Used iPhone 16 Tips and Tricks: The Ultimate Guide to Getting More From Your Device
05/07/2026
7 Mins
Used iPhone 16 Tips and Tricks: The Ultimate Guide to Getting More From Your Device
The iPhone 16 is one of Apple’s most advanced smartphones to date, offering impressive performance, enhanced cameras, improved battery efficiency, and a range of smart features designed to make everyday tasks easier. Whether you’ve recently purchased a Used iPhone 16 from Used Mobiles 4 U or upgraded from an older model, learning how to take advantage of these features can dramatically improve your experience.
Many users only scratch the surface of what their iPhone can do. In reality, your Used iPhone 16 is packed with powerful tools that can help you stay productive, take better photos, improve battery life, and personalise your device to suit your lifestyle.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the best tips and tricks to help every Used iPhone 16 owner get the most out of their device.
Customise the Action Button
One of the standout features available on a Used iPhone 16 is the versatile Action Button. This button can be customised to perform a variety of tasks, giving you instant access to your most-used functions.
Popular options include:
- Launching the Camera
- Turning on the Torch
- Recording Voice Memos
- Activating Focus Modes
- Opening Notes
- Running custom Shortcuts
To customise the Action Button:
Settings > Action Button
By setting up the Action Button to match your daily habits, you can save time and access important features with a single press.
Make the Most of StandBy Mode
StandBy Mode transforms your iPhone into a smart display whenever it is charging in landscape orientation. This feature can display useful information such as clocks, calendars, widgets, photos, and weather updates.
StandBy Mode can make your Used iPhone 16 even more useful whether it’s sitting on your bedside table or your work desk.
To enable StandBy:
Settings > StandBy
When paired with a charging stand, this feature turns your phone into a convenient information hub throughout the day.
Improve Battery Life and Battery Health
Battery performance remains one of the most important aspects of any smartphone. Fortunately, Apple includes several battery management features that help extend the lifespan of your device.
These battery-saving tips help maximise the lifespan of your Used iPhone 16 while ensuring it remains reliable for years to come.
Enable Optimised Battery Charging
Apple’s Optimised Battery Charging feature learns your charging habits and reduces battery wear by delaying charging beyond 80% until it’s needed.
Go to:
Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
Reduce Background Activity
Many apps continue working in the background even when you’re not actively using them.
Disable Background App Refresh for apps you rarely use:
Settings > General > Background App Refresh
Lower Screen Brightness
The display is often the biggest drain on battery life. Reducing brightness or enabling Auto-Brightness can significantly improve battery performance.
Use Low Power Mode
When your battery is running low, Low Power Mode reduces background processes and extends remaining battery life.
Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode
Master Focus Modes
Notifications can quickly become overwhelming. Focus Modes help you filter distractions and maintain concentration during important tasks.
Focus Modes are particularly valuable for Used iPhone 16 users who want greater control over notifications and productivity.
You can create custom profiles for:
- Work
- Personal Time
- Sleep
- Fitness
- Driving
Each profile can have its own notification settings, Home Screen layout, and Lock Screen appearance.
To set up Focus Modes:
Settings > Focus
Unlock the Power of Apple Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app allows you to automate everyday tasks and create custom workflows.
Examples include:
- Automatically enabling Low Power Mode at 20%
- Launching Spotify when headphones connect
- Sending messages based on location
- Activating Focus Modes automatically
Open:
Shortcuts > Automation
Even simple automations can save time and make your smartphone feel smarter.
Take Better Photos With the iPhone 16 Camera
The camera system on a Used iPhone 16 is capable of producing professional-quality images. Understanding how to use its features can elevate your photography significantly.
Portrait Mode
Portrait Mode creates stunning photos with beautiful background blur effects.
Perfect for:
- Family photos
- Pet photography
- Social media content
- Professional portraits
Night Mode
Night Mode automatically activates in low-light conditions and captures brighter, more detailed images.
Macro Photography
Macro Mode allows you to capture tiny details that would otherwise be difficult to photograph.
Ideal subjects include:
- Flowers
- Food
- Jewellery
- Product photography
Photographic Styles
Photographic Styles let you personalise image processing while maintaining natural skin tones.
Experiment with different styles to create a look that suits your preferences.
Remove Subjects From Photos
One of the most impressive hidden features in iOS is the ability to lift subjects directly from photos.
Simply:
- Open a photo.
- Press and hold the subject.
- Select Copy or Share.
You can then paste the cut-out image into messages, emails, notes, or social media apps.
This feature is particularly useful for content creators and social media users.
Use Live Voicemail Screening
Spam calls can be frustrating. Live Voicemail helps by displaying a real-time transcription while someone leaves a voicemail.
You can decide whether to answer before the caller finishes speaking.
Enable this feature by navigating to:
Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail
It’s a simple yet powerful feature that helps reduce unwanted interruptions.
Personalise Your Home Screen
Apple has introduced more Home Screen customisation options than ever before.
You can now:
- Change app icon colours
- Add widgets
- Create multiple Lock Screens
- Assign wallpapers to Focus Modes
- Rearrange apps more freely
Long-press any empty area on your Home Screen to begin customising your layout.
Strengthen Your Security Settings
Apple places a strong emphasis on privacy and security. Every Used iPhone 16 includes advanced security features designed to protect your data.
Key security tools include:
Face ID
Face ID provides secure and convenient authentication.
Find My iPhone
Find My allows you to locate, lock, or erase your device remotely.
Two-Factor Authentication
This extra security layer helps protect your Apple account from unauthorised access.
Automatic Updates
Always keep your software updated to receive the latest security improvements.
Check your settings here:
Settings > Face ID & Passcode
Manage Storage More Effectively
Proper storage management keeps your Used iPhone 16 running smoothly and prevents issues when downloading apps, taking photos, or installing updates.
To view storage usage:
Settings > General > iPhone Storage
Recommendations may include:
- Offloading unused apps
- Removing duplicate photos
- Deleting large attachments
- Optimising photo storage
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance.
Use Hidden Trackpad Mode
Typing on a smartphone can sometimes be challenging when editing large blocks of text.
Fortunately, Apple includes a hidden trackpad feature.
To activate it:
- Press and hold the space bar.
- Move your finger around the keyboard.
This allows for precise cursor control and makes editing much easier.
Scan Documents Without Additional Apps
Many people don’t realise that the iPhone includes a built-in document scanner.
To scan a document:
- Open Notes.
- Create a new note.
- Tap the Camera icon.
- Select Scan Documents.
Your scans can be saved as PDFs and shared instantly.
Discover Visual Look Up
Visual Look Up uses artificial intelligence to identify objects in photos.
It can recognise:
- Plants
- Animals
- Landmarks
- Artwork
- Food
Simply open a photo and tap the information icon to learn more about the subject.
Get More From Safari
Safari on a Used iPhone 16 offers excellent privacy and browsing performance.
Useful features include:
- Reader Mode
- Tab Groups
- Privacy Reports
- Tracker Blocking
- Home Screen Shortcuts
These tools help create a faster and more organised browsing experience.
Why Buying a Used iPhone 16 Makes Sense
Choosing a Used iPhone 16 can save you hundreds of pounds compared to buying a brand-new device.
As smartphone prices continue to rise, more consumers are discovering the benefits of refurbished technology.
Significant Savings
A quality Used iPhone 16 delivers premium performance at a much lower price than a new model.
Excellent Reliability
Modern iPhones are designed to last for years, making refurbished devices an excellent investment.
Better Value for Money
A professionally tested Used iPhone 16 delivers exceptional value for money while offering the same great user experience.
Environmentally Friendly
Buying refurbished helps reduce electronic waste and supports a more sustainable approach to technology.
Why Choose Used Mobiles 4 U?
At Used Mobiles 4 U, we’re committed to providing customers with high-quality refurbished smartphones at competitive prices.
Every Used iPhone 16 we sell undergoes comprehensive testing to ensure it meets our strict quality standards.
Benefits of shopping with us include:
- Fully tested devices
- Warranty included
- Competitive prices
- Fast UK delivery
- Friendly customer support
- Environmentally responsible shopping
Our goal is to help customers enjoy premium technology without paying premium prices.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 16 is packed with innovative features that many users never fully explore. From customising the Action Button and using StandBy Mode to improving battery life and mastering advanced camera settings, there are countless ways to enhance your smartphone experience.
Whether you’re a first-time iPhone owner or a long-time Apple user, these tips will help you unlock the full potential of your device.
If you’re looking for a reliable Used iPhone 16, Used Mobiles 4 U offers expertly tested devices, excellent value, and peace of mind with every purchase. Browse our latest stock today and discover how affordable premium smartphone technology can be.
Looking for a refurbished phone?
Shop professionally tested refurbished iPhones and Samsung phones with 18 month warranty, 30 day returns and free UK delivery.
Browse Refurbished Phones