iPhone – Tech Savvy Life

Filter Unknown Senders on iPhone: Stop Spam Effectively

This post outlines how to block spam text messages on an iPhone by filtering unknown senders. By enabling the “Screen Unknown Senders” feature in the Messages app, users can prevent spam texts from cluttering their inbox. The method allows easy access to messages from unknown numbers without notifications.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
May 19, 2026 – 5 minutes read time

Overview

We are all familiar with spam text messages and calls. But how do you block spam text messages on the iPhone? Here’s how to filter unknown senders on iPhone so you don’t have to block every number. We will also reveal how to find those random text messages after Apple’s Filter Unknown Senders blocks them.

Can you stop spam texts on iPhone? this feature lets the Messages app automatically stop texts from numbers not in your contacts from cluttering up your inbox. This is an easy way to stop spam texts from bothering you without having to block texts on iPhone (which has to be done number by number, an ineffective method for spammers, since spam texts come from a wide variety of different numbers).

Let’s go over how to silence unknown texts on the iPhone, and where you can find these messages. Keep in mind this will not block spam texts on iPhone; it will simply allow you to ignore them more easily and get to them when you have time. Now, here’s how to stop unwanted texts on the iPhone.

Note! With this feature enabled, you will not receive notifications when receiving texts from unknown numbers. You will only see the messages by opening the Unknown Senders folder in the Messages app.

Key Takeaways

Stop spam texts from bothering you by sending them to a separate Messages app inbox.
While text messages from unknown senders on iPhone will be out of sight, you can still check them easily, just in case the message was important.

System Requirements

This post was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Filtering Messages

First, open the Messages app. Refer to the image below:

Unwanted Texts 1 — Selecting the Messages app

Next, tap the Filter icon. See the image below:

Unwanted Texts 2 — Selecting the Filter icon

Now, tap the Manage Filtering option. See the following image:

Unwanted Texts 3 — Selecting the Manage Filtering option

Next, this will open the Settings app. Ensure the toggle next to Screen Unknown Senders is enabled. You should also enable Filter Spam to help mitigate spam. Refer to the image below:

Unwanted Texts 4 — Enabling Screen Unknown Senders and Filter Spam toggles

Now, if you want to see texts from unknown numbers, go back to the Messages app and tap the Filter icon again. See the image below:

Next, tap the Unknown Senders option. See the following imag:

Unwanted Texts 6 — Selecting the Unknown Senders option

Now, this is where you will find all of your texts from unknown numbers. You can also tap Spam to view your spam messages. To get back to your messages, tap the Filter icon once more. Refer to the image below:

Unwanted texts 7 — Selecting the Filter icon

Next, tap the Messages option. See the image below:

Unwanted Texts 8 — Selecting the Messages option

Summary

That’s how to stop spam texts on the iPhone! Now you can choose to open up your Messages app and only see messages from people you know. Plus, you can still review Unknown Senders and Spam when you feel like it. If your iPhone is on iOS 18 or an earlier version, the Screen Unknown Senders setting will be called Filter Unknown Senders, but the feature works mostly the same way. On earlier versions of iOS, you will see a Filters button in the Messages app where you can find Unknown Senders and Recently Deleted messages.

Disclaimer

Technology is constantly evolving, and smartphone and desktop tech rarely remains static. Therefore, the information in this post is only accurate as of the date it was written. Blog posts that are older than six months may contain instructions that are no longer compatible with your device or operating system. We hope that the content from previous posts continues to function as intended. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life, where technology works for you.

Quote For the Day

Technology… the knack of so arranging the world that we don’t have to experience it.

– Max Frisch

(X) Twitter Info

That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

We value your feedback! Was this post helpful? Please share your comments with us. If you have a tech question related to your computer or smart device, feel free to reach out. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life, and be sure to include the device, app, and version you are using. To assist us further, you can also attach screenshots related to your inquiry.

Author’s ebook

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

How to Enable Read Receipts on iPhone

This post explains how to identify if your text messages have been read using iMessage with Read Receipts enabled. It details how to turn on or off Read Receipts for all contacts or specific individuals on an iPhone and includes a disclaimer about potential changes in technology.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
May 12, 2026 – 4 minutes read time

Overview

How do you know if someone read your text? Texting can be a quick way to communicate, as long as the other person reads the message. Here’s how to tell a text has been read, so you can stop worrying your text did not go through.

Unfortunately, you do not have direct control over this. The people you text will have to be using iMessage and have Read Receipts enabled.

Key Takeaways

Let your friends know you have seen their texts without having to respond.

See if your friends have received your messages, and stop wondering if people are getting your texts.

Learn how to turn off Read Receipts on iPhone if you do not want people to know you have read their text message.

System Requirements

This tip was checked on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.2.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Turn on Read Receipts

First, open the Settings app. Refer to the image below:

Next, scroll down to the bottom and tap Apps. See the image below:

Now, tap Messages. See the following image:

Read Receipts 3 — Selecting Messages option

Next, toggle Send Read Receipts. The slider will be to the right and green if it is on.

If Read Receipts on your device is toggled off, the person who sent you the text will not be able to see if you read it or not. Likewise, if the person you sent a text to has disabled Read Receipts, you can not see if they have read your text.

Turn Read Receipts on For an Individual Contact

You can also customize the Read Receipts option for individual contacts. For example, you can disable Read Receipts on iPhone for a coworker but still have them available for other contacts.

First, ooen the Messages app. Refer to the image below:

Read Receipts 5 — Selecting Messages app

Next, tap the text conversation with the contact for whom you want to turn Read Receipts on or off. See the image below:

Now, tap the Contact icon at the top of the page. See the following image:

Read kReicpts 8 — Selecting the Contact icon

Next, toggle Send Read Receipts either on or off. Refer to the image below:

Now, tap the Back arrow to return to Messages. See the image below:

Now you know how to turn on/off Read Receipts on iPhone, for all or individual contacts. As long as the people you text have this feature enabled, you will be able to see if and when they have read your message.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

Old robots are becoming more human and young humans are becoming more like robots.

– Lorin Morgan-Richards

(X) Twitter Info

That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

Author’s ebook

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

How to Permanently Delete Voicemails on iPhone

Voicemails consume storage on your iPhone. Deleting voicemails moves them to a Deleted Voicemails folder, maintaining your storage. To effectively free up space, you must empty this hidden folder by either deleting individual voicemails or using the Clear All option. Confirm the deletion to ensure the space is cleared.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
May 5 2026 – 4 minutes read time

Overview

Do voicemails take up storage on your iPhone? Yes, so if you are looking to clear up storage, delete old voicemails! If you clear all voicemail but notice no change in your storage space, it’s because there’s a hidden folder for deleted voicemails on your iPhone.

When you delete a voicemail, it is moved to a special folder. This means your storage space remains the same. You have to delete the voicemails from this special folder to free up storage on your iPhone.

How do you empty voicemail? To truly clear voicemail, you need to clear Deleted Voicemails. Deleted Voicemails on iPhone can be listened to, undeleted, and permanently deleted with a Clear All. Let’s explore how to delete your voicemails on iPhone permanently.

Key Takeaways

Clear up storage space that’s being taken up by voicemails.
Get rid of junk voicemails you don’t need anymore.

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running uOS 26.4.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

View Your Storage Space

First, let’s examine your iPhone’s storage space. Head to:

Settings > General > iPhone Storage

Refer to the image below:

Deleted Messages 1 — Accessing your iPhone Storage

Next, take a screenshot of your iPhone Storage screen. See the image below:

Deleted Messages 2 — Your iPhone Storage screenshot

Clear Your Voicemails

First, open the Phone app, and tap the Voicemail icon. Refer to the image below:

Deleted Messages 3 — Selecting your Voicemail icon

Next, tap Deleted Voicemails at the bottom of your list of voicemails. You may have to scroll down a lot, depending on the number of voicemails you have, to reach the bottom of the list. See the image below:

Deleted Messages 4 — Selecting your Deleted Voicemails option

Now, you can delete an individual voicemail by swiping left on it. See the following image:

Deleted Messages 5 — Swipe left to select an individual Voicemail

Next, tap the Trash icon to clear it. Refer to the be image below:

Deleted Messages 6 — Select the Trash icon to delete the individual Voicemail

Alternatively, you can delete all your voicemails by tapping Clear All. See the image below:

Deleted Messages 7 — Select the Clear All option to delete ALL Voicemails

Now, tap Clear All again to confirm. See the following image:

Deleted Messages 8 — Confirm you wish to delete ALL Voicemails

View Your Storage Space Again

Let’s examine your iPhone’s storage space again by following the steps under View Your Storage Space. Hopefully, you increased your storage space.

Summary

That’s all there is to it! If someone sends you a voicemail you delete, know that it isn’t gone until it’s been completely cleared. This is reassuring if you accidentally deleted a priceless, hilarious voicemail from a friend. Depending on your cellular provider, the Deleted Voicemails folder might not automatically Clear All voicemails. If your carrier does not automatically clear your voicemails, you will have to do it manually.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.

– Aldous Huxley

(X) Twitter Info

That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

Customizing Apple’s Liquid Glass Design on iOS 26

In 2025, Apple rebranded its operating systems by release year, introducing iOS 26 with a Liquid Glass design. While it enhances aesthetics, some users dislike its transparency, especially in Dark Mode. Apple offers updates to customize this feature, including options to reduce transparency and tweak lighting effects for better usability.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
April 28, 2026 –4 minutes read time

Pverview

In 2025, Apple changed the naming scheme for its operating systems to align them by release year, so we currently have iOS 26 rather than iOS 19. Tying it all together is the Liquid Glass design, which gives your icons, toolbars, menus, and other elements a translucent appearance, as if you are looking through glass. The problem? Not everyone loves the new look.

Some people have even complained that it makes them feel sick in Dark Mode. Unfortunately, you cannot turn off Liquid Glass, but Apple has released a few OS updates to reduce its transparency, most recently in iOS 26.4. Let’s explore this updated feature.

Key Takeaways

Customize your Lock screen Liquid Glass to your liking.
Enhance the appearance of your iPhone or iPad display.

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.4.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Reduce Transparency on Liquid Glass

If you want to tone down the effect on an iPhone or iPad, head to:

Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size

and enable Reduce Transparency. Now, when you look back at the folders and menus on your Home screen, you should see that the translucent look has been replaced by a more opaque one. Refer to the image below:

Enable Dark Mode

Liquid Glass looks better in Dark Mode instead of Light Mode because it hides much of the new design. To do this on an iPhone or iPad, head to:

Settings > Display & Brightness

and set the appearance to Dark. See the image below:

Customize the Look of Liquid Glass

Apple first introduced greater control over the look and feel of the Liquid Glass design with iOS 26.1. To customize, head to:

Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass

then choose between Clear (more transparent) and Tinted (more opaque). The latter option is recommended if you want more contrast. You can also pair this with Dark Mode for better readability. See the following image:

Liquid Glass 3 — Setting your display appearance

Reduce Bright Effects

You now have the ability to tone own some of the lighting effects that come with the Liquid Glass redesign. Head to:

Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size

then enable Reduce Bright Effects to make the change.

It’s a subtle difference, but one that might help make the theme more tolerable. Refer to the image below:

Liquid Glass 4 — Enable Reduce Bright Effects option

Reduce Motion

It’s also worth noting that Apple has enhanced its Reduce Motion option to incorporate Liquid Glass effects. Just go to:

Settings > Accessibility > Motion

and enable Reduce Motion. See the image below:

Liquid Glass 5 — Enable Reduce Motion option

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

Technology feeds on itself. Technology makes more technology possible.

– Alvin Toffler

(X) Twitter Info

Yea. You are finished.. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Check out TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

Author’s ebook

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

Quick Guide: Change Wi-Fi on iPhone Easily

The post explains how to efficiently connect to Wi-Fi on iPhones and iPads using the Control Center, offering a quicker alternative to the Settings app. It details the steps for connecting, changing, and disconnecting from Wi-Fi networks. The content emphasizes the importance of an up-to-date iOS for compatibility.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
April 21, 2026 – 3 minutes read time

Overview

Do you know how to connect to Wi-Fi, change the network you are using, and how to turn off Wi-Fi directly from your iPhone or iPad’s Control Center? This method is much quicker than sorting through the Settings app to find available networks.

Connecting to nearby Wi-Fi networks on iPhone is relatively simple. You can do it from the Settings app, or if you have the setting enabled, a pop-up will sometimes appear, asking if you would like to connect to a nearby network. But the quickest way to get Wi-Fi is from your iPhone’s Control Center: Let’s explore how this is done.

Key Takeaways

Quickly open your iPad and iPhone Wi-Fi Settings to turn on or turn off Wi-Fi.
Easily access the Wi-Fi network when you arrive at a friend’s house to turn on Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad.

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.4.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Connecting to Wi-Fi

First, swipe down from the upper-right corner to open the Control Center. Refer to the image below:

Next, tap and hold the Wi-Fi icon. See the image below:

Now, tap the Wi-Fi option. See the following image:

Next, select your Wi-Fi network. Refer to the image below:

Now you know how to connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi network. You might need to enter a password before you can connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, but your device will remember the username and password once you’ve joined a network, so all you will need to do next time is tap the name in the Wi-Fi menu to join. Any time you’d like to change the Wi-Fi network you are using, follow the same steps, and tap a different option on the Wi-Fi network list. You can also use these steps to disconnect your iPhone or iPad from a Wi-Fi network.

Now you know how to quickly get a Wi-Fi connection on your iPhone or iPad.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

Technology… the knack of so arranging the world that we don’t have to experience it.

– Max Frisch

(X) Twitter Info

That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

How to Enable Emergency Bypass on Your iPhone

Emergency Bypass on iPhone allows priority contacts to reach you during Focus modes, like Sleep, ensuring essential calls and texts come through. To set it up, edit a contact in the Contacts app, enable Emergency Bypass for both Ringtone and Text Tone, and save the changes.

IRAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
April 14, 2026 – 4 minutes read time

Overview

What is emergency bypass on iPhone? Emergency Bypass allows specific contacts to reach you even when you have certain Focus enabled, such as Sleep Focus. When Emergency Bypass is enabled, your phone will still ring even when you have a Focus enabled to silence calls and texts. Here’s how to bypass your Focus settings or Silent mode with Emergency Bypass, so important contacts can still reach you in emergencies, regardless of other enabled settings.

Note!! This is a must-do tip you want to set up.

Key Takeaways

Use the Emergency Bypass iPhone feature to designate priority contacts on your iPhone.
Priority contacts on your iPhone can call, text, or both with Do Not Disturb on, so you are never out of touch.

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.3.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Use Emergency Bypass

First, open the Contacts app or search for the app. Refer to the image below:

Emerg Bypass 1 — Selecting the Contacts app

Next, tap the contact you want to designate as an emergency contact who can reach you even when you have a Focus, such as Sleep, turned on. See the image below:

Note! If the contact has an asterisk to the right of the name, that person is already an emergency contact.

Next, tap Edit in the top right corner. See the following image:

Emerg Bypass 4 — Selecting to Edit the contact

Now, tap Ringtone. Refer to the image below:

Next, toggle on Emergency Bypass. This will allow phone calls from that person to always go through. See the image below:

Emerg Bypass 5 — Enabling the Emergency Bypass toggle

Now, repeat these steps for Text Tone to allow texts to bypass your Focus status as well. See the following image:

Emerg Bypass 6 — Selecting the Text Tone option

Next, tap the checkmark icon when you are done. Refer to the image below:

Emerg Bypass 7 — Tapping the Done checkmark

Now, when you tap the checkmark, the contact will have Emergency Bypass On for Rungtone and Text Tone. See the image below:

Emerg Bypass 8 — Emergency Bypass is now on for the contact

Summary

Now you know how to set an Emergency Bypass contact on iPhone to let priority contacts on iPhone contact you even when you have a Focus mode set. You can repeat these steps for all the emergency bypass contacts you would like to add.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

The art challenges the technology, and the technology inspires the art.

– John Lasseter

(X) Twitter Info

That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

Author’s ebook

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

Customize Your iPhone Lock Screen Shortcuts

You can now customize your iPhone Lock Screen shortcuts by swapping the default flashlight or camera icons with shortcuts like the timer or alarm app. This feature allows for quicker access to preferred apps without unlocking your device, though changes must be made for each Lock Screen individually.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
April 7, 2026 – 4 minutes read time

Overview

If you have ever wanted to customize the shortcut buttons at the bottom of your Lock Screen, you are in luck! You can now swap out your iPhone Flashlight shortcut or Camera shortcut to pretty much any shortcut of your choosing.

With the addition of the Action button and now Camera Control buttons, the usefulness of having your Camera and Flashlight as your Lock Screen shortcuts is rapidly waning. Fortunately, you can swap these shortcuts out for different options.

It’s important to note that the shortcut will only be for that Lock Screen. If you have multiple Lock Screens, the others will have the a Flashlight and Camera defaults unless you manually change them.

Note! you can only swap out the default icons; not add new ones. (Sad, come on Apple, add this feature!). But you can add app shortcuts (widgets) below the Clock area.

Key Takeaways

Swap out the default flashlight and camera controls for other shortcuts, like the timer or alarm app.
Keep your favorite shortcuts right on your Lock Screen.
Access apps or actions quickly without unlocking your iPhone.

Let’s explore how to swap out the default Lock Screen shortcuts on your iPhone.

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.3.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Change Your Lock Screen Shortcuts

First, long-press on your Lock Screen. Refer to the image below:

LS Shortcuts 1 — Long press on the lock screen

Now, tap Customize. See the image below:

LS Shortcuts 2 — Tap the Customize button

Next, tap the minus symbol on the top left corner of the shortcut you want to replace. See the following image:

Now, tap the plus icon where the shortcut just was. Refer to the image below:

LS Shortcuts 4 — Tap the shortcut icon plus sign

Next, scroll through your new shortcut options and tap the shortcut you want to add. See the image below:

LS Shortcuts 5 — Select a shortcut control

Now, tap Done to finalize your Lock Screen. See the following image:

Next, you can now tap that iPhone Lock Screen shortcut to launch the new app or function you selected. Refer to the image below:

LS Shortcuts 7 — Tap on your new shortcut icon to open

That’s how to change shortcuts on iPhone Lock Screen. These can easily be swapped out by following this same step procedure each time. Remember, you’ll have to do it individually for each Lock Screen.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.

– Aldous Huxley

(X) Twitter Info

That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

Author’s ebook

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

QuickTake: Record Video on iPhone in Photo Mode

The post explains how to quickly record videos on an iPhone using the QuickTake feature without switching from Photo mode. Users can directly access the Camera app from the Lock Screen, press and hold the Shutter button to record, and easily return to Photo mode after stopping the recording.

IRAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
March 31, 2026 – 3 minutes read time

Overview

How do you take a video in picture mode on an iPhone? Use Apple’s QuickTake, the fastest way to record a video on the iPhone.

When you find the perfect moment for a video, you do not always have time to switch between Photo and Video mode on your iPhone.Here’s how to record on an iPhone quickly right from Photo mode, and directly from your Lock Screen.

Key Takeaways

Record video on your iPhone without leaving photo mode.
Makes recording video quick and easy, so you do not miss important moments.

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.3.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

The QuickTake Recording Feature

First, open the Camera app directly from your Lock Screen. Refer to the image below:

Next, in Photo mode, press and hold the Shutter button; your iPhone will begin video recording. See the image below:

Video 2 — Press and hold the Shutter button

Now, you can drag the Shutter button to the right to temporarily lock your camera into Video mode. See the following image:

Video 3 — Drag the Shutter button to the right

Next, when you are finished, tap the red square or release the Stutter button (if you did not slide it to the right) to stop recording. Refer to the image below:

Video 4 — Tap or release the Shutter button

Now, when you are finished recording, your Camera app will return to Photo mode.

You now know how to record a video on an iPhone! The Camera app is truly versatile and perfect for capturing life’s most precious and exciting moments.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

Books may look like nothing more than words on a page, but they are actually an infinitely complex imaginotransference technology that translates odd, inky squiggles into pictures inside your head.

– Jasper Fforde

(X) Twitter Info

That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

Quick Access: View Notifications on iPhone Lock Screen

The article discusses how to quickly view notifications from the Lock screen on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.3. It outlines two methods: swiping up on the Lock screen or tapping the unread notification count. Additionally, it provides a setup guide for enabling notification previews.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
March 24, 2026 – 3 minutes read time

Overview

Want to view notifications fast? There are two ways of doing this from your Lock screen. We used to open my iPhone to view notifications; now there’s a faster way. Let’s explore this nifty feature.

Key Takeaways

View your notifications quickly.
See the number of unread notifications from the Lock screen.

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.3.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Setting Up Easy Access to Notifications

First, open Settings, then tap Notifications. Refer to the image below:

Notifications 1 — Selecting the Notifications option

Next, under Display As, tap on the Count option. See the below image;

Notifications 2 — Selecting the Count option

Now, scroll down to Notification Style section and tap on the Mail option. See the following image

Notifications 3 — Selecting the Mail option

Next, on your Mail screen:

Enable Allow Notifications toggle
Checkmark Notification Cebter toggle
Enable Badges toggle

Refer to the image below:

Now, under Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode option. See the image below:

Notifications 6 — Selecting the Face ID & Passcode option

Next, enable the Notification Center toggle. See the following image:

Notifications 7 — Enabling the NotificationCenter toggle

Two Ways to View Notifications

Now that you have finished the setup process, there are two ways to view your notifications on the Lock screen. On your activated Lock screen, hold your finger near the bottom and slowly swipe up until the Notification Center appears. Refer to the image below:

Notifications 5 — Slowly swipe up to reveal Notification Center

Or if you have unread Notifications, the number will be displayed at the bottom of your Lock screen. Just tap on it to view your notifications. See the image below:

Notifications 8 — Tap on Notification to reveal the Notification Center

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works.

– Douglas Adams

(X) Twitter Info

– Douglas AdamsThat’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

Master Image Search on iPhone and iPad

The Photos app on iOS 18 features an improved search function, allowing users to find pictures using specific search terms like dates, locations, or objects. Users can now easily search for text or items within photos, enhancing the efficiency of locating images from vacations or other events.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
March 10 2026 – 4 minutes read time

Overview

You can use multiple search terms to find specific pictures in the Photos app. We use this time-saving feature to search for specific pictures from vacations, entering a date and location to see all videos and photos from each trip.

With iOS 18, Apple completely revamped the Photos app, introducing a brand-new search function. Previously, you could use search terms from one or more of the following categories: date, location, business name, events, people, pets, captions, and type of photo. Now, you can do an image search on your iPhone for objects or text that show up in your photos. For example, we often forget our license plate number when paying for public parking. We know we have photos of it, so we can just go into the Photos app, type “license plate,” and our phone will show me all the photos of our license plate. Let’s explore how to image search on your iPhone and iPad using multiple keywords.

Key Tskeaways

Learn how to search photos on your iPhone and iPad to find Photos of nearly anything.
Do an iPhone photo search to find objects or text that appear in your photos.

System Requirements

This tip works on iPhones running iOS 18 or later, but was tested on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26.3.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.…

Searching Photos

First, open the Photos app. Refer to the image below:

Search Photos 1 — Selecting the Photos app

Next, tap the Search icon. See the image below:

Search Photos 2 — Selecting the Search icon

Now, you will see some personalized suggestions, which you can tap. Or you can tap the Search bar to type in your own search terms. See the following image:

Search Photos 3 — Selecting the Search bar

Next, once you enter a search term, you will see all the photos in your library that match. For example, we searched “Raymond December 2025”, and now we can see all my photos of myself, Raymond, from December 2025. Notice that it found blurred text and rotated images. Refer to the image below:

Search Photos 4 — Entering your search criteria into the Search bar

That’s how to search photos on the iPhone or iPad. Try it out yourself! Put in a few search terms and see what you get. It’s super easy to find the exact photo you are looking for every time.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

The art challenges the technology, and the technology inspires the art.

. – John Lasseter

X (Twitter) Info

That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.

Checkout TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Tweet

I Would Like to Hear From You

Author’s ebook

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook, “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath,” is available on Kindle devices and the Kindle App for desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The apps are free.

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath

Overview

Key Takeaways

System Requirements

Filtering Messages

Summary

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

(X) Twitter Info

I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Key Takeaways

System Requirements

Turn on Read Receipts

Turn Read Receipts on For an Individual Contact

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

(X) Twitter Info

I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Key Takeaways

System Requirements

View Your Storage Space

Clear Your Voicemails

View Your Storage Space Again

Summary

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

(X) Twitter Info

I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Pverview

Key Takeaways

System Requirements

Reduce Transparency on Liquid Glass

Enable Dark Mode

Customize the Look of Liquid Glass

Reduce Bright Effects

Reduce Motion

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

(X) Twitter Info

I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Key Takeaways

System Requirements

Connecting to Wi-Fi

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

(X) Twitter Info

I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Key Takeaways

System Requirements

Use Emergency Bypass

Summary

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

(X) Twitter Info

I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Key Takeaways

System Requirements

Change Your Lock Screen Shortcuts

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

(X) Twitter Info

I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Key Takeaways

System Requirements

The QuickTake Recording Feature

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

(X) Twitter Info