Hey Reader! 👋

😖 The issue

Most iPhone users don't adjust their Lock Screen controls. They stick with whatever Apple gives them. Sure, they work, but it's like wearing shoes that are a size too small—functional but limiting.

The default controls (Flashlight and Camera) on your Lock Screen may be fine. But, they're not tailored to your needs. Why settle for controls you barely use when you can swap them out for the apps and features you need most?

By following the steps below, you can replace the default controls with better ones. You can also link specific controls to different Focus modes. This makes the right tools appear on your Lock Screen when you need them most.

👇 Give it a try

Here’s how to change the controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen:

1. Touch and hold down the Lock Screen

Touch and hold the screen until you see the "Customize" option at the bottom.

2. Hit Customize, then Lock Screen

Once you see that “Customize” button, tap it, then tap on “Lock Screen” to get started.

3. Pick your new controls

The default set of controls are Flashlight and Camera. If you want to swap those out for different controls, tap the minus (-) next to each at the bottom of the screen.

Now, tap one of the controls areas with the plus (+). This will open the controls gallery. Browse around and pick something that sounds useful to you.

The two controls I picked are:

• ​Simple Scan: this app lets me quickly scan a paper document and save it into iCloud Drive in the Files app.
• Remote: this lets me control my Apple TV from my iPhone. My family always seems to lose that remote. With 3 kids in the house, I can’t imagine why! 😉

4. Save your changes

After you’ve finished making your custom changes, tap “Done” at the top of the screen. Then give the Lock Screen one last tap to set everything in place.

🔗 BONUS: Link to a Focus

Focus is a productivity tool that helps you stay on task by blocking out distractions. You can set it up to mute all notifications or only let certain ones through (like messages from Mom).

By linking a Focus to your Lock Screen, your Focus settings apply whenever you use that particular Lock Screen, including your customized controls at the bottom.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. From the same Customize screen from step 1 above, tap “Focus” to see your different Focus options, like Do Not Disturb, Personal, Work, or Sleep.
2. Tap the Focus you want, and then tap the Close button (x).

✨ One more thing

And that's it! You’ve now got a personalized Lock Screen that works just the way you want it to.

Next time you use your iPhone, you'll access your controls faster and won't have to fumble with extra steps.

P.S. If you ever want to revisit one of my past Apple tutorials, you can find them all here. (Feel free to share them with a friend, too!)

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