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9 iOS 7 Tips for iPhone & iPad Users

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In June, Apple promised to deliver the iOS 7 update to iPhone and iPad users in the fall. In September, Apple kept its word by announcing a September 18th iOS 7 release date for owners of its older devices. Last week, the update rolled out to owners of its mobile devices around the world, replacing iOS 6, and bringing sweeping changes along with it.

At WWDC, Apple showcased iOS 7 for the first time, detailing its new feature set, a list that includes new camera options, AirDrop, and more, while also showing off the operating system’s new look.

iOS 7 looks vastly different than iOS 6. Gone are the icons that used realistic looking textures, replaced by colorful icons that are flat, just like the operating system itself. The core applications within iOS has been overhauled as well. Multitasking is improved, Notifications have been overhauled, Siri has been tweaked for the better, iTunes Radio has been added as a replacement for Pandora, even the Weather app has received some big time changes.

In other words, the past few days have likely been a learning experience for many iPhone and iPad owners out there who downloaded the iOS 7 update from Apple.

Better ioS 7 battery life

iOS 7 is the future of iOS, for better or worse, and it will be the operating system that lives on the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPad 3, iPad 4 and more for at least the next year. And with no easy way of going back to iOS 6, iPhone and iPad owners need to start getting used to their new software.

In an attempt to make life easier for iOS 7 users, we wanted to share some iOS 7 tips that we think owners should take note of moving forward. Here now are nine key iOS 7 tips that iPhone and iPad owners should keep in mind.

Reviews Talk, But Reach Out First

Some iPhone and iPad users are going to stumble into issues with their applications after installing iOS 7. Such is the case with every major iOS update. For the most part, major applications seem to be working fine. Apps like Facebook and Twitter are performing admirably and without complications. However, there are some apps, Netflix for example, that have been giving owners some issues on iOS 7. Netflix likely isn’t and won’t be alone. Apps will have issues.

Should you run into issues with an app in iOS 7, we highly recommend reaching out to the developer first, through email or social media, explaining the problem and offering feedback. This is a far more positive way of getting your message across and who knows, the developer may engage you in discussion about the bug or bugs.

Change wallpaper iOS 7

If that fails, and it might, then, we suggest going on the App Store to offer an opinion on current status of the application. ESPN, for example, listened to the outpouring of terrible reviews for its mobile app and sprung into action to fix them. Other companies have done the same.

Both of these methods are far more positive than bad mouthing a company on social media and vowing never to use an application again.

Be Patient, Devs Will Fix & Improve Apps

Expanding on that last point a little bit, iPhone and iPad owners who are experiencing issues with an application need to be patient. Developers pay attention to issues with their application and the last thing they want to do is piss off their loyal user base. Companies big and small will work to continue to improve their applications but things take time.

This is a new piece of software and developers will be working hard to ensure that they deliver the best possible experience for iPad and iPhone users.

Stop Panicking

We’ve received a ton of messages from iOS 7 users complaining about an assortment of “bugs” inside iOS 7. Sounds aren’t working, the boot screen is taking awhile to load up, Wi-Fi connectivity is jumpy, battery life isn’t how it used to be. All of these are complaints that we’ve seen and heard from iOS 7 users. iPhone 4 owners in particular have been vocal, just as we suspected.

Before throwing the phone into the trash or badmouthing the software on social media or blowing up at Apple on a forum on some distant corner of the internet, take a deep breath.

More than likely, there is a fix for the issue that you’re experiencing. In the case of one iPad owner we talked to, she was experiencing terrible sound quality with her iPad 3. And guess what fixed it? A simple reboot. Many issues will have simple fixes available to them and iOS 7 users simply need to calm down and take advantage of the resources that are available to them.

Need Help? Here’s Where to Go

Many iPhone and iPad owners using iOS 7 will run into issues, of this, we have little doubt. Instead of panicking about the issues, users will instead want to search for some help. Some places are better than others for solving iOS issues and we highly recommend starting with a few places before heading to others.

The first place to start when it comes to iOS 7 issues are the Apple discussion forums. There, iPhone and iPad owners can post questions and get answers for their issues. It may take a few tries, as there are many posts for users to sift through, but more often than not, there are workarounds, temporary fixes or even permanent ones to be had.

Two other places that we highly recommend are Twitter, yes Twitter, and the forums at MacRumors. A simple Twitter search will often turn out some very credible results, or at the very least, turn up other users who are dealing with the problem. Discussion never hurt anybody.

Write These iOS 7 Battery Life Fixes Down

Every year, Apple releases an iOS update. And every year, iPhone and iPad owners complain about battery life issues. iOS 7 is no different. Already, we’ve heard iPhone and iPad owners complaining about less than perfect iOS 7 battery life. Fortunately for those dealing with problems, there are a host of fixes to try before throwing in the towel.

Read: How to Get Better iOS 7 Battery Life.

iOS 7 battery life can be improved.

iOS 7 battery life can be improved.

We’ve compiled a very hefty list of iOS 7 battery life fixes that should help to improve the overall battery life of the tablet or phone. Many of them require you to become a creature of habit and some are simply toggling off some things that we think will hurt battery life.

If all else fails, there are some drastic measures to try though we expect that some of these simple fixes will go a long way with those having issues after installing iOS 7.

iOS 7 Will Get Better

Last tip as far as iOS 7 bugs are concerned. In addition to being patient with applications, iOS 7 users would be wise to remain patient with iOS 7 itself. Yes, we are hearing about the same sluggish UI problems and sound problems that you are, but we’re remaining patient because we know that Apple will be working to improve iOS 7 as time goes on.

The iOS 7.0.1 update is now available.

The iOS 7.0.1 update is now available.

One of the great things about Apple is the great care it offers to its software. The company works tirelessly to squash major bugs and flatten others. And it does so with incremental updates that roll out over the course of a year. iOS 7.0.1 is already out for iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C owners and we expect an iOS 7.0.2 update to fix that lock screen flaw and more.

iOS 7 is a big update and it’s only a few days old. It will improve over time. So like us, remain patient. Most software is a work in progress and Apple will work out the kinks in due time.

Adjusting to iOS 7 Will Take Time

After installing iOS 7, users are going to have a tough time making the adjustment. Things aren’t where they used to be, things look different. This kind of adjustment is normal and it’s not something to get frustrated about. Even the most proficient iOS users are going to need some time to get used to the software. It’s not just you.

Before complaining to friends, family and the world, start trying to make the proper adjustments. iOS 7, believe it or not, has introduced some very useful, very convenient features.

Use Control Center for fast access to Airplane Mode.

Use Control Center for fast access to Airplane Mode.

For instance, start making use of two major features that reside on the home screen. A swipe down from the top brings up Spotlight Search which many iPhone and iPad owners ignored in iOS. It’s extremely useful and once you get accustomed to swiping down to use it, it will become second nature.

More important is the Control Center which is accessed with a swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Control Center brings up things like an Airplane Mode toggle, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a calculator and a flashlight. Start using this instead of trying to find the Settings icon.

It may feel weird at first but believe us, the feel of iOS 7 will improve over time.

Turn Find my iPhone On

With the iPhone 5S and iOS 7 releases, Apple introduced some new security features to help deter theft. iOS 7 introduced something Apple is calling Activation Lock and it’s a feature that should be one of the first things that iPhone and iPad users enable and keep enabled.

One of the first things that iOS 7 asks when it’s first installed is whether or not a user wants to turn on Find my iPhone or iPad. In iOS 7, this feature is far more powerful because it’s impossible to wipe an iPhone or turn off the Find my iPhone app without the proper Apple ID password. So if a thief steals your iPhone or iPad, you’ll be able to track it down.

Many users didn’t leave this feature on in iOS 6 but it’s one of the first features that should be toggled once the upgrade to iOS 7 is complete.

iOS 7 Has Some Amazing Hidden Features

iOS 7 has some pretty amazing features that reside on the surface. Features like the camera application, AirDrop, and Control Center. But iOS 7 also has a number of hidden iOS 7 features that iPhone and iPad owners can take advantage of, some of which will improve the overall experience with iOS 7.

Read: 25 Hidden iOS 7 Features.

Some of our favorites include FaceTime Audio, a feature that has received very little press, but can help users save some cash down the line. Better options for Do Not Disturb, everyone’s favorite way of tuning out the world. And the ability to close multiple apps at once in iOS 7’s new Multitasking.

There is a whole lot to discover beyond the iOS 7 features that Apple talked about on stage.

Don’t Fall for Jailbreak Scams

Finally, iOS 7 users need to be aware of iOS 7 jailbreak scams. Already, we’ve seen a number pop up teasing owners with Cydia and ways to get their phone free from Apple’s chains. Simply put, don’t fall for these scams.

How-to-evasi0n-iOS-6.1-Jailbreak-iPhone-5-6-575x445

When an iOS 7 jailbreak is ready, and there are rumors that one could arrive down the line, the go ahead will come from the major iOS jailbreak players, people like MuscleNerd and planetbeing.

We understand that frustration that comes with waiting for a jailbreak but that’s no excuse for handing money to nefarious websites whose sole purpose is it scam those who don’t know any better.

11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. Kathi

    09/24/2013 at 3:11 pm

    Very well put, I am sure it will all get worked out. I am in no hurry and willing to wait before switching to IOS 7

  2. S ultro

    09/24/2013 at 8:09 pm

    Ios7 is a disaster. Can no longer stream video or play you tube. This is definitely my last apple product. Ever.

  3. Xavier

    09/24/2013 at 8:57 pm

    The extra keystrokes are annoying and didn’t have to be, for example on the camera. Using it one handed is near impossible for me now; it used to be so simple.

    My Twitter for iPhone is messed up, the voice dictation has quit working. I’ve deleted it, reinstalled it, shut my phone off, turned it on. I then went to mobile Twitter on Safari and it keeps logging me out or kicking me out entirely.

    I don’t like the new music feature, my fingers are big enough that the wrong thing gets selected; with the old I didn’t seem to have that problem.

    And Siri? Not everything is a question. Other than that and a few thousand other things, iOS 7 is great. :-/

  4. Ngoc

    09/25/2013 at 5:11 am

    After I updated and installed iOS7 on my ipad, i now all of a sudden have been asked to enter a passcode. Problem is I don’t know the passcode and now can not use my ipad at all. Please help what can I do to unlock it.

  5. jeffsampson1

    09/25/2013 at 6:30 am

    Our favorite tip?

    When browsing Safari simply tap the bottom of the screen to bring the back navigation menu as described here: https://theipaddict.com/ios-7-safari-touch-gesture-tips/

  6. Sheila Harris

    09/25/2013 at 10:54 am

    I had a fully working I pad on Monday. Installed upgrade on Tuesday now unable to use I pad. Screen has I tunes connect icon on it. I have been through the process of restoring several times with technician but still not working. Technician said he would call back but hasn’t!. I expect better service when I pad is under warranty. Nobody seems to have any ideas.
    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

  7. King Januar Pautan

    09/25/2013 at 3:40 pm

    i updated my iphone to iOS 7 and now battery is easily drained.. do you have the same problem?

  8. Michelle Wright

    09/25/2013 at 10:24 pm

    I have lost all sound on my ipad since downloading iOS 7, can anyone help thanks Chell

  9. Sharon

    09/27/2013 at 6:36 pm

    Does anyone know how to close apps. Used to just double click and press icons and they would wiggle and I could shut them down. Now it doesn’t work. Help!

    • Adam

      09/27/2013 at 7:19 pm

      Double click the circle and you can scroll through all the open ones. Flick the ones you want closed up towards the top of the screen and they’ll close.

  10. Waakaven Ahangba Gabriel

    11/28/2013 at 8:30 pm

    I honestly appreciate this work but I still face the challenge of installing my facebook on my ipad3 while my twitter has persistently refused to update. What do I do please? I am out in the dark pleeease

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