Phones are far more than just tools for texting and calling – they’ve become an integral part of our everyday lives, handling everything from banking to entertainment.
But with so many features at your fingertips, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. With a little know-how, you can start using your phone to its full potential and get the most out of each tap, swipe and scroll.
Getting serious about security
You might not think twice about leaving your phone lying around, but it’s a goldmine of personal data. If you want to keep everything from your photos to your financial accounts safe, you need to put some thought and effort into security.
Start by setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts, especially for things like email and social media. This extra layer makes it harder for hackers to get in, even if they have your password.
Next, consider using a password manager. These apps store your passwords securely and can generate strong, unique ones for every account. This way, you don’t have to remember a bunch of different passwords – just one to access your manager.
You can also enable biometric security features like face recognition or fingerprint scanning. They’re a quick and easy way to protect your information, even if your phone falls into the wrong hands.
Streamlining apps and notifications
We all end up with apps that we no longer need, cluttering our screens and distracting us with constant notifications. But you can change that. Start by decluttering your home screen. Remove any apps you rarely use, and group similar ones together in folders for easy access.
Equally important is managing your notifications. Constant pings can make it hard to focus, so head into your phone’s settings and turn off notifications for apps that aren’t urgent. You’ll stay more in control of your attention and keep things better organised.
Having more fun with the right apps
Apps are great for entertainment, and you can find one for nearly any interest. If you enjoy gaming, a slots app can offer an engaging experience without the need for a computer or console. The right games and apps offer an alternative to wasting hours simply scrolling. Just make sure to download from trusted sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Besides gaming, there are so many creative apps available, from photo-editing tools to music production software. Rather than defaulting to social media or streaming services, explore apps that let you build, create or learn something new. With these, you might find yourself enjoying more meaningful pastimes.
Optimising battery life and storage
Low battery and nearly full storage can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid these issues.
Start by checking which apps use the most battery and consider limiting their background activity or even uninstalling them if you rarely use them. Turn on low-power mode for times when you don’t need to use your phone for anything intensive.
For storage, take a look at your photo library and delete anything you don’t need. Cloud storage services are also a great way to free up space on your device while keeping your important files safe. Regularly clearing out old and unwanted files, photos and videos or moving them to the cloud can make room for the apps and data you actually need.
