Many iPhone users continue using their devices with default factory settings, assuming everything is already adjusted for the best experience. While Apple designs its software carefully, not every setting is ideal for every user. Some options can drain your battery faster, collect unnecessary data, or interrupt your day with unwanted notifications.
If you want better battery life, improved privacy, and fewer distractions, here are nine settings you should review immediately.
1. Silence Unknown Callers
Spam calls can be frustrating and disruptive. Instead of manually blocking numbers one by one, you can silence unknown callers entirely.
Go to Settings > Phone and turn on Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from numbers not saved in your contacts will go straight to voicemail, but you can still see them in your recent calls list.
2. Turn Off Background App Refresh
Many apps continue running in the background even when you are not using them. This consumes battery and mobile data.
To adjust this, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. You can turn it off completely or allow it only for essential apps like Maps or Mail.
3. Disable Significant Locations
Your iPhone keeps a record of places you frequently visit. While this is used to improve services like Maps, it also means your location history is stored on your device.
To turn it off, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations. You can disable the feature and clear your stored history.
4. Stop In-App Rating Prompts
App rating pop-ups can interrupt your browsing or gaming experience.
To disable them, open Settings > App Store and turn off In-App Ratings & Reviews.
5. Limit Ad Tracking
Advertising companies use data from apps to show personalized ads. If you prefer fewer targeted advertisements, you can limit tracking.
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security, then turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track. You can also disable Personalized Ads under Apple Advertising.
6. Turn Off “Preload Top Hit” in Safari
Safari sometimes loads the first search result automatically to make browsing faster. While helpful, it uses battery and data for pages you may not open.
Disable it by going to Settings > Safari and switching off Preload Top Hit.
7. Disable Raise to Wake
The screen lights up whenever you lift your phone. Although convenient, it can waste battery, especially if your phone moves inside your pocket or bag.
Turn it off under Settings > Display & Brightness > Raise to Wake.
8. Turn Off Analytics & Improvements
Your iPhone regularly sends diagnostic data to Apple. While this helps improve products, it also uses battery and system resources.
To stop this, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements and turn off Share iPhone Analytics.
9. Set Up a Legacy Contact
This setting does not improve performance, but it is important for long-term security. A Legacy Contact allows someone you trust to access your account and data if something happens to you.
You can set this up by going to Settings > Your Name > Password & Security > Legacy Contact.
Your iPhone works well out of the box, but a few simple changes can improve battery life, reduce distractions, and strengthen privacy.
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