iPhone Life - Best Apps, Top Tips, Great Gear

To erase all the content on your iPhone or iPod touch, including e-mail, Contacts, media content, and Settings, go to:

1. Settings
2. General
3. Reset
4. Erase All Content and Setttings

After you confirm the erase with two taps, your device will delete everything (which takes a few moments) and then reset itself.

You have the option of locking your SIM card so that it can’t be used by other phones. To do this, go to Settings >Phone >SIM PIN, tap the On button, enter a passcode, and tap Done. Note that if you set a passcode, you must enter it every time you power on your iPhone.

If your iPhone locks up or stops working for any reason other than a low battery, you’ll need to reboot it. This is analogous to turning your desktop or laptop computer off and on again, and it clears up a lot of problems. Press and hold down the Sleep/Wake button on the top edge of the device and the Home button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Then release both buttons and wait until the Home screen appears.

The iPhone is covered by a one-year limited warranty that covers it against defect, but not misuse. So, for example, if you bounce it off the wall or throw it on the ground, you’re responsible for the damages. In addition, if you hack the device, open up the case, or make unauthorized repairs, you void the warranty. You can extend the iPhone limited warranty for an additional year for $69 ($59 for the iPod touch). Repair for an iPhone not covered by a warranty will cost you $200-$250 plus shipping ($150-$250 plus shipping for the iPod touch).

Battery replacement kits with instructions and tools are available for both the iPhone and the iPod touch. This approach is usually less expensive than sending the device in to Apple or AT&T, but if you do it yourself, you’ll void your warranty. A Google search will help you find instructions.

The “lifespan” of the battery refers to the number of times in can be recharged before it must be replaced. The batteries on the iPhone and iPod touch slowly lose the ability to hold a charge after numerous recharge cycles. For example, after 400 full discharge/recharge cycles these batteries are able to store 80% of their original capacity. This percentage decreases with further recharge cycles. There are things you can do to improve iPhone battery drain on iOS 11:

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Recents screen when you want to look at a location or get directions that you have already searched for—this screen includes both. In Maps, tap the Bookmarks icon (on the right side of the location bar on the top of the screen) and then tap Recents on the bottom of the screen.