Smartphone shortcuts are a lifesaver in the daily operations of a tech-savvy world. They not only make your experience smoother but also save a lot of time. Learning how to navigate a smartphone efficiently can make a world of difference. Let’s delve into some of the most important smartphone shortcuts that every beginner should know. Throughout this article, we will elaborate on both iPhone and Android shortcuts given their massive market share in the smartphone industry.
## iOS Shortcuts for Beginners
#### Siri Shortcuts
Siri — Apple’s virtual assistant — can perform a variety of tasks and is one of the powerful smartphone shortcuts available. Siri can set alarms, make calls, send messages, play music, answer queries, and much more. Activate Siri by pressing and holding your iPhone’s side button or by saying, “Hey Siri.”
For a more personalised experience, you may customize Siri shortcuts. Go to settings, select Siri & Search, and then explore suggested shortcuts or create personal shortcuts.
#### Control Center
The Control Center on the iPhone is a hub for quickly accessing controls for various tasks. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access the Control Center. This control center is customizable; you can add your most frequently used features like Alarm, Do Not Disturb, Voice Memo, etc., for quick access.
#### Accessibility Shortcuts
iOS has several accessibility features that make it easier for people with specific needs. Some of these features include Magnifier, Assistive Touch, Voice Control, and Switch Control. To enable Accessibility Shortcuts, go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut and choose the features you find most useful. You can activate these features quickly by triple-clicking the side (or home) button.
## Android Shortcuts for Beginners
#### Google Assistant
Google Assistant, Android’s voice-controlled AI, can simplify several tasks, including sending messages, making calls, setting reminders, asking questions, controlling smart home devices, and more. Awake Google Assistant by simply saying “Hey Google” or “OK Google,” or by pressing and holding your device’s home button.
#### Quick Settings
Android’s Quick Settings is the quickest way to access functions like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Flight mode, etc. Drag down from the top of your screen twice or with two fingers to access Quick Settings. By clicking the pencil icon on the lower left, you get the option to customize your Quick Settings panel.
#### App Shortcuts
Many apps in Android offer ‘App Shortcuts’ for quick access to specific functions within the apps. Press and hold an app’s icon to show the in-app quick actions. For instance, if you long-press the Chrome app, it offers shortcuts to open a new tab, incognito tab, or conduct a quick search.
## Universal Shortcuts for Every Smartphone
Several shortcuts are universal for every smartphone, be it an iPhone or an Android.
#### Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Turn on Airplane mode for a quick way to disable all wireless traffic – Wi-Fi, cellular signals, and Bluetooth. This is especially useful in situations where you need to save battery life or are in a no-signal zone. You can also quickly toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on or off from the Settings or Control Center.
#### Volume and Silent Mode
The volume buttons on the side of the phone serve more purposes than merely increasing or lowering your phone’s volume. Holding the ‘volume down’ button can put the phone into ‘vibrate’ mode, and pressing both volume up and down buttons at the same time can put the phone into ‘silent’ mode.
#### Screen Captures
Screen capture, or screenshot, is a universal feature among smartphones, letting you capture whatever is on your phone’s screen as an image that you can then share or save. For iPhone, press the power button and the volume up button simultaneously. In contrast, Android users need to hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously.
#### Find in Page
While browsing, if you want to find something specific on the page, you simply need to go to the menu (three dots in the corner for most phones) and click ‘Find in Page.’ From here, you can input the text you’re looking for, and it will be highlighted on the web page.
In conclusion, familiarizing yourself with these smartphone shortcuts is not a daunting task. With frequent practice and use, these shortcuts can become second nature, making your tasks quicker and easier. Your smartphone is a powerful device, ready to serve you – and mastering your smartphone means letting it serve you in the best ways possible. These smartphone shortcuts are excellent stepping stones for every beginner.
