Apple has been creating amazing gadgets for years. Every new model comes with exciting features, elevating the iPhone experience. Even though we use most iPhone features on a daily basis, there are some features that don’t have enough recognition. A lot of people don’t even know about these features, but using these features can improve the quality of your life. You can find these features on the latest models as well as older ones. So, whether you have a brand new iPhone or buy a used iPhone, these features will be on it. But what are these features that we’re not using as much as we should?
In this article, we have discussed some of the lesser-known iPhone features that you should use in your new or used phones.
1. Face ID with a Mask
Apple introduced the Face ID with a Mask feature recently after the pandemic made it compulsory for everyone to wear a mask at all times. This feature was introduced to make it easy to unlock your iPhone without removing your mask. Although this feature was introduced with the iOS 15.4 update, many people are still not using it.
To use this feature, update your iPhone to iOS 15.4 or above. Open the Settings app and scroll to the Face ID and Passcode option. In this section, you can enable the Face ID with a Mask option. After enabling the option, lock your iPhone and try unlocking it with your mask on.
Since this feature is only available in iPhone 12 and later models, you will need a new, used, or refurbished iPhone 12 or 13 to use this feature.
2. Vaccine Card in Apple Wallet
With Covid-19 getting controlled with vaccines, you need to show proof of your vaccination everywhere you go. Keeping your vaccination card on you at all times can be tedious, and you might forget to take it somewhere necessary.
Apple understood the needs of users and introduced a feature where you can keep your vaccine card right in the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone. Although the app is available on all iPhone models, you need iOS 15.4 to use this feature.
On your new or used iPhone, open the website where you can check your vaccination status. Take a screenshot or scan the QR code on the site and tap Add to Wallet & Health. Once the card is added to the Wallet, you can double-tap the side of the iPhone Home Button to access and display it whenever you want.
3. Visual Look Up
Another valuable feature that most people don’t use enough is the Visual Look Up feature on iPhone. With the help of this feature, you can use a visual object or location to get information about it.
In order for this feature to work, you need to open a photo in the Photos app. After opening the photo, swipe up on it and tap the Look Up option. You will get relevant information in the Siri Knowledge panel or Results.
Since this feature is only available on the iPhones with an A12 Bionic chip or later, you may need to buy used iPhone XS or any other model with the relevant chip to use this feature.
4. Safari Extensions
With the iOS 15, you get to add extensions to the Safari web browser. It is a valuable option but still not as widely used as it should be. You can easily use a number of extensions on your new or refurbished iPhone after downloading them from the App Store.
To install an extension, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll to Safari and tap Extensions
- Click on More Extensions to choose and install the extensions you like
Once you have installed the extensions, you can configure their settings from the Extensions page in the Safari settings. You can also use the standalone apps to change any settings.
5. Separation Alerts
If you use the Find My app on iPhone, you may already know about the latest addition, called Separation Alerts. This feature notifies you if you leave any of your Apple devices behind, including your iPad, AirPods, and Apple Watch.
If you want to receive an alert when your Apple devices are left behind, you need to enable this feature in settings. Open the Find My app, and from the devices tab, choose the device you want alerts for. Tap on the Notify when left behind option and enable it.
When you have the feature enabled, you will receive alerts, and upon clicking the notification, it will redirect you to the Find My app and navigate to the device’s location. To avoid getting unnecessary alerts, you can also add exceptional locations, like your home.
6. Strong Passwords in the Password Manager
Apple has always been vocal about online security, so it brought a feature for its users to improve their safety. With the password manager tool, you can keep a record of your current passwords and create new ones for different accounts. You can also use it to upgrade your weak existing passwords to strong and complicated ones.
Whether you have a new, used, or refurbished iPhone, you can use the password manager to enhance your online security. Open the Settings app, go to the Passwords page, and choose a saved password you want to change. The app will show strong password suggestions, and you can tap the Change Password on Website button to save the changes.
