may not have Apple devices, iOS 15 or later and macOS Monterey are required. This feature allows for seamless sharing and communication across different devices and operating systems.

Selecting and Copying Text in Photos

Beginning with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, you can select and copy text within photos. This is particularly useful for extracting information from billboards, business cards, and other texts you may need later. You can find this feature under the new text selection tool in photos.

Quick App Switching

To switch quickly between open apps, swipe along the bottom of the screen left or right. This is available on devices with Face ID, as it relies more on touch and gesture commands due to the absence of a Home button.

Remember, this guide is for personal use and not for paid reproduction or distribution.

By utilizing these tips and features, you can stay prepared and enhance the functionality of your Apple device for both daily use and emergency situations.