Introduction:

When you consider productivity, you may typically think of tools like your reliable laptop, Google Docs, and Slack. However, I've discovered that one of the most crucial productivity tools for me is my iPhone. Not everyone perceives their iPhone in the same way. It's often seen as a communication tool, an internet portal, a music player, a gateway to social media, and even a gaming device. If you choose the iPhone productivity setup route, you will be able to achieve more and experience relief, reduced workload, and, as a result, an increase in productivity.

iPhone Secrets to Improve Performance

1. Enable The One-Handed Keyboard

When it comes to typing, using a small smartphone screen is much less convenient than using a physical keyboard. This is especially true when you're walking with your iPhone and trying to type with both thumbs. Luckily, iOS 12 and later have a really useful feature that makes typing easier. To enable it, go to Settings, then tap General > Keyboard > One Handed Keyboard. On the next screen, choose either Left or Right based on whether you're left- or right-handed.

2. Do Not Disturb

You can simply activate record phone calls on your iPhone and not be distracted by conversations while you are focused on work. With the iPhone app to record call, you can record any incoming or outgoing conversation and also use the application as a voicemail. Call Recorder for iPhone will be useful in other situations, for example, when you need to save the details of a conversation or create evidence of your verbal agreements. It is appropriate to use the app to record phone calls in moments of maximum focus and listen to the message when you have more time for this.

3. Use Text Replacement

You can maximize your typing speed with iOS by creating text-replacement shortcuts. These shortcuts can consist of letters or symbols and expand into your most frequently used words and phrases.

For instance, I frequently wrote about devices with edge-to-edge displays, and typing out the hyphenated phrase "edge-to-edge" was time-consuming on my iPhone. To address this, I created a text replacement for it. Now, whenever you type "e2e," iOS automatically replaces it with "edge-to-edge."

4. Set Up a Focus Mode

To set up a Focus mode on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Choose Focus from the options.
3. Tap the plus (+) button located in the top right corner of your screen.
4. Select the desired Focus mode you want to create.
5. If you prefer to create a custom Focus mode, enter the name you wish to use and select the desired color and icon.
6. Choose the individuals from whom you want to receive notifications and tap Allow. If you don't want any notifications, tap Allow None.
7. Select the permitted apps for notifications and tap Allow. If you don't want any app notifications, tap Allow Only Time Sensitive or Allow None.
8. Finally, tap Done to complete the process.

5. Templates for Photo Processing

If you've used photo-editing apps like Adobe Lightroom, you're probably familiar with the "preset" feature. It allows you to save edits made to one image, such as adjustments to saturation, vibrance, and white balance, and apply them to another image. This saves time when editing multiple pictures that require the same changes. Did you know that a similar feature is available in the Mac Photos app? Here's how you can access it:

1. Finish editing a specific image in Photos.
2. Click on the menu bar, then go to Image and select Copy Edits.
3. Open the image where you want to apply the same edits.
4. Again, go to Image and select Paste Edits.
5. You can repeat this process for as many pictures as you need.

6. White Noise Helps Focus

If you have trouble working or falling asleep in complete silence, you'll appreciate the white noise available on your iPhone. Did you know that you can easily access a range of white noise options? Here's how you can do it:

1. Open your iPhone's Settings.
2. Go to Accessibility, then Audio/Visual.
3. Look for Background Sounds and turn it on.
4. Once you've enabled Background Sounds, locate the Sounds options on the same page.
5. Choose from various white noise options such as streams, rain, and the ocean.

7. Set Time Limits

Many of us undoubtedly spend more time than necessary on apps and games. Watching TikTok videos can be enjoyable but also time-consuming. Luckily, your iPhone allows you to set time limits for any apps you use, enabling you to stay productive.

To set time limits for an app, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Screen Time.
3. Tap App Limits.
4. Tap Add Limit.
5. Choose the category that interests you.
6. Select the specific app or game. You can also tap the category again to select all games or apps.
7. Tap Next.
8. Select the desired time limit. You can also customize days to have different limits for specific days.
9. Once finished, tap Add.

Conclusion

A smartphone can be both an enemy of productivity and a helper. It all depends on how efficiently you can use your smartphone. The tips listed above help reduce the number of irritants and reduce the time required to perform routine procedures. Thus, you become more productive.