Life Hacks: Make Your Phone Work Better For You

We love a good life hack here at The Lab, especially the ones that make our iPhones and Android devices work better for us. How many of these phone hacks are you already using and which ones are you ready to try?

iPhone Hacks & Tricks

Quick Edit A Screenshot

After you take a screenshot, take a shortcut by tapping it to make edits.

Move Your Cursor

Did you know you can move your cursor using the space bar while you’re typing? Give up trying to tap all over the screen and just use that space bar instead!

Locate An App

Can’t find an app you downloaded? Just drag one finger down anywhere on your iPhone’s screen to search for it.

Undo & Redo Typing

All you have to do is undo your last text edit is double-tap with 3 fingers or swipe left. If you want to restore your last edit, just swipe right with 3 fingers.

Add A Home Button

Want to add the home button function to your iPhone? Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch >AssistiveTouch. On iOS 12 or older, go to Settings > General > Accessibility. When AssistiveTouch is on, a gray dot will appear on the screen. Just tap it to access your Home button.

Android Phone Hacks & Tricks

Charge Your Phone Faster

The best way to charge your phone faster is by switching it to airplane mode before plugging it in.

Use Two Apps Side By Side

Did you know you can run two apps side-by-side in a split-screen style? Just tap the Overview button and choose which of your recently used apps you want to see. 

Hold and drag it to the top or left and then choose another open app to appear beside or above it.

Personalize Your Default Apps

You can set up defaults exactly the way you want them! Go to Settings > Apps then tap the cog icon in the upper right corner. Select any of the categories to see a list of installed apps that have the option to be set as your default.

Make Your Phone One-Hand Friendly

Google’s custom keyboard (Gboard) on Android phones has a one-handed mode you can switch to using a shortcut. Once you open the keyboard, tap and hold the comma key. Drag it up to the right-hand icon to switch over to one-handed mode.

Save Your Data

Android phones come with a built-in backup system. It does vary per model, so make sure you know how your specific backup system works. Most Android phones have switched from Google Photos (since it’s no longer free) to One Drive or Samsung Cloud.

Need Help With Your Phone In Warsaw?

Whether you need help setting up a new device or have a phone that needs to be repaired, we’re here for you! 

Come visit us at The Lab and have one of our repair experts take a look at your device. We’re located in the heart of downtown Warsaw, Indiana at 120 E. Center Street, Suite A. 

Our Hours

Monday: 10am – 5pm

Tuesday: 10am – 5pm

Wednesday: 12pm – 7pm

Thursday: 10am – 5pm

Friday: 10am – 7pm

Saturday: 10am-2pm

Sunday: Closed

Originally published in 2021, this blog post has been updated to include the latest information.