iPhone (iOS) settings and support guides

System

Keep your device current and configure core system behavior.

• Software UpdateSoftware Update keeps iOS current with the latest security fixes, features, and app compatibility. You can update wirelessly, overnight while charging, or via a computer.
• BatteryThe Battery screen shows your battery's current health and charging behavior, breaks down which apps used the most power recently, and includes Low Power Mode for stretching a low charge further.
• Automatic UpdatesAutomatic Updates, found inside Software Update settings, controls whether iOS downloads and installs new versions on its own overnight — while charging and on Wi-Fi — without you needing to tap through it manually.
• Update HistoryUpdate History, found on the General → About screen, lists every iOS and iPadOS version that has ever been installed on this specific device, along with the date each one was installed.
• Beta UpdatesBeta Updates lets you opt an iPhone into Apple's Developer or Public Beta program directly from Software Update settings, so it receives pre-release iOS versions ahead of the general public release.
• Rapid Security ResponsesRapid Security Responses deliver urgent security fixes between full iOS releases, installing quickly and, unlike major updates, without requiring a full device restart in most cases.
• Carrier Settings UpdateCarrier Settings Updates are small packages issued by a mobile carrier to improve network performance, enable new features like VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling, and fix connectivity bugs, independent of iOS software updates.
• App Store Automatic App UpdatesSeparate from iOS software updates, the App Store has its own setting for automatically installing new versions of installed apps as developers release them.
• Update iPhone via ComputerAs an alternative to updating over the air, iPhone can be updated by connecting it to a Mac with Finder or a Windows PC with iTunes, which downloads and installs the update via a wired or Wi-Fi connection to the computer.
• Security-Only Updates for Older DevicesApple sometimes continues issuing security-focused updates for older iPhone models that can no longer run the newest major iOS version, keeping them protected without adding new features.

Privacy & Security

Control which apps can access your camera, microphone, and data.

• Privacy & PermissionsThe Privacy & Security hub lets you review and control exactly which apps can access your Camera, Microphone, Location Services, Contacts, Photos, and more.
• Face ID & PasscodeFace ID (or Touch ID) and Passcode settings control how you unlock your iPhone, authorize purchases, and protect sensitive data with biometric or code-based security.
• Location ServicesLocation Services is the master switch and per-app control center for GPS-based location sharing on iPhone, letting you decide exactly which apps can see your precise or general location, and when.
• Find MyFind My helps you locate a lost or stolen iPhone on a map, remotely play a sound, mark it as lost, or erase it, and it can also share your location with family members or locate AirTags and other Apple accessories.
• Emergency SOSEmergency SOS lets you quickly call for help by pressing the side button rapidly or holding it with a volume button, automatically alerting emergency services and, if configured, notifying your chosen emergency contacts with your location.
• App Tracking TransparencyApp Tracking Transparency requires apps to ask permission before tracking activity across other companies' apps and websites for advertising or data-sharing purposes.
• Safety CheckSafety Check lets users see and instantly stop sharing location, passwords, and app access with specific people, useful in situations like leaving a relationship where trust has broken down.
• Content & Privacy RestrictionsContent & Privacy Restrictions, part of Screen Time, lets a parent or guardian block specific apps, websites, content ratings, and purchase types, and lock down further changes to privacy settings.
• Sensitive Content WarningSensitive Content Warning automatically detects and blurs nudity in photos and videos received in Messages, AirDrop, contact posters, and FaceTime messages before they're shown, on-device and without Apple seeing the content.
• App Privacy ReportApp Privacy Report shows a detailed log of how frequently each app has used permissions like location, camera, and microphone over the past seven days, plus which domains it has contacted.

Network & Internet

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.

• Wi-Fi ConnectionWi-Fi settings let you join nearby networks, share passwords instantly between Apple devices, and manage previously joined networks.
• Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair AirPods, headphones, speakers, keyboards, and other accessories, and manage previously connected devices.
• CellularCellular settings control your mobile data connection, including which apps can use cellular data, whether 5G or data roaming is allowed, and how much of your monthly plan each app has consumed.
• Personal HotspotPersonal Hotspot turns your iPhone's cellular data connection into a temporary Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth network that other devices like a laptop, tablet, or another phone can join for internet access.
• VPNVPN settings let your iPhone route its network traffic through a virtual private network, commonly used to access a workplace network securely or to add an extra layer of privacy on public Wi-Fi.
• AirDropAirDrop lets you instantly send photos, documents, links, and more to nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs using a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, without needing the same network or an internet connection.
• Airplane ModeAirplane Mode turns off cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth radios with one toggle, and can be configured to leave Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on individually after enabling, for use during flights or to save battery.
• Wi-Fi CallingWi-Fi Calling routes phone calls and texts through a connected Wi-Fi network when cellular coverage is weak or unavailable, and can register your number so other Apple devices signed into the same account can also make calls.
• iCloud Private RelayiCloud Private Relay encrypts Safari's outgoing traffic and routes it through two separate relays so no single party—including Apple or your network provider—can see both your identity and the websites you visit.
• Low Data ModeLow Data Mode reduces background app refresh, automatic downloads, and streaming quality on a chosen Wi-Fi or cellular network, helping conserve data on metered or limited connections.

Display & Sound

Screen, audio, and alert preferences.

• Display & BrightnessDisplay & Brightness settings control screen brightness, True Tone, Dark Mode, text size, and Night Shift for warmer colors in the evening.
• NotificationsNotification settings let you control exactly how each app alerts you — as a banner, a sound, a badge, or grouped into a scheduled summary — so your Lock Screen and Notification Center reflect what actually deserves your attention.
• Sounds & HapticsSounds & Haptics controls ringtone and alert tones, ringer and alert volume, and the tactile vibration feedback (haptics) your iPhone provides for calls, texts, and everyday interactions like typing.
• FocusFocus lets you silence distracting notifications based on what you're doing — like Work, Sleep, or Personal time — while still allowing calls and alerts from specific people or apps you choose to come through.
• True ToneTrue Tone uses ambient light sensors to automatically adjust the display's white balance and intensity to match surrounding lighting conditions, keeping colors looking natural under different light sources.
• Night ShiftNight Shift automatically shifts the iPhone display to warmer colors on a schedule or from sunset to sunrise, reducing blue light exposure that can interfere with sleep when using the device at night.
• Dark ModeDark Mode changes the system interface and supported apps to a dark color scheme, and can be set to switch automatically at sunset and sunrise or on a custom schedule.
• Auto-LockAuto-Lock determines how long iPhone waits without any touch input before dimming and locking the screen, balancing convenience against battery life and security.
• Text Size & Bold TextText Size and Bold Text controls scale font size and weight across the system and supporting apps, making text easier to read without reducing the amount of visible screen content the way zooming would.
• Attention Aware FeaturesAttention Aware Features use the TrueDepth camera on Face ID-equipped iPhones to keep the screen on and dim alert volume when it detects you're looking at the display, and to keep it unlocked while you're viewing it.

Storage & Backup

Manage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.

• iPhone StorageiPhone Storage shows exactly what's using space on your device and offers one-tap recommendations — like offloading unused apps or reviewing large attachments — to free up room.
• iCloud BackupiCloud Backup automatically saves a copy of your photos, app data, device settings, and more, so you can restore everything on a new or reset device.
• Manage iCloud StorageThis screen breaks down exactly what's consuming your iCloud storage plan — Backups, Photos, individual apps, Mail — so you can free up space, buy more, or change your iCloud+ plan without guessing.
• Offload Unused AppsOffload Unused Apps is a toggle in App Store settings that automatically removes an app's binary — not its documents or data — when the iPhone is low on storage, so you can reinstall and pick up right where you left off.
• Optimize iPhone Storage (Photos)When iCloud Photos is on, 'Optimize iPhone Storage' keeps smaller, space-saving versions of your photos and videos on the device while the full-resolution originals stay safely stored in iCloud, downloading full quality only when needed.
• Back Up via Finder or iTunesiPhone can be backed up to a computer's local storage using Finder on macOS or iTunes on Windows, as an alternative or supplement to iCloud Backup.
• Music & Podcast DownloadsSongs, albums, and podcast episodes downloaded for offline listening take up local storage separate from Photos and app data, and can be managed or automatically cleared to save space.
• Keep Messages DurationThe Keep Messages setting controls whether Messages retains conversations forever or automatically deletes messages, photos, and attachments after 30 days or one year, directly affecting how much storage Messages consumes.
• iCloud+ Storage PlaniCloud+ is Apple's paid storage subscription, offering tiers beyond the free 5 GB along with extra features like Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video support.
• Quick Start Device TransferQuick Start uses a direct device-to-device connection to transfer settings, apps, and data from an old iPhone to a new one during setup, without necessarily relying on an iCloud or computer backup.

Accounts & Family

Account sign-in, sync, and family/parental controls.

• Screen Time & FamilyScreen Time shows how you (or your family) use your devices and lets you set app limits, downtime schedules, and content restrictions — especially useful when set up through Family Sharing for a child's device.
• Apple ID & iCloudThe account panel at the top of Settings is where your Apple ID lives on iPhone — your name, phone numbers, email addresses, and every iCloud service (Photos, Backup, Drive, Mail, and more) that's currently syncing to your account.
• Family SharingFamily Sharing lets up to six people share App Store and iTunes purchases, an Apple Music or Apple One subscription, iCloud+ storage, and a shared photo album — plus parental controls for kids' accounts.
• Sign-In & SecuritySign-In & Security is where you change your Apple ID password, view your two-factor authentication trusted phone numbers, and manage which devices are trusted to approve sign-ins.
• Mail, Contacts, Calendars AccountsThis Accounts list is where you add Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other third-party accounts so their mail, contacts, and calendars sync into the built-in Mail, Contacts, and Calendar apps alongside iCloud.
• App Limits & DowntimeApp Limits and Downtime, part of Screen Time, let you cap daily time spent in app categories and schedule periods when only phone calls and allowed apps remain available.
• Apple Cash & Family PaymentsApple Cash Family lets an organizer set up Apple Cash for a family member under 18, issue a virtual or physical debit card, fund their balance, and monitor or limit their transactions.
• Ask to BuyAsk to Buy requires children in a Family Sharing group to send a purchase or download request that an organizer approves or declines from their own device before it completes.
• Calendar AccountsCalendar account settings let you add and sync calendars from iCloud, Google, Exchange, Yahoo, and other CalDAV services, choosing which calendars are visible and how invitations are handled by default.
• SubscriptionsThe Subscriptions screen lists every active and expired subscription tied to your Apple ID, letting you review billing dates and amounts, upgrade or downgrade plans, and cancel directly.

Accessibility

Assistive features, input, and language & region settings.

• Accessibility SettingsAccessibility settings on iPhone include VoiceOver screen reading, Zoom magnification, Voice Control, and many vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive features.
• Language & RegionLanguage & Region controls which language iOS displays system-wide, plus region-specific formatting for calendars, number separators, measurement units, and temperature — separate settings that don't have to match each other.
• VoiceOverVoiceOver is iOS's gesture-based screen reader that describes aloud everything on screen — text, buttons, images — letting blind and low-vision users navigate the entire iPhone by touch and sound instead of sight.
• MagnifierMagnifier uses the iPhone's camera to magnify nearby text, objects, or your surroundings in real time, with added tools like Detection Mode for identifying people, doors, and objects for users with low vision.
• Voice ControlVoice Control lets you navigate and operate nearly all of iOS — opening apps, tapping buttons, dictating text, scrolling — entirely by speaking commands, built for users who can't or prefer not to use touch input.
• Switch ControlSwitch Control lets people operate iPhone using one or more adaptive switches, the screen, or a camera instead of direct touch, scanning through items on screen until the desired one is selected.
• AssistiveTouchAssistiveTouch places a customizable floating button on screen that opens a menu for performing gestures, hardware button actions, and multitasking without needing to touch the physical buttons or use multi-finger gestures.
• Sound RecognitionSound Recognition uses on-device listening to identify sounds like alarms, doorbells, sirens, car horns, or a crying baby, and sends a notification when one is detected nearby.
• Guided AccessGuided Access temporarily restricts iPhone to one app and lets you disable specific screen areas, hardware buttons, or gestures, helping someone stay focused or preventing accidental exits.
• Captions & SubtitlesCaptions & Subtitles controls whether closed captions appear by default during video playback and lets you customize their font, size, color, opacity, and background style.

Troubleshooting

Reset, restart, and diagnose common issues.

• Reset iPhoneReset options let you fix persistent software issues by resetting specific settings (like network or keyboard dictionary) or fully erase the device back to factory defaults.
• Analytics & ImprovementsAnalytics & Improvements controls whether your iPhone automatically sends anonymized crash reports and usage analytics to Apple, and optionally to third-party app developers, to help diagnose problems and improve software.
• Recovery Mode & RestoreRecovery Mode is a special startup state used with a computer running Finder (or iTunes on older systems) to reinstall or restore iOS when an iPhone is frozen, stuck on the Apple logo, or won't update normally.
• Diagnostic LogEvery app crash or system hang on iPhone generates a diagnostic log you can view directly on the device, useful for troubleshooting a misbehaving app yourself or sharing details with a developer or support team.
• Battery Health & ChargingBattery Health & Charging shows your battery's Maximum Capacity as a percentage of its original capacity, its Peak Performance Capability status, and charging optimization options — the key diagnostic info for battery-related complaints.
• Force Restart & Shut DownA force restart or full shut down can resolve a frozen or unresponsive iPhone using a physical button sequence, without needing to reach Settings at all.
• Erase All Content and SettingsErase All Content and Settings permanently deletes everything on the iPhone, including apps, photos, settings, and accounts, restoring it to an out-of-box state, distinct from resetting individual settings categories.
• DFU Mode RestoreDevice Firmware Update (DFU) Mode is the lowest-level restore state available on iPhone, used when the device won't respond to a force restart or standard Recovery Mode, typically requiring a computer with Finder or iTunes.
• Temperature Warnings & OverheatingiPhone displays an on-screen warning and can temporarily limit performance, charging, or camera flash when it gets too hot or too cold, protecting the battery and internal components until it returns to a safe operating range.
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity TroubleshootingA structured set of steps, including toggling Airplane Mode, forgetting a network, and resetting network settings, can resolve most Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues on iPhone.

Personalization

Themes, wallpaper, lock screen, and layout of your device.

• Control CenterControl Center gives you one-swipe access to frequently used toggles and shortcuts — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, Flashlight, and more — and can be fully customized with the specific controls you personally rely on.
• Home Screen & App LibraryHome Screen settings control how new apps are added and how your app pages are arranged, while App Library automatically sorts every installed app into categorized folders you can browse or search without needing a tidy Home Screen at all.
• WallpaperWallpaper settings let you personalize your Lock Screen and Home Screen with photos, curated presets, or Photo Shuffle rotations, plus Lock Screen extras like widgets, filters, and a customizable time display.
• Lock Screen & StandByStandBy turns your iPhone into a glanceable bedside display of clocks, widgets, and Live Activities whenever it's charging and turned sideways, while Lock Screen settings control what you see without unlocking the device at all.
• Home Screen WidgetsWidgets show live, glanceable information from an app directly on the Home Screen or Today View, in small, medium, large, or Smart Stack sizes.
• Display ZoomDisplay Zoom scales the entire interface larger (Zoomed) or shows more content at once (Standard), changing the effective size of icons, text, and controls together.
• Action ButtonOn iPhone 15 Pro and later, the Action Button replaces the mute switch and can be assigned to trigger Silent Mode, Camera, Flashlight, a Shortcut, Accessibility features, and more with a press-and-hold.
• Back Tap GesturesBack Tap lets a double or triple tap on the back of the iPhone launch an action or Shortcut, without touching the screen or any physical button.
• Tap to Wake & Raise to WakeRaise to Wake turns the screen on when the iPhone is lifted, while Tap to Wake turns it on with a single tap anywhere on the display while it's lying flat.
• Contact PosterContact Poster lets you design a full-screen photo, Memoji, or typography treatment that appears on the recipient's screen when you call them, replacing the plain name-and-number caller ID.

Devices

Mice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.

• KeyboardKeyboard settings let you add languages and layouts, configure autocorrect and predictive text, and connect a physical Bluetooth or Magic Keyboard for a more traditional typing experience.
• AirPods SettingsOnce AirPods are paired, a dedicated settings page appears for them with controls for noise control modes, spatial audio, press-and-hold gestures, and battery levels for each earbud and the case.
• Apple WatchPairing an Apple Watch is done through the dedicated Watch app on iPhone, which then manages the Watch's settings, apps, and complications, while the paired connection itself is visible under Bluetooth.
• HandoffHandoff lets you start something — a webpage, email, document, or FaceTime call — on your iPhone and instantly pick it up on a nearby iPad or Mac signed in with the same Apple ID, without saving or sending anything manually.
• Bluetooth AccessoriesBeyond audio devices, the Bluetooth settings screen manages any paired accessory — external keyboards, game controllers, car infotainment systems, fitness sensors, and more — under the 'My Devices' list.
• CarPlayCarPlay settings let you pair a vehicle, arrange which apps appear on the CarPlay screen, configure Siri and notification behavior while driving, and control automatic connection when you get in the car.
• MagSafe & Charging AccessoriesMagSafe and wireless charging settings show connected chargers and battery accessories, support Optimized Battery Charging to protect long-term battery health, and can trigger automatic behaviors when a MagSafe accessory attaches.
• External Storage (Files App)iPhone can connect to USB flash drives, SD card readers, and network file shares through the Files app, letting you browse, copy, and manage content directly from connected external storage.
• AirPlay & Screen MirroringAirPlay settings control which devices can receive streamed audio, video, and mirrored screen content from iPhone, including Apple TVs, HomePods, and AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs and speakers.
• AirTag & Item TrackersPairing an AirTag or supported third-party item tracker links it to your Apple ID so you can see its location, rename it, and get separation alerts if you leave it behind, all managed from the Find My app's Items tab.

Apps

Installed apps, optional features, and what runs on startup.

• Siri & SearchSiri & Search settings control how you activate Siri (voice, button press, or typing), what each app can contribute to Spotlight search and Siri Suggestions, and how much Siri learns from your usage patterns.
• Wallet & Apple PayWallet & Apple Pay settings let you add debit, credit, and transit cards for contactless payment, manage boarding passes and IDs, and control which card is used by default along with Face ID or Touch ID authorization.
• App Store SettingsApp Store settings control automatic app updates and downloads, whether purchases require a password or Face ID confirmation, and content restrictions that limit which apps and in-app purchases are accessible.
• Safari SettingsSafari settings control your default search engine, privacy protections like Intelligent Tracking Prevention and Privacy Report, AutoFill for passwords and payment details, and how tabs and extensions behave.
• Game CenterGame Center is Apple's social gaming network built into supported games, letting you track achievements and leaderboards, play with friends, and manage your public nickname and profile visibility across every Game Center-enabled app.
• Messages SettingsMessages settings control iMessage activation, SMS/MMS relay from a Mac or iPad, read receipts, filtering for unknown senders, and how long messages are kept before expiring.
• Maps SettingsMaps settings let you set preferred navigation voice volume, driving versus walking as your default routing mode, distance units, and how much location data is used for traffic and directions.
• Camera SettingsCamera settings control photo and video formats, resolution, grid lines, the level tool, and behaviors like preserving your last-used camera mode or automatically scanning QR codes.
• Photos SettingsPhotos settings control whether your library syncs via iCloud Photos, whether originals or space-optimized versions are stored on-device, and options for Shared Albums and Memories.
• Shortcuts App SettingsShortcuts app settings manage which shortcuts can run without confirmation, Siri suggestions for automations, sharing permissions, and access to sensitive apps and data used inside shortcuts.

System Info

Device details, advanced settings, and activation status.

• General & AboutThe About screen lists identifying and technical details about your iPhone — name, iOS version, model and serial numbers, storage capacity, and carrier information — that support staff and other apps often need.
• Date & TimeDate & Time settings normally keep your iPhone's clock accurate automatically using your current location and cellular network, but they can also be set manually and switched between 12-hour and 24-hour display.
• Legal & RegulatoryLegal & Regulatory, tucked under General, lists the legal notices, open-source license acknowledgments, and regulatory certification numbers (like FCC ID) tied to your specific iPhone model.
• CarrierThe Carrier entry (and the Carrier section under General → About) shows which cellular carrier your SIM or eSIM is currently registered with, along with the installed Carrier Settings update version.
• System Diagnostics InfoThe About screen under General is the definitive source for an iPhone's exact model name/number, serial number, IMEI/MEID, modem firmware version, and other identifiers often needed for support, insurance, or trade-in.
• Model, Serial Number & IMEISettings > General > About lists the exact model name and number, serial number, and IMEI/MEID identifiers needed for warranty checks, carrier activation, and insurance claims.
• Certificate Trust SettingsCertificate Trust Settings lets users enable or disable full trust for root certificates that were manually installed via a configuration profile, separate from Apple's built-in trusted certificate list.
• VPN & Device ManagementThis screen lists any VPN configuration profiles and shows whether the iPhone is enrolled in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system, typically used by employers or schools to manage company- or school-owned devices.
• iPhone Device NameThe device name is what appears to others over AirDrop, Bluetooth pairing, and on the local Wi-Fi network, and can be personalized separately from the Apple ID name.

Help and tools

• Troubleshooting
• FAQ & Help
• Device info & diagnostics
• Contact & feedback