20 Tips and Tricks for iOS 8 (Video)

After spending a decent amount of time with the new iPhone 6 and iOS 8, I figured there were a few little tips and tricks that I learned that might be of use to someone else new to the latest iteration of Apple’s operating system. So here are 21 of my favorite tidbits to help make the transition to iOS 8 as smooth and productive as possible:

And here’s a list of them all in case you don’t feel like watching a moving picture.

“Hey, Siri”

Ok, Google shouldn’t have all the fun. Apple added Hey, Siri into iOS 8 to allow you to open Siri without needing to touch the device itself. Go to Settings > General > Siri > Turn on Hey, Siri. This allows Siri to listen for the words “Hey, Siri” whenever it is plugged in to launch her/him.

Use Siri to Type as You Speak

So not a new feature for Siri to type out what you are saying in any text field, but now Siri does it while you speak to make it a bit easier to use.

Reachability

You can move the entire screen while viewing an app by tapping the home button twice.

See All of a Contact’s Photos in Messages

While looking at a message thread, tap Details. You’ll see all the photos/videos you have sent each other if you scroll down.

QuickType

iOS 8 adjusts per person, auto suggests above the keyboard.

Hide QuickType

Swipe down on the QuickType suggestions to make them minimize.

Send an Audio Message

Tap the microphone in the right corner and hold it to record. Then send tap the arrow when done to send it or the X to discard it.

Quick Reply to a Message

Pull down on a message notification to be able to reply to it without having to open the messaging app.

Adjust Camera Brightness Quickly

Tap the screen (as if to focus) and then slide up or down to adjust the brightness.

Camera Self Timer

Tap the little clock to set a timer for your photos. Then tap the shutter button to start it.

Show the Desktop Version of a Site in Safari

Tap the address bar while on mobile to see desktop option.

Manage Mail Faster

Swiping left to mark as read, right to archive and more.

Get Notifications on Certain Email Threads

Tap the little bell on a thread to start receiving notifications.

Minimize an Email Your Writing

Pull the email down from the top to minimize it at the bottom of the screen so you can do other things. Pull it back up to resume composing.

Check What Apps are Draining the Battery

Settings > General > Usage > Battery Usage.

Quickly Get to Contacts You Speak to Most

Double tap the home button to get to the multitasking screen and you’ll see favorites and most recent contacts at the top.

Widgets in the Notification Center

Apps now have widgets for the notification center. Pull down the notification center, tap today, then tap edit to choose which to show and hide and in what order you’d like them to be.

Adjust What Apps Can Use Your Location

Head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and choose between Always/When in Use/Never.

Disable the App Suggestions in the App Store

They’re annoying. Remove them by going to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Uncheck My Apps and App Store under Suggested Apps.

Have the iPhone Send It’s Last Location Every Time It Dies

Handy if it’s stolen or lost. Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone > Send Last Location.

Any other I missed? Let me know in the comments below!