In 2024, smartphones are more powerful than ever and have a plethora of apps designed to make work, play, and managing daily life easier. Here are some smart ways to use mobile apps to get the most out of your phone:
1. Rank apps in order of best performance
Sort apps: Group apps by type, such as work, social, health, or entertainment. This will help you find them faster and keep your home screen clean.
Set goals Access apps you use frequently by placing them on your home screen or in the Dock. Apps you use less frequently can be placed on the next page or in clearly marked files.
2. Pay attention to notifications
Change reminder settings: In the app settings, change notification settings to suit you best. You can set priority alerts for important apps or disable unnecessary messages to reduce distractions.
Use Do Not Disturb: Set your phone to Do Not Disturb mode during work hours or at night and turn off all alerts except for emergencies or important contacts.
3. Use widgets
Add useful widgets. Widgets can give you quick information and quick access to app features without opening the app. You can add music, notes, to-do lists, weather, and calendar tools to your home screen.
4. Keep your apps up to date
Keep your apps up to date. Regular changes not only add new features, but also fix bugs and make your apps more secure. Apps can be set to update automatically, or you can check the app store regularly to see if changes are available.
5. Check your apps’ permissions
Check permissions: Make sure each app can only access the features it needs by regularly checking its permissions, such as location, microphone, and contacts. In the settings menu, go to Privacy or Apps and change access permissions.
6. Connect to the cloud
Sync data between devices: If cloud sync is available, turn it on so you can view your data from different devices. This is especially useful for apps that help you get work done, such as calendars, note apps, and document editors.
7. Use your battery more efficiently
Keep an eye on how much power your apps use. Apps that use location services or run in the background tend to use more battery than other apps. By checking battery usage in your device’s settings, you can find these apps and prevent them from running.
8. Improve security
Use security apps: Install apps that make your device more secure, such as VPNs, antivirus software, or apps that encrypt messages. Review their selections regularly and change them as needed.
9. Use apps for automation
Automate actions: To automate actions in apps, use IFTTT (If This then That), Tasker, or Shortcuts. For example, set your computer to send an email in the morning, set a daily note, or back up your photos at night.
10. Check your app subscription status
Subscribe wisely: Many apps offer extra features that are only available with a subscription. Find out which services are worth your money and keep track of them so you don’t spend money on things you don’t need.
11. Digital wellbeing and usage monitoring
Track your app usage: To track how much time you spend in different apps, use apps like Digital Wellbeing (Android) or Screen Time (iOS). Set boundaries as needed to keep your digital and non-digital life in order.
12. Use shortcuts in apps
Quick actions: Many apps have tools that let you quickly perform certain actions. You can access these shortcuts by long-pressing the app icon. They will save you time in your daily work.
