iPhone 8 Tips and Tricks in 2024

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, launched in September 2017, represent a perfect blend of traditional design and modern innovation. These devices feature a robust A11 Bionic chip, a 12MP camera, and support for wireless charging, all wrapped in a sleek glass back. Despite the release of newer models, the iPhone 8 remains a popular choice due to its solid performance, reliable features, and relatively lower price point compared to its successors.

Maximize Battery Life

1. Enable Low Power Mode: Low Power Mode is a crucial feature when you need to extend your iPhone’s battery life. It temporarily reduces background activities and visual effects to conserve energy. Activate it through Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode. You can also add it to the Control Center for quicker access by going to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls.

2. Optimize Settings: Adjusting your iPhone’s settings can significantly impact battery life. Reduce screen brightness manually or enable Auto-Brightness in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Auto-Brightness. Turn off Background App Refresh under Settings > General > Background App Refresh to prevent apps from consuming power when not in use. Additionally, disable Location Services for apps that don’t require it in Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

3. Battery Health Management: Monitoring your battery health helps ensure your iPhone performs optimally. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check the maximum capacity and peak performance capability. Consider a battery replacement if the maximum capacity falls below 80%, as a deteriorated battery can cause unexpected shutdowns and reduced performance.

Optimize Performance

1. Update iOS: Keeping your iPhone updated ensures you have the latest security patches, performance improvements, and new features. Regularly check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update. Enable automatic updates to stay up-to-date effortlessly.

2. Free Up Storage: A cluttered storage can slow down your device. Regularly delete unused apps and clear cache data to free up space. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to view recommendations and manually delete large files or apps. Utilize Offload Unused Apps to automatically remove apps you haven’t used recently while retaining their data.

3. Restart Regularly: Restarting your iPhone can clear temporary files and refresh the system, leading to smoother performance. To restart, press and hold the side button along with the volume down button until the power off slider appears. Slide to power off, then turn it back on by holding the side button.

Enhance Security

1. Enable Face ID or Touch ID: Security is paramount, and using Face ID (iPhone X and later) or Touch ID (iPhone 8 and earlier) adds a layer of protection. Set up Face ID in Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID in Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. These biometric authentication methods are not only secure but also convenient for unlocking your device and authorizing payments.

2. Use Strong Passcodes: Avoid simple passcodes such as “1234” or “0000”. Set a six-digit passcode or a custom alphanumeric code by going to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. This enhances security by making it harder for unauthorized users to access your device.

3. Two-Factor Authentication: Adding two-factor authentication to your Apple ID significantly boosts security. It requires you to verify your identity using a second device whenever you sign in, adding an extra layer of protection. Enable it by visiting your Apple ID account page and following the on-screen instructions.

Top Tricks for iPhone 8

Hidden Features

1. Quickly Access the Camera: You can capture moments swiftly by accessing the camera directly from the lock screen. Simply press the power button or raise your iPhone to wake it up, then swipe left. This shortcut bypasses the need to unlock your phone, allowing for immediate photo or video capture.

2. 3D Touch Shortcuts: 3D Touch, exclusive to models like the iPhone 8, provides quick access to app-specific functions. Press firmly on app icons to reveal a menu of shortcuts. For instance, 3D Touch on the Phone app icon to quickly access favorite contacts, or on the Camera app to jump directly to selfie mode.

3. Control Center Customization: Tailor the Control Center to your needs by adding or removing controls. Access Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls to select features like screen recording, Apple TV remote, or quick access to Low Power Mode. This customization ensures you have essential tools at your fingertips.

Customizing Your Home Screen

1. Create Folders: Organize your apps by creating folders. To create a folder, tap and hold an app icon until it starts to jiggle, then drag it over another app. Release it to create a folder containing both apps. Name the folder according to its content, such as “Games” or “Productivity”, for easier access and a cleaner home screen.

2. Move Multiple Apps: Reorganize your home screen more efficiently by moving multiple apps at once. Tap and hold an app until it starts to jiggle, then tap additional apps to group them. Drag the entire group to a new location or another screen. This feature saves time when rearranging apps after a major update or new app installation.

3. Use Widgets: Widgets provide quick access to essential information and functionalities from your favorite apps. Swipe right from the home screen to access the Today View, which houses your widgets. Scroll to the bottom and tap Edit to add, remove, or rearrange widgets, enhancing your productivity by keeping relevant information at your fingertips.

Camera Hacks

1. Portrait Mode (iPhone 8 Plus): The iPhone 8 Plus features Portrait Mode, which uses dual cameras to create a depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject sharp. This effect mimics professional photography. Access Portrait Mode in the Camera app and experiment with different lighting effects like Studio Light or Stage Light to enhance your photos.

2. Grid Lines: Enable grid lines to help with photo composition. Grid lines adhere to the rule of thirds, a principle in photography that suggests placing subjects along the grid lines or their intersections to create balanced and engaging photos. Turn on grid lines in Settings > Camera > Grid.

3. Burst Mode: Capture fast-moving subjects by using Burst Mode. Hold down the shutter button in the Camera app to take a series of photos in quick succession. Review the burst collection and select the best shots. This feature is particularly useful for action shots or capturing fleeting moments.

Advanced Features of iPhone 8

Augmented Reality (AR)

The iPhone 8 leverages the power of the A11 Bionic chip to deliver immersive AR experiences. Augmented Reality overlays digital objects onto the real world through your camera, creating interactive and engaging applications.

1. Practical Applications: AR can be used for practical applications like interior design. For instance, apps like IKEA Place allow you to place virtual furniture in your home to see how it fits and looks before purchasing. Similarly, AR MeasureKit can be used to measure distances and dimensions with your iPhone.

2. Gaming: AR gaming transforms your surroundings into a playing field. Popular games like Pokémon GO integrate AR to bring virtual creatures into your real-world environment, creating a blend of physical and digital gaming.

3. Educational Tools: AR also serves as a powerful educational tool. Apps like Froggipedia offer interactive learning experiences by allowing you to virtually dissect a frog and study its anatomy in 3D, enhancing understanding and engagement in subjects like biology.

Wireless Charging

Wireless charging is a convenient feature introduced with the iPhone 8. The device supports the Qi wireless charging standard, enabling you to charge your phone without plugging it in.

1. Using Wireless Chargers: To charge your iPhone 8 wirelessly, simply place it on a Qi-compatible charging pad. Wireless chargers are available in various forms, including flat pads and stands, allowing you to choose one that suits your style and needs. Ensure the charger is plugged into a power source and that your iPhone is properly aligned on the pad to initiate charging.

2. Benefits: Wireless charging reduces wear and tear on the charging port and provides a clutter-free solution, especially if you have multiple devices. It also allows for easy charging by placing your phone on the pad whenever it’s not in use, keeping your battery topped up without the hassle of connecting cables.

True Tone Display

The True Tone display on the iPhone 8 automatically adjusts the screen’s white balance based on the ambient lighting conditions. This results in a more natural viewing experience, reducing eye strain and making colors appear consistent in different environments.

1. Enabling True Tone: Activate True Tone by navigating to Settings > Display & Brightness and toggling on True Tone. This feature works by using advanced sensors to measure the color temperature and brightness of the surrounding light, then adjust the display accordingly.

2. Advantages: True Tone helps in reading and viewing comfort, especially in varying lighting conditions. Whether you are under bright sunlight or in a dimly lit room, True Tone ensures that the display adapts to provide a comfortable and accurate visual experience.

iPhone 8 Plus: Specific Tips and Tricks

Utilizing Dual Cameras

The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual-camera system that offers enhanced photographic capabilities compared to the iPhone 8.

1. Optical Zoom: The second telephoto lens enables 2x optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subject without compromising image quality. This is particularly useful for capturing distant subjects with clarity. Access the zoom function by tapping the 1x button in the Camera app to switch to 2x, or pinch the screen to zoom in and out.

2. Portrait Lighting: Portrait Lighting is an advanced feature that lets you apply studio-quality lighting effects to your photos. In Portrait Mode, you can choose from effects like Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, and Stage Light Mono. These effects simulate different lighting scenarios to highlight your subject and create dramatic portraits.

Optimizing for Larger Screen

The larger screen of the iPhone 8 Plus enhances the user experience, especially for tasks like browsing, reading, and gaming.

1. Landscape Mode: Many apps on the iPhone 8 Plus support landscape mode, providing a dual-pane view that enhances productivity and multitasking. For example, in the Mail app, landscape mode allows you to view your email list and an opened email simultaneously. Rotate your iPhone to switch to landscape mode and enjoy the expanded view.

2. Reachability: The iPhone 8 Plus’s large screen can be challenging to navigate one-handed. Reachability makes it easier by bringing the top of the screen within thumb’s reach. Lightly double-tap the Home button (not press) to activate Reachability. This feature lowers the active area of the screen, making it easier to reach top icons and buttons without adjusting your grip.

Conclusions

By incorporating these tips and tricks into your daily routine, you can unlock the full potential of your iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Stay informed about new features and updates to continually improve your device’s performance and functionality. Enjoy a seamless and enriched experience with your Apple device!

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