iOS 18 Photos Search: Find Any Image Easily

Apple’s iOS 18 update enhances the Photos app with natural language search capabilities, allowing users to find images and videos more precisely by describing details. Users can combine elements or search for specific moments in videos.

InserRAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
March 4, 2025 – 4 minutes read time

Apple’s iOS 18 update brings powerful new search functions to the Photos app, allowing you to find specific images with unprecedented precision. Let’s explore the new Photos app.

iOS 18, the key to effective searching in Photos is using natural language. Instead of simple keywords, try describing the photo you are looking for in detail. The app can now understand complex queries and find images based on specific elements within them.

The new search function is also pretty handy at finding objects and scenes. Try queries like “car next to lake” or “sunset over Tulsa.” You can combine multiple elements in your search, such as “blue flowers in vase by window.”

For food lovers, searches like “pizza with mushrooms” or “steak and chips on the table” can help you find culinary inspiration from your photo library. When searching for people, you can now include details about their appearance or actions. “Rachel in the green hat with a wine glass” or “Susan in a wedding dress” are examples of how specific you can get.

The Photos app can even search within videos. If you remember a specific moment in a video but can not recall which one, try describing the scene. For instance, “baby crawling” or “fireworks over Grand Lake” can take you directly to that moment.

Note! For these advanced search features to work, the Photos app needs time to index your library. This process happens on your device to protect your privacy, so be patient if searches aren’t immediately accurate after updating to iOS 18.

  • Find Photos of nearly anything using the new search feature.
  • Search for objects or text that appear in your photos.

This tip works on iPhones running iOS 18 or later. The screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 18.1

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

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

Photos 1
Selecting your Photos app

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

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:

Photos 3
Selecting the Search button

Next, once you enter a search term, you will see all the photos in your library that match. Refer to the below image:

Photos 4
Entering your Search criteria

For example, we are searching for “Aletha Niagara Falls”. Now, we can see all the photos related to “Aletha in Niagara Falls”. See the below image:

Photos 5
Your results

Aletha, my wife, also has a blog at Watercress Words, exploring and sharing the HEART of health.

That’s how to search photos or videos on the iPhone. Try it out yourself! Put in a few search terms and see what you get! While iOS 18 made some controversial changes to the Photos app, this is one change that you will love. It’s super easy to find the exact photo you are looking for every time.

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.

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

― Douglas Adams

Pretty impressive Photos app? Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

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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

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

Master the Look Up Feature on iPhone

The Look Up feature on iPhones allows users to quickly access definitions, thesaurus entries, and related websites by highlighting text and selecting the option. Available on iOS 16 or later, it enhances vocabulary learning and information retrieval across apps.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
February 18, 2025 – 3 minutes read time

Sometimes, while browsing the internet, you will come across words you do not understand or subjects you want to learn more about.

The Look Up feature allows you to easily look up the definition of words. Its menu provides links to several options: Apple’s dictionary, other dictionaries, Siri-suggested websites, Wikipedia, the App Store, and more.

You can even use Look Up as a free thesaurus app, or use the Look Up feature in Safari to find additional references to a word or phrase on the internet.

Let’s explore looking up words on iPhone with the Look Up feature.

  • Quickly check the definition of words or phrases with just a few taps.
  • Easily find websites or apps related to specific words.

This tip works on iPhones running iOS 16 or later.

Screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 18.3

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

First, anywhere you can select text, tap and hold to highlight the text. Refer to the below image:

Lookup 1
Highlight text to look up

Next, above the word or phrase, a horizontal menu or a drop down menu will appear depending on your iOS. Tap the arrow to the right or select the Look Up option (as shown). See the below image:

Lookup 2
Selecting the Look Up option

Now the results will appear in a pop-up. Usually, you will see a dictionary definition of the word(s). Pull up on the window to see more results. See the following image:

Lookup 3
The dictionary meaning of the highlighted text

Bext, depending on the text you selected, you will see various results from different websites and apps. Scroll down to see more results. Refer to the below image:

Lookup 5
Additional results for the highlighted text

That’s how to use the Look Up feature on your iPhone. While we demonstrated this feature from a WordPress blog, it can be used anywhere where you can select text.

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.

Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.

– Steve Jobs

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

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

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

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

Setup Time to Leave Notifications on iPad and iPhone

Apple has introduced the Time to Leave feature for iOS 18, which alerts users when it’s time to depart for calendar events. By enabling Location Services and adjusting settings in the Calendar app, users receive timely notifications that include traffic conditions, ensuring they arrive on time to their destinations.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
February 11, 2025 – 3 minutes read time

Have you ever wished your iPad or iPhone would not only remind you of calendar events but also give a calendar alert when it’s time to depart? Well, now you can. Apple has just introduced the new Time to Leave feature, which automatically calculates when you need to leave your current location so you can arrive at your destination on time. Let’s explore how to use the Time to Leave feature.

  • Get notified when it’s time to get in your car and head to your appointment or meet-up.
  • With built-in drive time reminders, you need never be late again!

The steps below will only work on an iPhone updated to iOS 18. The screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 18.3.

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

You will also need to be sure Location Services is enabled. Head to:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services

and turn the toggle to the ON position.

First, navigate to:

Settings > Apps > Calendar

Refer to the below image:

Time to Leave 1
Open the Calendar app

Next, tap the Default Alert Times option. See the below image:

Time to Leave 2
Select the Default Alert Times option

Now, toggle Time to Leave to the ON position.

Note! the Event must be set to None for this feature to work!

See the following image:

Time to Leave 3
Enable Time to Leave toggle

Next, open the Calendar app. Refer to the below image:

Time to Leve 4
Open the Calendar app

Now, create a calendar event as you normally would, then tap the Add icon. You will see that your Time to Leave alert has been automatically added to the event. See the below image:

Time to Leave 5
Create a calendar event

Next, open your Calendar and find your event. Tap the event to see its details. Notice the Time to Leave alert. See the following image:

Time to Leave 6
Time to Leave details

At the designated time, you will receive a Notification about the event that includes traffic conditions and travel time to reach your destination. Refer to the below image:

Time to Leave 7
Your Time to Leave notification

Now you know how to enable and use Time to Leave alerts in your iPad and iPhone Calendar settings

Technology is always changing. Rarely is there static tech for smartphones and desktops. Thus, the contents of this post are only valid at the time of writing. Blog posts older than six months may have directions incompatible with your device or OS. Hopefully, older post content will continue to work as advertised. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life for Technology at Work For You.

The great myth of our times is that technology is communication.

Libby Larsen

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

Was this post helpful? We would love to hear your comments. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us, you can send screenshots of the data related to your question.

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

Enhance Safety with iPhone’s Emergency SOS Feature

The Emergency SOS feature lets you call for help in many different ways, including discreetly by holding down a button, via satellite, and even automatically if

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
February 4, 2025 – 4 minutes read time

The Emergency SOS feature lets you call for help in many different ways, including discreetly by holding down a button, via satellite, and even automatically if a car crash or fall is detected. After an Emergency SOS call ends, your iPhone will automatically send a message with your location to your Emergency contact(s). Add an extra layer of security to your life by adding your iPhone emergency contact(s).

  • Give your loved ones peace of mind by adding them as Emergency contacts.
  • Customize your Emergency SOS settings to suit your needs.

System Requirements

This tip works on iPhones 14 and above running iOS 18 or later.

Screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 18.3

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

There are many different ways to set up and activate Emergency SOS depending on what devices and device models you have. Only iPhone 14 and newer models can use Emergency SOS via satellite and have automatic Crash Detection (on by default.) iPhones running iOS 18 can use Live Video during emergency calls. You will need a newer Apple Watch model to use automatic Fall Detection. Here’s how to set your iPhone’s Emergency SOS contact(s). In this example, we are setting up Zoey Oglesby as an emergency contact,

First, open the Health app on your iPhone. Refer to the below image:

Add Emerg 1
Find and open the Health app

Next, tap your Profile icon in the to right corner. See the below image:

Add Emerg 2
Select your Profile icon

Now, select Medical ID. See the following image:

Add Emerg 3
Select the Medical ID option

Next, under Emergency Access section, toggle Show When Locked and Share During Emergency Call to ON. Refer to the below image:

Add Emerg 10
Toggle Show When Locked and Share During Emergency Call to ON

Now, scroll down to Emergency Contacts and tap Edit. See the below image:

Add Emergy 4
Select to Edit Emergency Contacts

Next, tap the green plus sign to add a new emergency contact. See the following image:

Add Emerg 5
Select the plus icon to Add Emergency Contact

Now, your Contacts will pop up. Find the contact you want and tap on their name. Refer to the below image:

Add Emerg 6
Select a contact

Next, select their relationship with you. See the below image:

Add Emerg 7
Select their Relationship with you

Next, tap Done. See the following image:

Add Emerg 8
Select Done to add the contact

Your emergency contact(s) will now receive a text message and your location should you make an emergency call using Emergency SOS on your iPhone. In your Contacts, the emergency contact(s) are indicated by an asterisk (*) next to their name. Refer to the image below, where four family members are indicated as emergency contacts (others are on a different contact page):

Add Emerg 9
Your added Emergency Contacts indicated by an asterisk (*)

Accessing your Medical ID within the Health app allows you to display only your emergency contacts. When the Show When Locked option is turned on, your emergency contact information will appear on the Lock screen.

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.

The technology you use impresses no one. The experience you create with it is everything.

-Sean Gerety

That’s it. You have just setup emergency contacts that may save your life. 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.

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

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

How to Send eBooks to Your Kindle: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Amazon Kindle is an effective ebook reader, linked closely to Amazon’s ecosystem. Users can send various ebook formats to their Kindle via methods like the Send to Kindle tool, Kindle app, or email. Free ebooks are readily available through various platforms, enhancing Kindle’s reading options.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
January 28, 2025 – 7 minutes read time

The Amazon Kindle is a great ebook reader, but it’s tightly tied to Amazon’s ecosystem. If you have a Fire tablet or a smartphone, you can download other e-reading apps to beef up your library, but with the Kindle hardware, you are pretty much tied to getting your content directly from Amazon. Well, sort of. Using some free software, you can take ebooks in various formats and zap them over to your Kindle.

Let’s explore how to send other ebook formats to your e-reader, and where to get free ebooks.

  • Of course, we all like free stuff.
  • A large variety of free ebooks to choose from.
  • Download in a variety of formats for reading on your Kindle.

This is for the Amazon Kindle. It uses the iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac. The screenshots are from Windows 10 and iPhone 14 Pro.

Amazon offers a Send to Kindle page where you can upload ebook files saved on your device. First, on amazon.com/sendtokindle, click Select files from device. Refer to the below image:

Kindle 1
Selecting files to send

Next, select the book you want on your Kindle. This tool supports PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT, RTF, HTM, HTML, PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, BMP, and EPUB formats on ebooks up to 200MB in size. (Amazon no longer supports sending new Mobi files.) Ensure the Add to your library toggle is ON, then click Send. See the below image:

Kindle 2
Send your files

Now, a status bar will appear, letting you keep tabs on the upload. You will see a checkmark and an In Library notice when it’s ready. See the following image:

Kindle 3
Status of sending to Kindle

Amazon also has an app for Windows and macOS that lets you do the same thing. Chrome has an extension you can enable though results are mixed.

If you have the Kindle app installed on your iPhone or Android device, you can add ebooks to your library with a few taps. In the example below we downloaded an ebook from Project Gutenberg on the iPhone.

First, open your Kindle app on your iPhone and search for an ebook. Next, tap the ebook. From here, you can Download sample to see a preview or tap the Share icon. Now, locate the Kindle app and tap it. Refer to the below image:

Kindle 5
Selecting a file to send to Kindle

Next, ensure the Add to your library toggle is ON, then tap Send. Now, the ebook will be saved in your library in the Kindle app and on our Kindle device. The process is similar for Android. See the below image:

Kindle 5
Send your file

Amazon also lets you email ebooks to your Kindle account via a specially crafted email address. First, to get your Kindle’s email address, go to:

amazon.com/myk 

or go to:

Account & Lists > Content Library > Devices

Next, in the list below, find your Kindle device and click it. In the drop-down window, click [your name’s] Kindle. See the following image:

Kindle 7
Find your Kindle

On the next page, you will see a Device Summary that lists your @kindle.com email address. (It’s set to a default address, but you can change it by clicking Edit.)  Refer to the below page:

Kindle 7
Your Kindle information

Back up top, click the Preferences tab, and scroll down to Personal Document Settings. Click the down arrow on the right and scroll to Approved Personal Document E-mail List. The email attached to your Amazon account should be listed here. If that’s the email address you will be using to send ebooks to your Kindle, you are all set. To use a different email, click:

Add a new approved e-mail address and enter the address you want to use.

Remember, your Kindle needs to be attached to a Wi-Fi network for this to work.

Amazon can automatically convert PDFs into the Kindle format, but you get two formatting choices. If you want your Kindle to display every page in the PDF as if it were a graphic, just email the .pdf file to your Kindle’s address without a subject line, upload it via the Send to Kindle website, or drag and drop the file onto a Kindle that’s attached to your PC with a USB cable.

That will maintain the formatting and graphics; it will appear on your Kindle like on your laptop. However, the font size may be too small to read.

Your other option is to attach the PDF file to an email and make the subject line “convert”—just that word. Send it to your Kindle email address and your PDF will be converted into a Kindle version that will let you mark it up and change the formatting. The graphics will still be in there as well, but you will lose the layout of the original PDF.

Third-party software, such as MiniTool PDF Editor – Kindle format converter, can also convert PDF files to Kindle formats like Word, image, TXT, and HTML.

Once you have emailed your ebook, on your Kindle head to:

Home > From Your Library

It might take a few minutes, but if your Kindle is connected to Wi-Fi, it should update automatically and the ebook will appear.

Want to delete the ebook? Tap the Menu icon (the three-dots) on the bottom right of your ebook in Your Library and select Remove download to remove it from your Kindle or Permanently Delete to remove it from your Amazon account.

  • Amazon hosts periodic Stuff Your Kindle Days, where select ebooks are free for a 24-hour period. They are usually grouped by theme.
  • To hook into public library catalogs and send ebooks to your Kindle, check out the Libby app from OverDrive. (Hoopla offers a similar service.)
  • If you want classics, Project Gutenberg has 70,000+ copyright-free ebooks.
  • For historical and academic texts, check out archive.org.
  • ManyBooks.net has a mix of free and paid classics and self-published titles.
  • Free-Ebooks.net has a large collection of self-published ebooks and classics; provide your email address to get five free ebooks per month.
  • If you like science fiction, the publisher Baen also has a set of free ebooks.
  • BookBub has a free ebook section filled with romance novels and other casual reads.

Source: Amazon, PC Mag

Disclaimer

Technology is always changing. Rarely is there static tech for smartphones and desktops. Thus, the contents of this post are only valid at the time of writing. Blog posts older than six months may have directions incompatible with your device or OS. Hopefully, older post content will continue to work as advertised. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life for Technology at Work For You.

Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.

-Bill Gates

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.

Was this post helpful? We would love to hear your comments. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us, you can send screenshots of the data related to your question.

Author’s eBook

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

Secure Your iPhone: Lock Apps with Face ID

With recent iOS updates, iPhone users can now lock apps, enhancing privacy and security. To lock an app, long-press the icon and select “Require Face ID.” If Face ID fails, users can unlock via passcode. However, certain apps like Maps and Clock cannot be locked.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
January 21, 2025 – 4 minutes read time

Can you lock apps on the iPhone? Yes! For a long time, there was no way to lock apps on iOS. However, the latest updates added a new feature that allows you to lock down an app.

This is useful because it means you can unlock your iPhone and hand it to someone to look at something, knowing they will not be able to open the locked apps. Suppose someone using your iPhone tries to open an app you have manually locked using the method described below. In that case, they will see a popup informing them that it can not be accessed without secondary authentication via Face ID (or Touch ID on the iPhone SE). 

If Stolen Device Protection is active, entering a passcode to unlock an app is not an option, so even if your iPhone is stolen and the thief knows your passcode, they can open the app. However, if Stolen Device Protection is not enabled, a passcode prompt appears that can be used to unlock the app after three failed Face ID attempts.

It’s worth noting that not all apps can be locked. Apple does not provide the lock option for apps like Maps, Clock, Calculator, and Settings. Otherwise, almost every other app can be locked, including third-party apps. Let’s explore how this is done.

  • Prevent others from accessing apps with personal information.
  • Secure apps that do not have a Face ID login option.

This is for the iPhone running iOS 18 or later. The screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 18.2.1.

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

First, find the app you want to lock, and long-press on it. Refer to the below page:

Lock App 1
Find an app you want to lock

Next, when the menu appears, select Require Face ID. See the below image:

Lock App 2
Select the Require Face ID option

Now, tap Require Face ID. See the following image:

Lock App 3
Tap the Require Face ID option

Next, Face ID will scan your face. When you open the app, there will be a message telling you that Face ID is required to open the app. Refer to the below image:

Lock App 4
Point your iPhone at your face to open the locked app

Now, you can tap Try Face ID Again if Face ID fails. See the below image:

Lock App 5
If the Face ID scan fails then tap and try again

Next, if Face ID fails a second time, you can select Enter Passcode to unlock the app with your iPhone passcode. See the following image:

Lock App 6
If Face ID fails again then enter your passcode to open the locked app

Simply long-press on the app’s icon and choose the Don’t Require Face ID. See the below image:

Lock App 7
Remove the requirement to use Face ID for the app

As long as you have Stolen Device Protection enabled, turning the lock on and off requires a ‌Face ID‌ scan, so it can not be turned off without your knowledge.

That’s how to lock an app on the iPhone. Now you can keep your apps protected from prying eyes.

Source: Apple Support, MacRumors

Disclaimer

Technology is always changing. Rarely is there static tech for smartphones and desktops. Thus, the contents of this post are only valid at the time of writing. Blog posts older than six months may have directions incompatible with your device or OS. Hopefully, older post content will continue to work as advertised. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life for Technology at Work For You.

Technology should improve your life… not become your life.

– Billy Cox

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.

Was this post helpful? We would love to hear your comments. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us, you can send screenshots of the data related to your question.

Author’s E-Book

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

How to Hide Apps on iPhone Using iOS 18

The iOS 18 update allows users to hide apps on their iPhone, providing a way to lock them from the Home Screen and Spotlight search. While most apps can be hidden, certain default apps cannot. Hidden apps are stored in a Face ID-protected folder in the App Library for easy access.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
December 17, 2024 – 4 minutes read time

For a really long time, there was not a straightforward way to hide apps on iPhone, but the iOS 18 update introduced a brand new way to lock apps and hide them from the Spotlight search, your Home Screen, and the unlocked portion of the App Library.

One downside is that not all apps can be hidden. Another is that all your hidden apps go to a locked Hidden folder in the App Library. Besides this, it is a nifty feature, so let’s explore this feature for hiding apps on your iPhone.

  • Most but not all apps can be hidden using a feature introduced with the iOS 18 update.
  • Apps hidden using this method will appear in a Hidden folder in the App Library that can be unlocked using Face ID!

this tip works on iPhones running iOS 18 or newer. The screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro using iOS 18.1.1

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

First, on your Home Screen or App Librarylong-press the app you wish to hide. In our example, we will be hiding the CLIPish Pro app. Refer to the below image:

Hide App 1
Selecting an app to hide from Home screen

Next, tap the Require Face ID option. See the below image:

Hide App 2
Selecting the Require Face ID option

Now, select the Hide and Require Face ID option. See the following image:

Hide App 3
Selecting the Hide and Require Face ID option

Next, confirm that you wish to hide the app using Face ID and by tapping the  Hide App button. Refer to the below image:

Hide App 4
Confirm to Hide App

Now, any hidden apps will appear in the Hidden folder in the App Library, which is locked using Face ID. See the below image:

Hide App 5
Your app in the Hidden folder

You are unable to hide:

  • Apps installed with iOS 18: Apps like Photos and Wallet can mot be hidden.
  • Default web browser or app marketplace: Apps set as the default web browser or app marketplace can not be hidden. 

If you are wondering how to unhide apps on iPhones, just open the Hidden folder in the App Library. Tap inside the folder to reveal your hidden app(s). Follow the same steps, and tap the Don’t Require Face ID button. See the following image:

Hide App 6
Selecting the Don’t Require Face ID option to unhide your app

First, locate your app in the App Library. If the app has been hidden, it will be in the Hidden folder. If you have unhidden the app, it will be in a folder section. In our example, our CLIPish Pro app is in the Creativity section. Refer to the below image:

Hide App 7
Selecting your app to add back to your Home screen

Next, long-press the app and tap the Add to Home Screen option. Your app will appear on your Home screen. See the below image:

Hide App 8
Selecting the Add to Home Screen option

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.

.“Technology is a gift of God. After the gift of life, it is perhaps the greatest of God’s gifts. It is the mother of civilizations, of arts and of sciences.” 

―Freeman Dyson

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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

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

How to Set Up Sleep Apnea Notifications on Apple Watch

Apple Watch now features sleep apnea detection for users over 18 who haven’t been previously diagnosed. By tracking breathing disturbances through its accelerometer while sleeping, the watch warns users if issues persist over 30 days. However, it’s crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis rather than solely relying on these notifications.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
December 10, 2024 – 6 minutes read time

The new Sleep Apnea Apple Watch feature uses the watch’s internal accelerometer to detect breathing disturbances. Sleep apnea detection is only available on newer Apple Watch models and users over 18 years old who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea in the past.

Sleep apnea is a respiratory condition where you experience repeated disruptions in your breathing while you sleep. These breathing disturbances are fairly common, and people typically experience a few disturbances a night. Your alcohol intake, upper respiratory illnesses, and even some medications can lead to elevated breathing disturbances. When you wear your Apple Watch to bed, it uses the accelerometer to look for breathing disturbances while you sleep. These are categorized as “Elevated” or “Not Elevated.” Over a 30-day evaluation period, if you consistently experience “Elevated” breathing disturbances, you receive a notification, letting you know it identified signs of sleep apnea. You should talk to your doctor if you receive a sleep apnea notification.

  • Set up Sleep apnea Apple Watch notifications to learn if you are experiencing any signs of sleep apnea.
  • Sleep apnea notifications can help you know when it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor.
  • An Apple Watch Series 9 or later or Apple Watch Ultra 2, with the latest version of watchOS.
  • Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
  • Sleep must be set up with Track Sleep with Apple Watch turned on.
  • You must wear your Apple Watch to sleep for a minimum of 10 nights over a 30 day period. Your data will be analyzed every 30 days.
  • Sleep apnea notifications are intended for use by people 18 years or older who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

The screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 18.1.1.

Sleep Apnea is a much-anticipated Apple Watch feature that is finally here. This post explores how to set up and use notifications for sleep apnea breathing disturbances.

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

Sleep Apnea 1

Next, navigate to the Browse tab if you are not already there. See the below image:

Sleep Apnea 2

Now, scroll down and select either Sleep or Respiratory. See the following image:

Sleep Apnea 3

Next, scroll down until you see Sleep Apnea Notifications, tap Set Up. Refer to the below image:

Sleep Apnea 4

Now, tap Next. See the below image:

Sleep Apnea 5

Next, you can only track sleep apnea if you are over 18 and have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea. If applicable, tap on Yes and No respectively. Then tap Continue. See the following image:

Sleep Apnea 6

Now, tap Next. Refer to the below image:

Sleep Apnea 7

Next, you will be taken to a page showing Breathing Disturbances. If this is your first time using the app, you will not see any data here yet. But you can scroll down to read more about them to learn what to expect. See the below image:

Sleep Apnea 8

There is no specific Sleep Apnea app, but you can track any disturbance within the Health app. From now on, you will be notified if any breathing disturbances are detected. Please keep in mind that while the Apple Watch may be able to detect sleep apnea, you will have to see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and receive any necessary medical care.

  1. Turn on Track Sleep with Apple Watch. It should appear during the initial setup, although you can go to the Watch app on your iPhone My Watch Tab.
  2. Select Sleep and toggle on Track Sleep with Apple Watch.
  3. Wear your watch to sleep for at least 10 nights in a 30-day period to get analyzed results.

Your results will be reflected in the Health app as soon as your first night. If it detects an elevated level of breathing disturbances, it will proactively send you an alert.

If you want to view the data for yourself, you can open the Health app once more and navigate back to breathing disturbances. It will show each night’s results on a graph, ranging from not elevated to elevated. You can view it each night or over time. See the following image:

Sleep Apnea 10

To be clear, if a positive detection is triggered, it’s not diagnosing you with anything. The data can be exported and shared with your health care provider where they can make a further diagnosis.

First, open the Health app on your iPhone and tap your photo or initials at the top right.

Next, tap

Health Checklist > Sleep Apnea Notifications

Now, turn Sleep Apnea Notifications to OFF.

  • The Sleep Apnea Notifications feature is not intended to diagnose, treat, or aid in the management of sleep apnea.
  • Not all people with sleep apnea receive a notification.
  • If you believe you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor.

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.

“Technology is a word that describes something that doesn’t work yet.” 

― Douglas Adams

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.

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

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

Maximize Your iPhone Control Center Layout in iOS 18

The Control Center on iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 simplifies access to frequently used features by allowing customization and multiple screens. Users can manage Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, and more, enhancing organization. By arranging controls and adding shortcuts, users can optimize their experience, making navigation more efficient and personalized.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
December 3, 2024 – 6 minutes read time

For quick access to frequently used apps and settings, Control Center is just a swipe or click away. And with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, it’s even easier to customize and use.

Navigating the settings on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac can be difficult. That’s where the Control Center comes in, providing quick access to a variety of features that might otherwise be hidden within the device’s menus. From the Control Center, you can easily adjust settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop, as well as control brightness and volume. It also allows you to manage Focus mode, access music controls, switch to dark mode, and enable screen mirroring. Additionally, you can customize the Control Center by adding or removing features as needed.

For many years, the Control Center on your iPhone and iPad was restricted to a single screen. If you wanted to change the controls, you had to navigate into the settings of your device. However, with the introduction of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, you can now set up multiple screens and customize them directly within the Control Center. Let’s explore how to personalize the updated Control Center.

  • Organize the Control Center so that your most frequently used controls are easily accessible at the front.
  • Maintain a tidy and organized Control Center..

This tip is for iPhones running iOS 18 or later. The screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 18+.

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

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

CC 1
Swiping down to access Control Center

Next, rap and hold in an empty area. See the below image:

CC 2
Taping any empty area

Now, the controls will have minus symbols next to them, indicating that you are in Edit mode. Tap Add a Control to get started. See the following image:

CC 3
Selecting Add a Control button

Next, find a control you want easy access to and tap on it to add it to the Control Center. Refer to the below image:

CC 5
Selecting to add the Notes app

Now, if your first page becomes too full, a second page will be automatically created. You can swipe up and down to navigate between the Control Center pages. Each page is indicated by a dot on the far right side of the screen. Please note that we have a total of six pages. See the image below:

CC 5
Notes app has been added

Next, to change the size of a control, tap and drag the corner. Keep in mind that some controls only have one size. See the following image:

CC 6
Selecting Playback control to resize

Now, view your resized Playback control. Refer to the below image:

CC 7
Playback control has been resized

Next, to remove a control, simply tap the minus symbol next to it. See the below image:

CC 8
Selecting to remove the Focus control

Now, you can place controls anywhere without worrying about order. Our Control Center has been rearranged from six pages to only three pages, as indicated by the dots on the right side. See the following image:

CC 9
Final Control Center

FAQ

  • Why does my iPhone say SOS in the top right corner?

If your iPhone cannot connect to a cellular network or Wi-Fi, it may display ‘SOS’ in the top right corner. This indicates that your device can only make emergency calls.

  • What does 5GUC mean?

5GUC stands for 5G Ultra Capacity. This is T-Mobile’s higher frequency 5G network. Other cellular providers have similar higher frequency networks with different names.

  • What are the icons on the top right of iPhone?

At the top of your iPhone screen, you will typically see the strength of your cellular network represented by bars. To the right of this, there will be an indicator showing 4G, LTE, 5G, or a similar symbol if you are connected to a cellular network. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, you will see a Wi-Fi symbol instead. Finally, you will also find the battery indicator for your iPhone.

  • What do the iPhone signal symbols mean?

The signal symbols indicate whether you are using cellular data or Wi-Fi, as well as the strength of the wireless connection.

That’s how to customize the Control Center on your iPhone. We recommend placing your most-used controls on the first page.

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.

 “The march of science and technology does not imply growing intellectual complexity in the lives of most people. It often means the opposite.”

– Thomas Sowell

You are finished with a revised Control Center. 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.

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

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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

Enable iPhone Text-to-Speech for Easy Listening

The post explains how to enable the text-to-speech feature on iPhones or iPads, allowing users to listen to content like web pages or ebooks while multitasking. It details the setup process through the Accessibility settings and provides tips on adjusting voice options and speaking rates for an enhanced listening experience.

If you find it more convenient to listen to some text on your iPhone or iPad rather than read it, you can easily enable that capability. You might, for example, want your device to read a web page, ebook, or another document while you perform household chores.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
November 19, 2024 – 5 minutes read time

Apple ensured that the iPhone came with a broad array of built-in accessibility features so anyone can use it. Text-to-speech is just one of these accessibility options. Let’s explore how to set up and use text-to-speech.

  • Listen to web articles or books when you are busy with other tasks.
  • Have your iPhone or iPad read to you if you have difficulty seeing the screen well.

This tip works on iPhones running iOS 16 or newer. Screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pri running iOS 18+

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

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

Read 1
Selecting the Accessibility option

Next, tap Spoken Content. See the below image:

Read 2
Selecting the Spoken Content option

Now, tap the toggle next to Speak Selection to enable or disable it. See the following image:

Read 3
Enabling the Speak Selection toggle

Tap the Highlight Content option to highlight each word as it is spoken (this is optional). Refer to the below image:

Read 4
Selecting the Highlight Content option

Next, you can tap Voices to choose a different computer-generated voice. See the below image:

Read 5
Selecting a Voice and its options

Now, you can also select your Default Language. (Ours is set to Current Locale which is English). See the following image:

Read 6
Selecting the Default Language

If you change your Default Language, you can turn the toggle next to Detect Languages to Off. This will let your iPhone read in other languages instead of translating in your default language. Refer to the below image:

Read 7
Enabling the Detect Languages toggle

The Speaking Rate slider allows you to adjust how fast or slow the text-to-speech voice reads. See the below image:

Read 8
Setting the Speaking Rate slider

Next, you can add Pronunciations, if the text-to-speech voice is not pronouncing something correctly. See the following image:

Read 9
Adding Pronunciations

To use text-to-speech, tap and hold some text to highlight it or use the Select or Select All option. Refer to the below image:

Read 10
Highlighting text to read aloud

Now, tap the Speak option, and your iPhone will read the text aloud. See the below image:

Read 11
Selecting the Speak option to read the highlighted text

Next, to stop your iPhone from reading the text, tap the highlighted text, then tap the Pause option. See the following image:

Read 12
Selecting Pause option

You can use text-to-speech to have your iPhone or iPad read aloud to you if you have trouble reading everything on your screen, or while doing chores, cooking, or going for a walk.

Disclaimer

Technology is always changing. Rarely is there static tech for smartphones and desktops. Thus, the contents of this post are only valid at the time of writing. Blog posts older than six months may have directions incompatible with your device or OS. Hopefully, older post content will continue to work as advertised. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life for Technology at Work For You.

 “Proverbs are all very fine when there’s nothing to worry you, but when you’re in real trouble, they’re not a bit of help.”

L.M. Montegomery

Congratulations, you are finished. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

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

Was this post helpful? We would love to hear your comments. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us, you can send screenshots of the data related to your question.

Author’s E-Book

The author’s Vietnam eBook on the “Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath” can be accessed from a Kindle device or the Kindle App for a desktop or smartphone. The apps are free.

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