iPhone Threads
Join the How-To Geek community chatting about all things iPhone.
Do You Ever Send Voice Notes on Your Phone?
Voice notes are a handy feature on many messaging apps that let you quickly send a recording rather than typing a message out. They're convenient, since you can do other things while recording your message, and are often more personal. How often do you use voice notes?
What's the Best Photo You've Captured With Your Smartphone?
For the average person, smartphone cameras do a great job at capturing a moment, whether you're on vacation, at a gig, or just want a funny photo of your pet. I'd like to see the best photo you've ever taken with your phone. You can attach the image directly to your comment.
Which App Went Downhill the Most?
It's uncommon for an app to stay the same, assuming the developer is still active. Apps are often updated to add new features, refresh the design, and provide support for newer operating systems. But sometimes these updates aren't well received, and a once great app can go downhill. Of all the apps you've ever used, which started out good but ended up bad?
Do You Watch Movies or Shows on Your Phone?
Every major streaming service has a phone app, often with support for offline viewing, which makes it a breeze to watch movies and TV shows on the go. Personally, I don't like watching on a small screen and I prefer the full experience of a TV, so I never watch movies or shows on my phone.
Have You Ever Regretted Buying a Phone?
Phones are an investment and it seems with every generation they get more expensive, which is why it's so disappointing if you buy a phone and you're not completely happy with it. Have you ever bought a phone and then realized you didn't like it? If so, which phone and why?
Have You Bought the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e is Apple's latest phone, intended as an entry-level device. It's missing some features from the regular 16 and 16 Pro, like an ultra-wide camera and MagSafe support. It's available now, and I'm wondering whether you've bought one or intend to do so.
Do You Use Google Apps on Your iPhone?
If you use an iPhone, have you stuck with Apple's default apps? Or have you installed Google's alternatives, like Maps and Drive? Perhaps the best approach is a mixture, or using another provider entirely.
Do People Turn to You for Phone Advice?
When your friends and family are looking to buy a new phone, or need tech support with their current one, are you the person they turn to? If you are, don't forget that How-To Geek is always here to answer your questions and make you look like a genius!
Do You Share Your Phone's Internet Connection?
You can turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows you to share your phone's internet connection with other devices. It's handy if, say, you're traveling and need to use your laptop online. Do you make use of this feature? If so, where does it come in most useful?
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Do You Let Your Kids Use Your Phone?
If you have children who aren't old enough to have their own phone, do you let them use yours? I'm thinking about situations where you need to keep them entertained, or perhaps because they're a budding photographer. Or is your phone strictly off-limits, away from their grubby hands?
How Long Does Your Phone Last on a Single Charge?
I recently upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy S25, which has a fantastic battery out of the box. I can get around two days of comfortable use on a single charge. Of course, that will wear off over time. How long does your phone last before you need to plug it in?
What Color Will Your Next Phone Be?
In the past, when buying a new phone and choosing a color, I would always opt for black because it doesn't show wear and tear as much as other colors. But in recent years, I've branched out and I don't regret the decision. I've still stuck with darker colors, but for my next phone I might get something bright. When it comes time to upgrade your phone, what color will you get?
Do You Insure Your Phone?
Phones are mighty expensive, so it's important to look after them carefully. Accidents do happen though, and theft is always a concern, which is why insurance can be helpful. Do you insure your phone? If so, share your experience—have you ever had to claim, for example?
What's an App You Deleted and Don't Miss?
Some apps stick around on our phones forever because they are fundamental and always useful, while others we use for a while and then ditch completely. I'm interested in that latter group. Name an app that you once used, but then uninstalled and realized your life was better without it.
Which Email App Do You Use the Most?
While most people use Gmail or Apple Mail, those certainly aren't your only options. Popular email app clients include Outlook, Spark, Proton Mail, Thunderbird, and more. So, which email app is your favorite, or which one do you use the most? Why?
What Was Your First Apple Product?
Like a lot of people my age, my first Apple product was an iPod. That was the gateway to me eventually getting a MacBook, then an iPhone, then basically everything Apple. But what did you start with and do you still use it?
Do You Use Apple's Mail App or Third-Party Clients?
I've never liked Apple's Mail app. The main reason is that I have multiple email addresses and I like to color-code them in a single inbox, but Mail offers no way of doing that. Instead, I've used Spark for years. What do you use for your emails?
Do You Pay for Premium Smartphone Apps?
Many smartphone apps are free, but some also have a premium version with additional features or no adverts. This can take the form of a one-off payment or an ongoing subscription. Personally, I'm happy to pay to support apps that are genuinely good and I use often. What about you?
Is Your Phone the Only Camera You Use?
If I ever need to take a photo, I use my phone. I always have it with me, so it's convenient, and it takes photos in high enough quality for my satisfaction. Are you in the same boat, or do you prefer snapping with a dedicated camera?
Do You Use Your iPhone in Light or Dark Mode (or Both)?
The iPhone, like most devices these days, lets you choose between Light or Dark mode in the settings. You can even have the device automatically switch to Dark mode when the sun goes down. So what's your preference?
How Often Do You Restart Your Apple Products?
There was a time when I frequently needed to restart my iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch to fix annoying little bugs or improve performance. But these days I almost never restart any of my Apple devices and they all keep working just fine. How about you?
Do You Change Your Phone Lock Screen or Home Screen More?
Whenever I get a new phone, I completely customize the look and experience to my liking. My lock screen and home screen wallpapers are different, and it's a "set-it-and-forget-it" type of thing. I rarely, if ever, change my lock screen wallpaper and have used the same one for countless years. What about you guys, and which one do you change more frequently?
Would You Buy a Refurbished Phone?
If you need to buy a new phone, do you consider a refurbished one? Personally, I prefer getting a new phone if possible, but I will consider refurbished if it's from a reputable provider who offers a decent warranty. I don't want the battery to fail within months and have no recourse. What's your stance?
What's the Last App You Use Each Day?
Perhaps you send a message, set an alarm, or have a quick social media scroll. Whatever the case, there's probably a specific app that you typically use before heading to bed. What is it?
Did You Get a New Phone for Christmas?
It's the holiday season for many, which means you might have been lucky enough to be gifted a new phone—or perhaps you treated yourself to one. If you found a new phone under the tree, what model is it? And what is it replacing?
What's Your Favorite Widget to Use on iPhone or Android?
Android users have enjoyed widgets since the beginning, and endless widgets are available to customize our devices. Then, with iOS 14, Apple added widgets to the iPhone. I use a widget for Google Search and YouTube Music, and my favorite weather widget is Overdrop. What about you? What widgets do you use, and which one is your favorite?
Do You Read Books on Your Phone?
While I use my phone for so many things, I draw the line at reading books. I don't mind reading articles or news stories on my phone, but when it comes to a full-length novel, I want the physical feeling of a book. How about you?
Do You Use Voice Commands on Your Phone?
The concept of speaking commands to your phone is nothing new, whether you want to compose a message, call someone, or search online. Personally, I don't use the feature much, except when driving. What about you?
What's Your Favorite Fitness App?
Staying active is important, which is why it's handy that there are so many excellent fitness apps for Android and iPhone. But it also means that it's tricky to narrow down which is the best. What fitness app do you recommend?
