Those who have successfully downloaded the latest Apple’s operating system, iOS 7, probably enjoy using its new features, but they might not know that the amazing iOS 7 is full of hidden tricks that can make the use of your iPhone or iPad even more fun and easier. Here are some useful iOS 7 shortcuts and secrets we have unveiled for you!
Shortcuts
Multitasking — If you want to view a screenshot preview of the open apps, simply double tap the Home button.
Force quitting apps — In case the app freezes in the middle of the use, you can do the force quit by double tapping the Home button and flicking the app’s window up.
Spotlight Access— To search apps, text messages, emails, contacts and calendar events, just swipe down in the middle of the home screen.
Search Google with Siri — With iOS 7, Siri is fully supported by Bing’s search engine. By saying “Google (search term)” Siri will instantly open Safari to show Google search results.
Photo Shortcuts
Burst mode — To take multiple photos at once hold down the Camera shutter
Take a photo while recording video — While you are recording the video, you can tap the camera button to take a photo. Note that the photo quality won’t be as good as camera mode and only the latest iPhone models, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C have this feature.
Ringtones
Classic tones — iOS 7 comes with new sounds and ringtones. However if you want to select any of the classic tones, go to the Settings > Sounds > Ringtones, scroll all the way to the bottom and choose the tone you want.
Set custom ringtone — To set a specific sound for some contact, select that person in Contacts, tap “Edit,” and click on ringtone or text tone you desire. In addition, you can create custom vibration patterns for different contacts in edit mode.
Make custom ringtones on your iPhone — iOS 7 allows you to create your own tunes, thanks to the GarageBand ($5) app. Once the song is finished, tap and hold the song, and select “Share Song as Ringtone.”
Privacy
Prevent children from excessive app use — One of the best apps on iOS 7, especially for parents, is the parental restriction that allows you to enable some apps that your children tend to use a lot. Go to General > Restrictions > Enable Restrictions and set a restriction code. After you enable restrictions, you can disable Safari, iTunes, Camera, install or delete apps…
Enable advanced touch or motion control restrictions —Thanks to the “Guided Access” feature you can disable any button in any app (the back/forward/refresh buttons in Safari and more) so your child can not accidentally leave her/his game. Go to General > Accessibility > Guided Access > Turn to “on.” Choose the app, click three times on the home button to enable guided access. You can draw circles around the areas you want to disabled.
Useful Shortcuts For Screening Incoming Calls or Texts While Driving
Do Not Disturb — A tip for those who use their iPhone as a GPS device or music player while driving- you can not silence incoming calls with the Do Not Disturb feature. However, if you turn on guided access (Settings > General > Accessibility), you will prevent calls or texts disturbing you while using your phone on the road.
Auto-message — To edit pre-programmed messages, go to Settings > Phone > Reply with Message. In case someone calls, press the Options button, choose Reply With Message, and send any one of the provided messages.