Use search before digging through menus
Whether you're trying to change a ringtone, adjust screen brightness or connect a new device, there's usually no need to work your way through endless settings menus.
Most phones, tablets and computers have a search function built into their settings. Type what you're looking for and you'll often land exactly where you need to be.
Stop closing browser tabs one at a time
If you've somehow accumulated dozens of open tabs, there's usually a faster solution than spending five minutes closing them individually.
Most browsers allow you to close all tabs, close groups of tabs or reopen tabs you've accidentally closed. It's worth learning a few of these options the next time your browser starts looking overcrowded.
Use the search function in your photo library
Many people still scroll endlessly through thousands of images looking for one particular photo.
Many modern photo apps can recognise people, pets, locations and objects. Searching for terms such as "beach", "dog", "birthday" or "sunset" can often find a photo in seconds.
Use voice search when typing is a hassle
Whether you're searching the web, looking for a setting on your phone or sending a message, voice search can often be quicker than typing.
Most modern phones, tablets and computers include voice input tools, and they can be especially useful when you're on the go or struggling to find the right option in a menu.
Check battery usage occasionally
If your phone battery seems to be draining unusually quickly, the culprit is often an app running in the background.
The battery section in your settings will usually show which apps are using the most power, making it much easier to identify what's causing the problem.
Use built-in password managers
Trying to remember dozens of passwords is difficult for everyone.
Most phones, tablets and browsers now include password managers that can create strong passwords, help store them securely and fill them in automatically. Once set up, they remove a lot of the hassle from logging in.
Take advantage of text size settings
Many people put up with text that's slightly too small because they assume that's just how the device works.
Adjusting text size can make reading messages, websites and emails considerably more comfortable without affecting the device's performance.
Use cloud storage for important files
Keeping important documents and photos backed up to a cloud service means they're still available if a device is lost, damaged or replaced. It's one of those features that's easy to ignore until the day it becomes invaluable.
Learn one or two keyboard shortcuts
You don't need to memorise dozens of them.
A few basics, such as copy, paste and undo, can save a remarkable amount of time and quickly become second nature. Get to know the F keys - they can be really useful!
Check before buying a new device
When a phone or computer starts slowing down, many people assume it's time for a replacement.
Sometimes the real problem is that storage is almost full, software is badly out of date, or too many apps are running at once. Spending a few minutes investigating can sometimes improve performance and delay the need for a replacement.
