5 smart settings to make your phone work harder

Sometimes it feels like our phones take up more of our time than they save. Between constant notifications, repetitive tasks and digital clutter, it's easy to forget they're supposed to make life easier.

But with a few simple setting tweaks, your phone can actually help you stay organized, reduce distractions and save time. 

These built-in tools don't require any extra apps or subscriptions, and once you set them up, they work quietly in the background so you don't have to.

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If you're constantly typing your email address, home address or the same greeting, you can save time by using built-in text shortcuts.

On iPhone:

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On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. 

A few of the shortcuts I use include "@@" for my email, "adr" for my address and "gm" for a quick "Good morning!" but I've also put together a full guide of my most useful keyboard shortcuts here.

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Instead of turning off notifications manually, let your phone do it for you based on a schedule or even your physical location.

On iPhone: 

For example, when you click Work, you can allow notifications from key apps like Outlook or Slack and silence the rest. You can also allow for notifications from important people, like your co-workers and family members. When you click Add a Schedule, you'll be able to customize a Time for your phone to know exactly when to turn Work mode on and off. Or, if you work odd hours, you can even set up Location, so when you arrive to work, your phone does, too.

On Android: 

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. 

This feature helps reduce distractions while working, sleeping or commuting without needing to remember to toggle it on. 

Rather than setting reminders for a specific time, you can have them appear when you arrive or leave a location. This can be useful for reminders like "Pick up eggs" when you arrive at the store or "Bring laptop" when you leave home.

On iPhone:

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. 

Now, your phone works like a virtual assistant, reminding you of your tasks when you need them most.

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Instead of scrolling back through months or years of messages to clean up, you can set your phone to delete them automatically.

On iPhone:

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. 

This keeps your device from getting bogged down with old group chats or spam texts.

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Make sure your apps stay up to date with the latest features and security fixes without needing to check manually.

On iPhone:

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. 

Turning on auto-updates saves you time and helps keep your phone running smoothly and securely.

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These five small automations can make a big difference in how you use your phone. Setting up text shortcuts helps you type faster. Scheduling Do Not Disturb cuts down on unwanted distractions. Location-based reminders take the mental load off your to-do list. Auto-deleting old messages keeps things tidy. And auto-updating apps ensures you always have the latest improvements without lifting a finger.

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