iPhone 14 Tips And Tricks For Day 1 Users (Hard & Software)

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models are finally available today across the world. If you’re an early adopter you might find the following tips and tricks useful. Get the most out of your new iPhone from Day 1!

iPhone 14 Tips And Tricks

Here is what we recommend you to do from the moment you get your hands on a brand new device:

1. No SIM Card Needed

As soon as you unbox the iPhone 14 you will notice that it has no SIM tray (US models). That’s because Apple wants to cut down on the iPhone ports and the SIM tray was next on the list!

If you haven’t done it already, you have to switch for an eSIM plan. In most cases this is done seamless, using iOS, without you even needing to contact the carrier as confirmed on Reddit:

“swap from Physical sim to eSIM was COMPLETELY painless and handled 100% by iOS in software. Zero interaction with Verizon at all. Just did the typical nearby device like any other iPhone upgrade in the past.”

How To: Confirm that you want to transfer you number when asked by iOS 16. Tap Yes. Be patient for the activation procedure to complete (approx 3 minutes).

Tip: Don’t erase your old iPhone before the new one is fully set up and has carrier signal! A SMS for eSIM activation might be sent by your carrier and it will be sent on your old device as confirmed by this Reddit user:

“My carrier needed to send me a confirmation sms code to properly activate esim”

Fact: This change currently only applies for devices sold in the United States. So, if you’re outside of the US you can skip this step.

2. Transfer Data

Press & hold the Side button to turn your device On and place it next to your old iPhone. A car will pop-up on your screen asking if you want to import data from your old device.

Follow the on-screen prompts and be patient until the process is completed.

3. Update To iOS 16.0.1

The new iPhones ship with a pre-installed iOS 16 version that’s not identical with the public 16.0 release. That’s because devices had to be packed and get ready for delivery, before iOS 16 was released to the public:

• Open Settings -> General -> Software Update.
• Tap Download and Install, once iOS 16.0.1 update is found.
• Be patient until the update is requested, downloaded, prepared, verified and installed!

4. Customize Your Lock Screen

Perhaps the most important new iOS 16 feature is the revamped Lock Screen:

• Add multiple Lock Screens and easily switch between them.
• Use the numerous wallpaper options including Photos, Emoji, Collections, Color, Weather & Astronomy and more.
• Add Lock Screen widgets for useful info at a glance.
• Tweak Clock font & color.
• Match Lock Screen with Focus mode and more.

Tip: For all new iOS 16 features please check our extended review.

5. Always-On Display Feature

Many users love this feature but there’s also a significant share of iPhone fans that opt for pivacy. If you don’t like the iPhone 14 Always-On display you can turn it Off!

How to: Settings -> Display & Brightness -> Always On

6. iPhone 14 Must-Have Accessories

1. 20W USB-C Power Adapter (Buy Now)

The 2022 flagships only ship with a Lightning to USB-c cable. If you haven’t owned an iPhone before you will only be able to charge it by connecting to a computer. However, that results in slow charging.

If you want to use the iPhone 14 fast-charging capabilities you need Apple’s 20W USB-C Power Adapter that’s sold separately.

Sale: The good news is that this accessory is now discounted on Amazon. Save 5% and grab it for $17.98!

2. Apple MagSafe Charger (Buy Now)

The iPhone 14 comes with wireless fast charging capabilities. We recommend you Apple’s MagSafe charger as a backup charging option for your device.

Sale: This iPhone 14 accessory is available for $15.99 (-8% Off)

3. Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector (Buy Now)

No more earbuds are included in the box.

Sale: They’re available with a 39% discount ($17.68) on Amazon.

4. Apple AirPods (Buy Now)

Our recommendation is to pick a pair of AirPods 2, 3, Pro or Pro 2. You won’t regret it.

Sale: Most models are on sale at Amazon. Check them out here.

7. Protect Your New iPhone

The iPhone 14 and 14 Pro ceramic shield screen is very durable. The hard the glass the more crack resistant it becomes. The downside is that its scratch vulnerability increases.

If you suffer from scratch-phobia we definitely recommend a screen protector. Else, a case would be enough, as long as it comes with protruding edges to provide screen protection in case of a drop.

We’ve already covered some great iPhone 14 Pro screen protectors over here. Same products are also available for the iPhone 14 lineup.

If you’re looking for cases you can use this link for iPhone 14 Pro and this one for iPhone 14 Pro lineup.

Disclaimer: iPhoneTricks.org has an affiliate partnership with Amazon. If you purchase a product after clicking the above links, we will receive a small commission that helps us covers website costs. The final price of your product isn’t influenced by this incentive!

Are you the proud owner of a new iPhone? Do you have any other iPhone 14 tips and tricks? What about questions or issues? Use the comments section and share your feedback!

Related: For more details about the new iPhone 14 Pro models please read our extended review.