Redial with one tap
To redial the last number you called on an iPhone, simply open your keypad in the Phone app and tap the green phone icon. One example of how this can come in handy: Say you called in a pizza delivery for dinner and forgot to order the mixed salad you also wanted. Just touch the phone icon, and you’ll be reconnected, stat.
Unfortunately, Android phones don’t offer this feature.
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Hide your own Caller ID
You know those times when you would feel safer if you could avoid having your phone reveal your phone number? (Like after you finally stop messaging on those online dating apps and have your first voice chat!) Here’s how to do it.
On an iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Calls > Show My Caller ID.
- Toggle the switch to the “off” position.
Note: not all iPhones have this feature; it’s an option provided by some but not all carriers.
On an Android:
- Open the Phone app and tap on the three-bar menu icon in the upper corner (next to the search bar).
- Select Settings > Calls > Additional Settings > Caller ID. On some Android phones, like the Samsung Galaxy, it may be Settings > Caller ID and “spam protection.”
- Choose Hide Number.
Retrieve deleted text messages
Drat! One of the texts you deleted is actually a message you need to keep. No worries … if you have an iPhone. Androids are a little more finicky, depending on how you deleted the message.
On an iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Messages.
- Scroll down to Filter Unknown Senders and toggle the switch on.
- Open your Messages app and tap Filters at the top of the screen.
- Tap Recently Deleted, and you’ll see messages from up to 40 days ago.
On an Android:
If you selected Delete when your phone asked, “Delete this conversation?” it’s gone.
If you swiped to delete the text, you might have only archived it, rather than deleted it. To find out, open the Messages app, tap the three lines on the top left and select Archived. If you see the missing message there, do a little cheer, then tap and hold to select it. Finally, tap the “unarchive” icon to bring the message back.
Speed up charging time
You may have been told in order to make our phones charge faster, we need to power them down while they’re plugged in. But there’s actually no need. Just turn your phone to airplane mode while it charges and you’ll cut your charging time in half.
Iphone:
Swipe down on the main screen and select the Airplane icon in the Control Center.
Android:
Go to settings, Network and Internet, Airplane Mode. Turn off / on.
Use airplane mode to improve your phone signal.
If you’re in a place where your phone is struggling to connect to the tower, there’s a simple hack that only takes a few seconds. Just switch your phone over to airplane mode very briefly, then turn it back off. Airplane mode helps your phone find the best available signal nearby, so it’s a great way to help when you’re stuck without service.
Store your valuables in your phone case.
If you don’t like keeping track of a phone and a wallet or a purse when you go out, there’s an even easier way to keep your personal possessions safe. Just slip them in between your phone and phone case for easy storage. This works for cash, credit cards, and your I.D. Unfortunately, there’s no room for your car keys. It is a great spot to keep “emergency cash’ as well.
Use your sunglasses as a DIY phone stand.
Speaking of watching things on your phone, if you do it often, you’ll probably want a phone stand to reduce strain on your arms. No need to buy anything special: if you have a pair of sunglasses, simply use them to prop your phone up. The folded earpieces make a perfect stand for holding a phone while you relax with a show.