iPhone Tips for Seniors 5 Clever Ways to Use Your iPhone

The iPhone has a lot of minor, but really cool features. In today's video I cover 5 clever ways to use your iPhone. If you're looking to use your iPhone in ways beyond the usual, then this video is for you!
Here are chapter markers in case you'd like to jump around:
Intro: 0:00
How to Use the Level: 1:37
How to Use the Magnifying Glass: 2:47
How to Use the Flashlight: 5:44
How to Record Voice Memos: 7:18
How to Scan Documents: 10:30
How to Bring it all together Using Shortcuts: 12:17
Here are some more really helpful iPhone videos:
iPhone Tips for Seniors 1 : Basic Settings • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 2: Using Apple Contacts • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 3: Using the Phone • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 4: How to Make a Face Time Call • iPhone Tips For Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 5: How to Use Apple Notes • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 6: How to Use Apple Reminders • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 7: Learning How to Swipe • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 8: How to Text • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 9: How to Use Control Center • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 10: How to Surf the Web • iPhone Tips for Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 11: How to Use the Camera • iPhone Tips For Senior...
iPhone Tips for Seniors 12: How to Email: • iPhone Tips for Senior...
Here's a link to my Amazon page in case you'd like to buy some of the stuff I use: www.amazon.com/shop/richbowlin

[@swampholler]

I am always watching videos on iPhone tricks. (I'm a senior so I have to keep watching the same ones over and over. ) I love your calm, unrushed style! And, boy, you showed me a good thing or two!

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Pati! So glad the video helped. That's why I'm here!

[@MrArdytube]

Here is another great tip. You go to a doctor, you get an appointment card Take a picture Open the picture in photos Click the box icon in the lower left That will hi-light all text including handwriting Click on the hilighed text Select more Then the top option Which will let you save all the info as an appointment in your calendar All you gotta do is make a name for the appointment

[@SusieDotyWiiblondie]

This is good to know. I will be going to my doctor next week so I will start saving to my on-line calendar with this tip.

[@kathycullenstern9652]

Your videos are so good. I’m so glad I discovered them. I’ll be watching and learning often. Thank You.

[@paulburton3418]

Great videos, just found you today. Im in the UK and every Monday I volunteer to teach Seniors the Cellphones,Tablets and the Internet. These vids will be great to leave with people afterwards. Very simple vids like this are priceless Thanks!

[@RichBowlin]

Great! I hope my short videos are helpful. Thanks so much for sharing them!

[@gladyshancock6601]

Thank you so much, very helpful!!

[@barrymcclelland565]

Just love how this guy explains things even when you think you know it inside out I always learn something extra.

[@edmargolin1365]

Hey there Rich. Great job my friend. Very valuable videos. My wife who is over 81 and has limited hearing, can follow you well and has learned a lot from your videos. Even at 75 some of the tutorials are difficult to keep up with. Your style and timing is excellent and I keep learning new things from you. While I knew about the 5 ways, I didn't know how to set up the short cuts for them. Excellent clear explanation and easy to follow. You are helping so many people but you should have many more subscribers. Hope the rest of the seniors find your invaluable channel. Keep up the great work. You know how to explain it so well.

[@RichBowlin]

Wow! Thanks for the kind words. The channel is growing steadily. I do try to pace things evenly. There are a lot of tutorials that move just too fast for me. My mom is 93. She always tells me if I'm going too fast. Again, thanks for watching.

[@jita14]

Thank You for communicating these useful tips for seniors in such a soothing reassuring voice 🙏

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@bonniejordan3248]

As always, you are a lifesaver ! Thank you for teaching us seniors how to do these things!❤ 16:56

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Bonnie! Thanks for the kind words. Glad the video was helpful.

[@scomti7057]

Great tips as always! I have seldom used the Files App but now I know I can scan documents directly in it, I'll be using it more often.

[@RichBowlin]

Great! Glad it was helpful!

[@elzoguarnieri3207]

Great video - nice, short and very useful. Thank you.

[@SueJay4]

I really appreciate your going at a moderate pace. Thanks also for saying you couldn't find the torch. I thought it might be just me.

[@RichBowlin]

Ha! That's funny. I always thought it was just me! Thanks so much for watching!

[@patriciaperez5815]

Thank you so much - VERY helpful!

[@tehenley]

Just plain GREAT! Thanks for having the patience with us old-timers to know that we can still learn but at a slower rate.

[@joanabraham2780]

I found the shortcut tool very helpful! Thanks!

[@sasharichardson9445]

Amazing tips, and you spoke at a speed that I kept up with your directions, and understood how to activate the the gadgets.

[@berlinbeachkat4878]

Finally some explanations I can follow. Thank you! You got a new subscriber.

[@RichBowlin]

Great! So glad the video was helpful.

[@Arlene_P]

Thank you! Very helpful...

[@1969hippiechick]

Wow! I am always struggling to take pictures of my artwork on the table that aren't all askew. Never knew I could use the level to achieve that. What a helpful tip! Thanks!!!

[@louisehoffen2295]

Thank you from Australia. Good tip about the torch ( flashlight) for a very oldie. Very clear and precise.😊

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@betsycotton5212]

I learned something new. Thx. Did not know about Scanned Docs in Files. Always used Notes which has some drawbacks depending on purpose. Very helpful 👍

[@RichBowlin]

Great! Glad you found one of the tips helpful!

[@leemiller2811]

Love all of your videos. Your calm voice and the pace of the videos are awesome. Thanks. ❤

[@lindahealey6992]

Rich, I’m always impressed by how neat your FILES app is. Much as I return to organize mine, it defeats me. I still have a ways to go! I like and use the tips on Shortcuts. Thanks for showing shortcut creation so simply, yet powerfully.

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Linda! I do keep a pretty minimalist approach to my file structure. Over the years, I've found I kept track of lot of stuff I didn't really need. So I just threw that stuff out. It was sort of painful at first. Then I remembered my parents grew up and survived without keeping track of every pice of paper that came into our home. Now, I try to identify the important stuff and forget the rest. Thanks for watching!

[@wilkie4142]

An absolutely brilliant video specially made for me Thank you very much.

[@mikec2810]

Thanks for doing this series Rich! Just found your channel 2 days ago and have been watching and enjoying your videos and they are helping me so I don't feel so helpless with my phone anymore! Thank you! thank you! thank you! I subscribed to your channel

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Mike! So glad you're here. I'm also glad you're finding the videos helpful. Thanks so much for subscribing. Let me know if there's a topic you're interested in. Thanks again!

[@tonistokes1790]

I really appreciated this video. Thank you.

[@RichBowlin]

Great! You're welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@jet936]

Although I’ve had three iphones now, I’m amazed at the features you describe and I had no idea about. Thank you and yes I have subscribed.

[@dankelley9361]

Just an excellent tutorial on making my iPhone more useful & smarter! Perfect!

[@RichBowlin]

Wow! Thanks!

[@user-fm3wz2hf9h]

amazing ! i’m now aware. thanks so much!❤

[@johannvanschalkwyk2141]

Super handy tips, thank you….

[@lilian2164]

Thank you for the great tips. I am surely going to use most of them.

[@lihalt1916]

Great information; thank you so much for sharing🤳🏾

[@RichBowlin]

You're so welcome.

[@dwainwilder7337]

Thank you! Great information. I do use all of these features from time to time, but have not created shortcuts. I will create them when I get a chance. Thank you again!

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome. If I didn't have the shortcuts I'd probably forget about them. Plus I hide shortcuts on the left screen so I don't have to look at a big widget on my home screen. But they're still just a swipe away. Thanks so much for watching!

[@anjer95]

Thanks a lot. Finally a good explanation of the iPhone tricks

[@RichBowlin]

You're very welcome. Thanks so much for watching!

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

I've been using an iPhone for years but I've never really spent much time exploring what it can do. Thanks for these very useful tips. I am recommending this video to friends.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks so much. The iPhone has a whole bag of tricks I rarely get in to. That's why I made this video. So glad you found it useful.

[@everybodyslawyersusanbetzj5721]

Thank you this was very very helpful!

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! You're an attorney?

[@petedonaghyguitar]

Wonderful video. Thank you.

[@dinnykelly6763]

Great tips,thank you

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@gergemall]

Thank you

[@darleneeide7090]

Very informative. Thank you

[@RichBowlin]

You're very welcome!

[@eileenharrison7816]

Thanks so much. That was very informative

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@gailgwood]

Love your videos! Thanks so much!

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@mariastappenbeck5502]

The record shortcut will be very useful for my day to day notes. Tnx

[@RichBowlin]

It is a handy little shortcut. And not too hard to make either. Glad it was helpful.

[@naderiskandar1896]

Perfect ! thanks a million

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! Glad the video was helpful!

[@JuanitaCarranza-eq8bb]

Thanks very much for so much helpful information!

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome. Thanks so much for watching!

[@vickieyoung1456]

Thanks so much, I didn’t know these cool tips! 😊

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Nirabulator]

Hi! Just discovered you and subscribed! Great tips! I tried the magnifier immediately on one of my pill bottles with very fine print. Amazingly helpful. The best thing about it is that you don’t need to snap a photo; you can zoom the image in and out with the slider. This is going to save me a lot of time and consternation dealing with stuff my old eyes can’t focus on properly anymore.

[@wendyjohnson1128]

Glad I found this tonight

[@sylviasmelt5161]

Wonderful! Thank you for this - it is so easy to understand.

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@DaleRussell2]

Great info. Thanx! 👍

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@marcusantoniusAfterDark]

Cool Channel, Great Idea to make these clips for „older“ people on yt. And its surprising how many these days watch clips and sub to channels 👏 Thanks for this service.

[@gedelasasibhushanarao3863]

Thanks for educating use of some of the features of iphone

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome. Thanks so much for wathcing!

[@pczarn]

Very good and helpful video - Thanks.

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@steffycrewdson2891]

A huge thank you for this very handy

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@marilynharris4238]

Wow, Rich! Far too much in this video for my poor old brain to take in! However, I realize that every part of this presentation depends on videos you must already have made, so I’m not feeling too overwhelmed. The big message I took from this is: “ You have have nothing to lose”. Back in the old days, this simply wouldn’t have been true - it was so easy then to delete a whole day’s work with one wrong push of a button, or even a whole application. But technology has advanced so much that we just don’t have worry about this anymore. You have encouraged me to “ play” with my iPhone and see what magic it’s hiding and waiting for me to find. Thank you, and hugs to Scout.

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Marilyn! You got my main point - there's nothing to lose! The iPhone is a Swiss Army knife and can do a thousand things. But knowing that is a bit overwhelming. Even so, it's worth fiddling around to see if something works for you. Thanks for watching!

[@m.dwightsweezy7361]

Thanks for improving my knowledge and experience with my iPhone 14 Pro

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome. I really like my iPhone 14 pro. The camera is phenomenal. Thanks so much for wathcing!

[@richardralston3765]

Thanks for the helpful tips😂

[@patriciawirry818]

Thanks for your helpful videos.

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@carlbussmann7559]

Best application of shortcuts I have seen and I have wanted them all ! Now I'll go back and see what else you've got. Thanks.

[@RichBowlin]

Wow! Thanks so much.

[@patticallihan8515]

Great video and thank you for the tips as I am 66 with MS and I need all the help with the technology these days on my new Apple Pro 14. 😊

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! You might find some of my other videos helpful if you get a chance to watch. The iPhone 14 Pro is a great phone!

[@placidodeguzman8012]

many thanks for a great instructional video

[@RichBowlin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debbietroop5764]

I love the magnifying app. I take a lot of medicines and the writing on the bottles is so small. Just found this channel and enjoyed the tip.

[@commom1]

Just came across your channel and subscribed. You mention in this video that you’re in Raleigh, so hello fellow North Carolinian! I can tell I’m going to enjoy your videos. I have an iPhone and an iPad, and your way of explaining and showing features is very concise and easy to follow. 😊

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks so much! Hopefully some of my other videos will be helpful. I'm ready for fall. It's been so hot!

[@elayned6147]

Awesome thanks ❤👍👍👍 just subscribed 😊

[@rcartmell9163]

Hey Rich, Thank you for the tips on short cuts as I wasn't sure how to set it up. Here's a flashlight tip I have used several times: when both hands are occupied but I need some light, I say "Hey Siri, turn on flashlight" and your work is illuminated. Also I created a folder on my home screen labeled "Extras" for things like compass, tips, vido memos, FaceTime, QR Code, Measure, HP Smart, Find My & magnifier. As you noted, most of these can be set up in your control center. I also use the file app to access documents that are on my computer when I am away from my computer. Thanks again for an informative video.😎

[@RichBowlin]

Yes! I just made a video on Siri show what you've described. Love the folder idea. I hope other people see your comment. Great tips!

[@minwade5436]

Hi I use the word “lumos” to turn flashlight on & “nox” to turn it off (fr Harry Potter terminology) it works super quick. Take care. Best wishes from Adelaide; South Australia🇦🇺💐

[@stephenschulte3996]

Very fine instructional KZbin! I’ve been using Apple Products since 1989 but learned so much from your video! Especially enjoyed the features of the magnifying glass - SUPER! Thanks very much! (Also the shortcuts!! NICE!) Steve on 20 May 2023

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks Steve! Since I made this video I've actually remembered to use the magnifier more often. It's a handy little tool. Thanks for watching!

[@abiering]

Just found your channel. Your instructions are so clear for us seniors. Guess I have some bindging to do. 😊

[@RichBowlin]

You can do it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@tcdsconward]

extremly interesing

[@anirbanc999]

Fabulous, Thank You!

[@RichBowlin]

Thank you too!

[@Aljobritt]

Thank you, I had no idea about the magnifying glass, what a blessing to see your video.

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome. I used it again today on a set of instructions with print so small no one on planet earth could read it!

[@jacquelineguy8098]

I can’t find the Magnifying symbol!

[@ranimungcal]

Thanks for the tips👍🏻

[@RichBowlin]

Any time!

[@TubeYouTakashi]

Thanks, Rick. I like presentation that easy to listening and well organized.. Using Flash Light On/Off, I use Siri to control

[@RichBowlin]

Yes! Siri solves a lot of this. I made a video on Siri a year or two ago. I'm going to revisit that topic again as Siri has improved a lot lately.

[@TubeYouTakashi]

@@RichBowlin ：Thanks, Rich, Please more publish, how to use Sili that I am struggling this

[@gruv2nz]

Good video, thank you.

[@RichBowlin]

Glad you liked it!

[@deborahparker5113]

I am learning so much thanks for putting these Videos out so helpful

[@RichBowlin]

You are so welcome!

[@SusanBame]

Thank you so much. Learned a lot.

[@RichBowlin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterwilliams9935]

Thanks!

[@RichBowlin]

Wow! Thanks so much. I appreciate it!

[@sandragrewe]

Thank you!

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@suepalmer4726]

Another topic that you may have already covered because I haven’t checked your other videos, but how do you get out of iCloud and protect the contents on your phone without it? thank you so much

[@uprayup]

Thank you so much!

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@robinparkes988]

Hi Rich. Just found your channel. I echo other peoples comments, I love your relaxed manner and simple straight forward explanations. That coloured filter over text option is probably useful for people with conditions such as dyslexia and colour blindness. Thanks for taking the time to make and post these videos 🇬🇧

[@RichBowlin]

You're very welcome. And thank you for the kind words. I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@purplewombat1923]

Thanks for these tips. The magnifying glass feature will be particularly handy when I'm trying to read listed ingredients on grocery items in the supermarket :-D

[@RichBowlin]

Honestly, some of the medicine boxes have print so small it's impossible to read. Great suggestion! Thanks for watching.

[@patriciamcgarr3183]

The scanned documents trick would be great for crochet or knitting patterns

[@favrdoer]

Hi. Love all your videos. If you haven’t done one on Guided Access, that would be a good one for those of us who have young grandchildren and want to keep them in one app only at a time. It’s found in accessibility. I’m sure you already know that.

[@lucyl.4356]

A very handy video thank you.

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@Teresa-K]

Hi Rich! Very useful apps. I found a lot of valuable information. Thanks for all your help. Kindness, Teresa

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Teresa! I hope you're doing well. Always good to hear from you. You probably already know all this stuff but thanks, as always, for watching.

[@Teresa-K]

@@RichBowlin No Rich I didn’t know a lot you touched on in your video. You are way ahead of me. I’m a novice. I like that you like to keep it simple and accessible by using shortcuts. Thanks for all you do to bring us useful videos. Kindness, Teresa

[@ruthdennisKnits]

TFS, I knew some but your explanations helped more. I’m 72 and will share this with friends and family ‼️

[@RichBowlin]

Great! So glad the video was helpful!

[@doanetriggs6254]

I have had iPhones since they were introduced. This video was so outstanding and useful because I always find out something that I should have be using and don’t. On a completely different topic, I would like to inquire if there is some easy way to find your videos arranged topically. I just spent a considerable amount of time curating a list on the use of notes and sending her copies so that they would be in sequential order. She is 92 and still enjoys learning!

[@adrienneholmes888]

Hi Rich. I was happy I discovered you. My question is will you be doing a presentation on Passkeys?

[@Alicia652]

Another great and informative video, Rich! I appreciate you sharing all these clever ideas to make using our iPhones more efficient and helpful! Thank you for keeping us on top of things in our phones!😊

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Alicia! You're welcome. These aren't the kind of things I use all the time, but they are super handy when you need them. Hope you're doing well!

[@grammyb5216]

Wow and THANK YOU ❤

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@GrannyCrypto]

You actually touched on every item that I use! I’m thrilled to know how to find them, save them and expand my knowledge. Thank you in spades :-)

[@RichBowlin]

You are so welcome!

[@theowentz8919]

Really nice information. 😀😀

[@RichBowlin]

Glad it was helpful. Sometimes it's hard to know in advance if a video will help people out. Looks like this video is being well-received. Thanks so much for watching.

[@patriciahogg5763]

Excellent tutorial! New follower! 👏👏👏

[@RichBowlin]

Wow! Thanks so much!

[@user-ur2gn4jl4x]

As always, great video. Thank you. Learn a lot from it. The wallpaper on your phone looks awesome. Can you share where I may be able to get a copy? Thanks again.

[@RichBowlin]

I got the wallpaper off of Pinterest. I really like it. It's stuck with me for longer than a day!

[@sharonhendricks8550]

Thank thank you

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@Basknorm58]

Very useful!

[@RichBowlin]

Glad you think so!

[@anthonylethbridge458]

This is a really useful video. However can you consider making a video on how to use shortcuts right from the basics. Thanks

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Anthony! I've made a video a while back on how to create shortcuts. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epK1eoieetp0js0. But I plan on taking a deeper dive in the near future. I think your suggestion is a good one. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonylethbridge458]

@@RichBowlin thank you. Very helpful.

[@Enfrance2003]

So often, videos like this are time wasted. Rich’s are time invested. Brilliant.

[@RichBowlin]

Wow! Thanks so much. I shot of encouragement goes a long way!

[@brianandbethmiller3617]

I am a recently retired night nurse. As you can imagine, a night nurse uses flashlights all the time. When I first started working, I didn’t have a smart phone and burned through sooo many batteries. Enter the smart phone’s flashlight, what a relief. One of my 20 something coworkers placed the flashlight icon on the Home Screen for me. I have no idea how they did that, but it is a very convenient place for your flashlight! Thanks for a great video.

[@ffmedic1638]

Very clever!

[@RichBowlin]

Yes, these little tools are clever!