Make Me Better Thrive

In today’s fast-paced world, our smartphones are more than just gadgets—they’re our lifelines, personal assistants, and even our go-to source of entertainment. But did you know that beyond the obvious functions, your smartphone can help streamline everyday tasks in surprisingly clever ways? Here are some simple yet effective smartphone hacks that can save you time, boost productivity, and make life just a bit easier.

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1. Create Shortcuts for Frequent Contacts

• Do you often find yourself scrolling through your contacts to text or call a few specific people? Make a shortcut to their contact card right on your home screen. On both iOS and Android, you can create quick access widgets or icons for frequent contacts. Just a tap, and you’re calling or texting your person of choice!

2. Set Up Custom Routines with Automation Apps

• Apps like IFTTT (If This Then That) and Shortcuts on iOS allow you to automate everyday smartphone tasks. For example, you can set up your phone to go into Do Not Disturb mode when you’re at work, turn off Wi-Fi when you leave home, or automatically send a text to your family when you’re headed home from the office. Automating small actions can help you stay focused and reduce mental clutter.

3. Use Your Phone as a Remote Control

• Many smartphones can function as remote controls for TVs, computers, and even smart home devices. Apps like Google Home allow you to control lights, thermostats, and security cameras from your phone, while the Apple TV or Roku apps turn your phone into a remote for your streaming devices. This hack saves you from hunting down remotes and brings all controls to one spot.

4. Enable One-Handed Mode

• If you often find yourself juggling bags, coffee, or kids, one-handed mode can be a game-changer. On larger phones, this feature shifts the screen downwards or to one side, making it easier to reach all parts of the screen with one thumb. Most Android phones and iPhones have this setting, and it’s super convenient when you’re on the go.

5. Use Built-in Scanner Features for Documents

• Gone are the days of needing a physical scanner. Your smartphone has you covered with built-in scanning options. On iOS, you can use the Notes app to scan documents, while Android users can use Google Drive. Simply open the app, select “Scan,” and point your camera at the document. These scans are usually high-quality and are great for saving digital copies of receipts, contracts, or notes.

6. Prioritize Battery Life with Low Power Mode

• If you’re constantly finding yourself on the verge of a dead battery, try enabling Low Power Mode (iOS) or Battery Saver Mode (Android). These modes limit background app refresh, reduce visual effects, and help prolong battery life in a pinch. You can also adjust settings like screen brightness, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to conserve even more battery power.

7. Master Voice Commands for Hands-Free Convenience

• Voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant allow you to perform tasks hands-free. You can send texts, set reminders, play music, and ask for directions just by using your voice. Pro tip: Set up specific voice shortcuts. For example, saying “Siri, I’m headed home” could launch your maps app, play your favorite playlist, and send an ETA text.

8. Optimize Your Notification Settings

• Too many notifications can be a major distraction. Take control by customizing which apps can send notifications and in what way. On both iOS and Android, you can silence certain notifications, set up priority alerts, or bundle notifications for a more organized approach. This keeps you focused and ensures you only get alerts for what matters.

9. Turn on Find My Device for Peace of Mind

• Losing your smartphone can be a nightmare, but enabling tracking features like Find My iPhone (iOS) or Find My Device (Android) can help. These features allow you to locate your device on a map, lock it remotely, and even erase data if necessary. It’s a lifesaver if you ever misplace your phone.

10. Use Your Phone as a Measure and Level Tool

• Ever needed to measure something on the fly? Many smartphones come with a built-in measurement app (such as Measure on iPhone or Google Measure on Android). You can measure length, height, and even check if surfaces are level using just your phone’s camera and sensors.

11. Enable “Do Not Disturb” During Sleep Hours

• For a more restful night, enable Do Not Disturb or Sleep Mode during set hours. These features silence notifications but allow critical alerts to come through, like a call from a family member. It’s ideal for cutting down on disruptions at night and for creating healthier screen-time boundaries.

12. Use Focus Mode or App Timers to Limit Screen Time

• If you find yourself spending too much time on social media or gaming apps, try using Focus Mode (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing’s App Timer (Android). These features let you set daily limits on apps or restrict access to specific types of apps, helping you to stay focused on tasks without distractions.

13. Make Use of QR Code Scanning

• QR codes are everywhere, and most smartphone cameras now include built-in QR code scanning functionality. Whether you’re checking into a venue, making a payment, or accessing a website, this feature allows you to scan quickly without needing a third-party app.

14. Use Split Screen Mode for Multitasking

• Split-screen mode is a great way to multitask. On Android devices, you can open two apps simultaneously, allowing you to work more efficiently, such as taking notes while watching a tutorial. iPhone doesn’t yet support split-screen in the same way, but you can use Slide Over and Picture in Picture (for videos) to achieve a similar result.

15. Take Advantage of Password Managers

• If you’re constantly forgetting passwords, it’s time to let your smartphone’s password manager take over. Both iOS and Android have secure, built-in password storage that auto-fills login credentials for apps and websites. Alternatively, apps like LastPass and 1Password offer additional features for managing passwords securely.

Final Thoughts

With just a few tweaks, your smartphone can become even more efficient and convenient. Take some time to explore these hacks, and you’ll find new ways to save time, increase productivity, and make your life a little easier. Try incorporating a few of these into your daily routine, and you might be surprised at how much smoother things become!

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