Add Contact To iPhone Home Screen

Add Contact To iPhone Home Screen

Add a contact to the iPhone home screen by tapping and holding the iPhone screen. Click the plus button in the upper left corner. Scroll down to contacts. Choose the contact or contacts and click Add Widget.

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Tap The Home Screen

Tap and hold the home screen until all of the apps on your screen start wiggling.

iPhone wiggle
iPhone “wiggle”

Click The Plus Button

Click the plus button in the upper left corner of the iPhone screen.

Scroll down to “Contacts” and tap contacts.

iPhone add contacts

Choose Contact Or Contacts

You have the options to add either one, three (or four) or six contacts.

Note well that the more contacts you choose, the more space on your home screen is taken up.

I recommend no more than 3. If you choose just one contact to add you have the ability to add some buttons to make contacting that particular person even easier.

iPhone contacts to add
iPhone contacts to add

Add Widget

Click Add Widget.

While the widgets on your iPhone home screen are still wiggling, tap on the contact you just edit.

Now you have the option to change the contact that you want.

iPhone edit contact
iPhone edit contact

Bonus: One Contact Buttons

If you chose one contact, then you have another option.

Just below the option to choose a contact is the ability to add buttons. Those buttons allow you either call or message quickly.

iPhone show buttons
iPhone show buttons

6 Practical iPhone Features Worth Checking

As iPhones continue to evolve with each new update, they come packed with a plethora of features designed to make our lives easier. However, many of these features remain hidden or underutilized, especially among elder users who might not be aware of their existence. Unlocking the full potential of your iPhone can significantly enhance your user experience, making everyday tasks simpler and more enjoyable.

In this article, we will explore 7 hidden iPhone features that you probably didn’t know about. These features are particularly useful for elder users, providing tools to improve accessibility, safety, and overall convenience. From customizing vibrations for different contacts to using your iPhone as a magnifier, these tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your device. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your iPhone work even better for you.

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Use the Magnifier

iPhone Magnifier app

You can either tell siri to open the Magnifier app or simply swipe down on your iPhone screen and start typing “Magnifier”. Tap on the app to open up.

From there, you can use the slider using your finger tips to adjust the zoom on the screen. Please note that the magnification on the app is quite strong.

There are other options in the app that you can use to adjust how it looks or performs. You can check more on this here.

Scan Text with Your Camera

This feature is really helpful, specially when you’re in a hurry and not that fast in typing.

Simply open your Notes app and tap on the Create New note.

Then tap on the screen to open the option then select AutoFill. This will open the camera and allow you to scan the texts you want to copy. Move the camera around until the text you want to convert is highlighted, then simply tap on “Insert” to insert it in your notes.

What else can you scan using the built-in scanner on the Notes app?

Notes insert

Use Emergency SOS

Pressing and holding the side button with the volume button until it vibrates will activate the Emergency SOS.

Emergency SOS have different settings.

iPhone emergency SOS

You can set it so that you will call your designated Emergency Contact when you Hold and Release.

Or call your emergency contact when you press the button 5 times.

Please do note that you will need to designate or setup an emergency contact person from your contact list in order to activate and setup Emergency SOS settings.

Check what else you need to setup to activate Emergency SOS here.

Add Contacts to Your Home Screen

Being able to call someone with just a single tap is really helpful specially when you’re in a hurry.

You can do so by adding a contact widget in your homescreen.

Tap and hold the home screen until all the apps start wiggling. This will open a new option for you to add by simply tapping the “+” button. Then select the Contacts and choose the contact you wish to add.

For more detailed setup in adding a contact widget, click here!

Add Contact Widget

Change Font Size

Why would anyone want to adjust the font size on their iPhone?

Regardless of the reason, it’s doable. And the difference is like night and day.

You can adjust your phone’s font size by going into iPhone settings and open the options for Display and Brightness. Tap on the Display option then on text display.

Use the slider at the bottom to adjust the font size to your liking.

You can check what else you can do in this article!

iPhone font size

Find Apps Quickly

Don’t have time to scroll through your apps?

Simply swipe down until you see the search bar and type the app name you wish to open.

I you’re not into typing, you can also tap on the microphone icon and say the app you wish to open.

Search App

Conclusion

These are just some of the features that we believe are really helpful and practical to use. From using the magnifier to quickly finding apps and adjusting font size, these tips are designed to make your life easier, especially for elder users.

Save iPhone Battery

Save iPhone Battery

Save iPhone battery by turning off system services.

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What Are System Services

Backing up a little bit… system services are part of location services. So you want to ask, what are location services?

From Apple:

Location Services allows Apple and third-party apps and websites to gather and use information based on the current location of your iPhone or Apple Watch to provide a variety of location-based services. 

From an iPhone battery perspective, providing that capability takes some battery juice.

Some of the system services that are enabled as a result of location services include:

  • Routing and Traffic: While in transit (e.g., walking or driving), your iPhone sends GPS data, travel speed, direction, and barometric pressure anonymously and encrypted to Apple. Data is used to enhance crowd-sourced traffic, roadway, pedestrian walkway, and atmospheric databases. Opening an app near a point of interest sends location data anonymously to Apple, aiding in indicating if the point of interest is open and its busyness.
  • Significant Locations: iPhones and iCloud-connected devices track visited places, frequency, and timing. Data is end-to-end encrypted and used for personalized services like predictive traffic routing and Memories in Photos.
  • Suggestions & Search: iPhone location is sent to Apple for relevant recommendations. Disabling Location Services prevents precise location sharing. IP address may be used for approximate location matching for search suggestions and news.
  • Alerts & Shortcuts Automations: iPhones and Apple Watches use location for geographically relevant alerts and recommendations. Examples include reminders, departure alerts, and app recommendations based on current location.
  • Share My Location: Users can share current location temporarily or continuously through certain apps like Messages and Find My.
  • HomeKit: iPhone uses location to control accessories upon arrival or departure from specific locations (e.g., turning on lights upon returning home).
  • System Customization: iPhones customize appearance, behaviors, and settings based on current location (e.g., enabling Optimized Battery Charging at home).
  • Apple Pay Merchant Identification: iPhone uses current location for accurate merchant identification during Apple Card transactions.
  • Emergency Calls & SOS: iPhones and Apple Watches provide supplementary data to emergency services during emergency calls. Emergency SOS triggers location sharing with emergency contacts post-call.

How to Access System Services

On the iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services (at the top) > System Services (at the bottom).

Which System Services To Turn Off To Save Battery

… and protect your privacy.

Payette Forward has an excellent video that makes recommendations and gives the reason why to keep or disable the following system services.

Listed below are the recommendations and if the reason is for extended battery life, privacy or both.

For battery, yes means that the service uses a lot of battery. For privacy, yes means that it reveals your privacy. On / Off is the recommendation for the service.

ServiceBatteryPrivacyOn/Off
Alerts & Shortcuts AutomationsYesNoOff
Apple Pay Merchant IdentificationYesOff
Cell Network SearchYesYesOff
Compass CalibrationOn
Device ManagementYesOff
Emergency Calls & SOSYesOn
Find My iPhoneOn
HomeKitYesOff
Motion Calibration & DistanceOff
Networking & WirelessYesOff*
Satellite Connection iPhone 14+ On
Setting Time ZoneYesOff
Share My LocationYesYesOn
Sharing.frameworkOff
Suggestions & SearchYesYesOff
System CustomizationOn
Wi-Fi CallingYesOff
Significant LocationsYesYesOff*
iPhone AnalyticsYesOff
Routing & TrafficYesOff
Improve MapsYesOff

Video

Get Moving: Best iPhone Fitness Apps for Active Agers

Staying active is crucial for maintaining health and vitality, especially as we age. With the convenience of smartphones, incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine has never been easier. In this article, we highlight the best iPhone fitness apps specifically designed for active agers. These apps offer tailored workouts, easy-to-follow instructions, and features that make staying fit both fun and accessible.

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SilverSneakers GO

Designed specifically for older adults, SilverSneakers GO offers a variety of workout programs including strength training, walking, flexibility, and mobility exercises. The app features easy-to-follow exercise demonstrations, activity tracking, and reminders to help seniors stay on track. It also helps users find nearby fitness locations and classes​.

Key Features

  • Customizable Workouts: Offers a variety of workout programs tailored to seniors, including strength training, walking, flexibility, and mobility exercises​.
  • Location Finder: Helps users find nearby fitness locations and classes that accept SilverSneakers membership​.
  • Activity Tracking and Reminders: Tracks progress and sets reminders for scheduled workouts to help seniors stay consistent with their fitness routines.
SilverSneaker GO

Map My Walk

This app is excellent for seniors who enjoy walking as a form of exercise. It allows users to track their walks, set personal goals, and find new routes. Additionally, it offers audio feedback to help improve performance. Beyond walking, it can track various other activities, making it a versatile choice.

Key Features

  • Route Tracking: Allows users to track their walking routes with detailed maps and statistics such as distance, duration, and calories burned​.
  • Goal Setting: Users can set personal goals and monitor their progress over time​.
  • Community Features: Connect with friends, share routes, and join challenges to stay motivated and engaged​.
Map My Walk

Daily Yoga

Daily Yoga provides over 100 yoga and meditation classes suitable for all skill levels. This app is great for seniors as it offers gentle exercises that can improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. It’s designed to ease beginners into yoga and promises noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks​.

Key Features

  • Extensive Class Library: Offers over 100 yoga and meditation classes suitable for all skill levels​.
  • Guided Programs: Provides structured programs that guide users through daily routines, helping them gradually improve their flexibility and balance​​.
  • Health Tracking: Tracks users’ progress and improvements over time, making it easier to see the benefits of regular practice​.

FitOn

FitOn offers a wide range of senior-friendly workouts designed by celebrity trainers. These include cardio, HIIT, strength training, dance, yoga, and pilates classes. The workouts can be done at home with minimal equipment, making it convenient and accessible for seniors who prefer not to go to the gym​.

Key Features

  • Variety of Workouts: Offers a wide range of workout types including cardio, HIIT, strength training, dance, yoga, and pilates, all designed by celebrity trainers​​.
  • Home-Friendly: Most workouts can be done at home with minimal or no equipment, making it accessible for seniors who prefer not to go to the gym​​.
  • Unlimited Access: Provides unlimited access to all workouts, ensuring users have a diverse range of exercises to keep them engaged and motivated​​.
FitOn

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to start a new fitness routine or enhance your current one, these iPhone fitness apps are perfect for keeping active agers engaged and motivated. With options ranging from yoga to walking, there’s something for everyone. Embrace the convenience and variety these apps offer, and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle right at your fingertips.

Add A Person To iPhone Message Thread

Add A Person To iPhone Message Threa

Open the Messages app on your iPhone and choose the group chat where you want to add someone. Tap the group name at the top. Tap the button near the bottom that shows the people in the message thread. Tap “Add Contact”. Add the new person. Boom 💥

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Find The Message

Choose the message you want to add someone to. Tap the group name at the top.

iPhone message thread
iPhone message thread

Add Another Person

Go down to the section that shows who is already in the conversation (that has the right arrow >). Tap that.

Then tap the “Add Contact” option and add one or more people to the conversation.

iPhone add contact to message
iPhone add contact to message

Not A Group Thread

How do you add a person or people to a one-on-one iPhone message conversation?

You don’t.

You start a new thread with all of the people you want to include.

Stay Connected With These Top 7 News Apps

In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about current events is more important than ever. However, navigating the plethora of news sources available can be daunting, especially for older adults who might not be as tech-savvy. Thankfully, there are several user-friendly news apps designed to provide reliable, up-to-date information in an easy-to-use format. Whether you’re looking for breaking news, in-depth analysis, or tailored content relevant to seniors, these top news apps will help you stay connected and informed with minimal effort.

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Apple News

Apple News offers a curated selection of news from a variety of trusted sources, ensuring you stay informed with the latest headlines. It provides personalized recommendations based on your reading habits, making it easier to follow topics you care about. The clean, ad-free reading experience and easy navigation make it ideal for all users.

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-navigate interface
  • Customizable news topics
  • Clean, ad-free reading experience
  • Integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices
Apple News

Google News

Google News aggregates news from numerous sources, tailoring the feed to match user preferences. It’s designed to help users quickly catch up on the most important stories of the day. With its simple interface, you can follow specific topics and receive real-time updates on breaking news, ensuring you never miss out on crucial information.

Key Features:

  • Personalized news feed
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Ability to follow specific topics and sources
  • Real-time updates on breaking news
Google News

BBC News

BBC News delivers reliable, up-to-date coverage from around the world, renowned for its comprehensive and factual reporting. With a straightforward layout, users can easily navigate through top stories, breaking news, and in-depth analyses. The app also offers high-quality video content, making it a versatile source for all your news needs.

Key Features:

  • Straightforward and easy-to-use interface
  • Breaking news alerts
  • Extensive international coverage
  • High-quality video news content
BBC

The New York Times

The New York Times app provides in-depth reporting and a wide range of news topics, from politics to lifestyle. Renowned for its quality journalism and thorough analysis, it ensures that you are well-informed on critical issues. The app features multimedia content, including videos and podcasts, making it a comprehensive news source.

Key Features:

  • Easy navigation
  • High-quality journalism
  • Dedicated sections for top stories and opinions
  • Multimedia content including videos and podcasts
The New York Times

USA Today

USA Today offers a broad spectrum of news, covering both national and international events. Its user-friendly design ensures that readers can easily find and read the news. The app’s clear layout, large fonts, and images make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, providing comprehensive coverage in a simple format.

Key Features:

  • Simple and clear layout
  • Large fonts and images for better readability
  • Comprehensive news coverage
  • Customizable news feed
USA Today

CNN

CNN delivers up-to-the-minute news coverage, with a strong focus on breaking news. The app includes video news and live TV coverage, offering a dynamic and engaging way to stay updated. With its user-friendly interface and extensive coverage, CNN ensures you are always in the loop on major events.

Key Features:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Video news and live TV coverage
  • Breaking news alerts
  • Extensive coverage of major events
CNN

NPR News

NPR News provides both audio and written news, catering to a wide range of topics with in-depth and thoughtful reporting. Known for its high-quality journalism, the app allows users to listen to live radio and podcasts, making it perfect for those who prefer consuming news through audio.

Key Features:

  • Simple and intuitive design
  • Focus on audio news for ease of access
  • Comprehensive coverage of diverse topics
  • Ability to listen to live radio and podcasts
NPR News

Conclusion

Choosing the right news app can make a significant difference in how easily and efficiently you stay updated with the world around you. The apps listed here are not only reputable and reliable but also designed with user-friendly features that cater to a wide audience, including older adults. Download one today and stay connected with the latest news, no matter where you are.

Tips To Make Reading Easy Using News Apps

  1. Adjust Text Size: Many news apps allow users to increase the font size for better readability.
  2. Enable Notifications: Set up notifications for breaking news to stay updated without actively searching.
  3. Bookmark Favorites: Save favorite news sources or articles for easy access later.
  4. Voice Assistants: Use Siri or Google Assistant to open and navigate news apps hands-free.

iPhone Shazam It

iPhone Shazam It

You can have the Shazam app on your iPhone identify music playing by simply telling Siri to Shazama it while music is playing.

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Shazam it
Shazam it

Download Shazam

Go to the App Store on your iPhone and download the Shazam app.

You can use the search capability in the App Store app to find Shazam.

Shazam It

Tell Siri what you want. Hey Siri, Shazam it.

Just make sure that the music you want to identify is near your phone and in a few seconds Shazam will tell you about the song that is currently playing.

Sultans Of Swing
Sultans Of Swing

But wait, there is more…

What if you are not friendly with Siri, what do you do?

Do it the old fashion way.

Open the Shazam app on your iPhone.

The first time you open the app you will likely be prompted to allow Shazam to access your microphone. You have to say yes for this to work.

At this point, do what Shazam says Tap to Shazam.

Shazam app
Shazam app

Shazam will go to work and likely let you know what song you are listening to in a matter of a few seconds.

Shazam Success!
Shazam Success!

Top 5 Must-Have Cooking Apps: Elevate Your Culinary Skills Today!

In the digital age of culinary exploration, cooking apps have become indispensable tools for both novice and seasoned chefs alike. With the plethora of options available, selecting the right app can significantly enhance your culinary journey. Let’s delve into the top five must-have cooking apps for 2024, each offering unique features designed to elevate your skills and ignite your passion for cooking.

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Yummly

Why It’s Great: Yummly transforms your cooking experience with personalized recipe recommendations tailored to your tastes and dietary preferences. It makes meal planning effortless and helps you discover new recipes with ease.

Features:

  • Personalized recipe recommendations based on preferences
  • Meal planner and shopping list
  • Voice control for hands-free cooking​

BigOven

Why It’s Great: BigOven brings the cooking community together, making meal planning and recipe sharing interactive and fun. Its Use Up Leftovers feature helps you turn leftover ingredients into delicious meals.

Features:

  • Use Up Leftovers feature
  • Meal planning and grocery lists
  • Community interaction for recipe sharing​

Paprika Recipe Manager 3

Why It’s Great: Paprika Recipe Manager 3 is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook and stay organized. It allows you to save recipes from any website, create customized grocery lists, and plan your meals with ease.

Features:

  • Save and organize recipes from the web
  • Create grocery lists and plan meals
  • Cross-device syncing​

Kitchen Stories

Why It’s Great: Kitchen Stories inspires creativity in the kitchen with stunning HD instructional videos and step-by-step recipes. It offers a vast library of recipes and a global community for sharing culinary creations.

Features:

  • HD instructional videos
  • Step-by-step recipes
  • Global community for recipe sharing

Forks Over Knives

Why It’s Great: Forks Over Knives promotes a healthy, plant-based lifestyle with its extensive collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes. It provides detailed meal planning tools and step-by-step instructions for nutritious meals.

Features:

  • Plant-based recipes
  • Meal planning tools
  • Step-by-step instructions​

Conclusion

Embrace the future of cooking with these five indispensable apps, designed to streamline your culinary adventures and inspire creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re a novice seeking guidance or a seasoned chef looking for new inspiration, these apps cater to all tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. Transform your cooking experience today and embark on a flavorful journey filled with endless possibilities.

iPhone Battery Charge Indicator

iPhone Battery Charge Indicator

Display the iPhone’s percentage of battery charge left. From the settings of your phone you can toggle on / off the percentage of battery charge left.

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Battery Charge Amount

iPhone Battery Charge
iPhone Battery Charge

In the upper right hand corner of the iPhone screen is a battery charge indicator.

You can have it display an icon of a battery with a visual indication of how much charge is left. Or you can have it display the percentage of how much charge is left.

Battery Charge Percentage

To display the battery charge percentage, go to the settings on your iPhone, then to Battery, then toggle the Battery Percentage on (green) to display the percentage.

iPhone Battery Charge Percentage

Large Battery Charge Percentage

You can have a larger view of the battery charge percentage by placing your finger on the battery indicator in the upper right hand corner.

iphone battery charge percentage large view
Large view of the iPhone battery charge %

Stay Connected! How to Make A FaceTime Call on iPhone

How to Use FaceTime on Your iPhone to Stay Connected with Grandchildren

Let’s get started by first enabling FaceTime on your iPhone.

FaceTime Setting
Enable FaceTime
  • First, Go to Settings > FaceTime, then turn on FaceTime.
  • If you want to be able to take Live Photos during FaceTime calls, turn on FaceTime Live Photos.
  • Enter your phone number, Apple ID, or email address to use with FaceTime, then set your caller ID.

On models with Dual SIM, to change the phone number you use for FaceTime, go to Settings > Messages > iMessage & FaceTime Line, then choose a line.

Note: You can use only one of your phone numbers at a time for iMessage and FaceTime. Your other number can’t send or receive messages using iMessage, or make or receive FaceTime calls.

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How To Make A FaceTime Call

Making a Call
Making a FaceTime Call

Now that we’re done setting up FaceTime, it’s time to make a call.

In FaceTime, click or tap the Add Button at the top right. This will prompt an entry field where you can type the number you want to call. After that simply tap the video to make a video call and tap the audio to make an audio call.

Video or Audio call
Choose between an Audio or Video Call

If the person you want to call is from your contact, you can also tap the Add Contact button to open your Contacts and select the recipient from there.


Record A Video Message Instead

In case the person you’re trying to reach does not answer, you can always record a video message to send.

Record a Video Message
Record Video Message
  • To record a video message simply:
    Tap the Record Video button, wait for the countdown (5 to 1), then record your message.
  • When done with your video message, tap the Up Arrow button to send. You can also tap the Retake button to record a new message instead.
  • Upon sending the message, the recipient will be notified.

Note: You can only receive video messages from saved contacts, people you’ve called or from people suggested by Siri.

Leaving A Message

There’s a chance that the person you’re trying to call is unable to answer, you can always to one of the following:

  • Tap Leave a Message
  • Tap Cancel to cancel the call.
  • Tap Call Back to try calling back.
leave a message
Leave a Message

FaceTime Calling From Message Conversation

Let’s say you’re messaging someone and have the urge to suddenly call and have a chat. In the Messages conversation, tap the profile picture or the name of the person then tap FaceTime

Note: You can also choose between a FaceTime Video or FaceTime Audio for the call.


Group FaceTime Call

Now, say that you want to have a chat with multiple recipients, you can:

  • Tap the “+” button in FaceTime at the top right corner.
  • Type the names or numbers of the people you want to add or have the option to add people from your Contacts.
  • Tap the Video button to make a video call or the Audio button for an audio call.

Note: Each participant appears in a tile on the screen. When a participant speaks, or you tap the tile, that tile moves to the front and becomes more prominent. Tiles that can’t fit on the screen appear in a row at the bottom. To find a participant you don’t see, swipe through the row. (The participant’s initials may appear in the tile if an image isn’t available.)

Add another person to a call

During a group call, anyone from all the participants are able to add another person at any time during the FaceTime call. To do this:

  • Tap the screen to open the controls then swipe up to see the Add person button then tap.
  • Type the name, Apple ID or number of the person you wish to add to the group call.
  • Then tap the Add Person to FaceTime.

Join a Group FaceTime call

Join Call
Click Accept to Join Call

If someone is inviting you to join a Group FaceTime call, you will see the incoming call display. Simply tap the Join or Accept to join the Call. Should you wish to decline, you will receive a notification that you can tap to join at any time while the Group Facetime call is active.