Practical iPhone how-tos
Short, honest answers to the questions people actually ask, with the iPhone's built-in options first and apps only where they help.
Budget App vs Spreadsheet: Which Is Better for Expenses?
Use a spreadsheet if you want full control and privacy. Use an app if you want fast entry on your phone and bill reminders. The better tool is whichever you'll still be opening in week three. If you're starting from zero, split your take-home pay roughly 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and adjust from there.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Habit? (Hint: Not 21 Days)
On average about 66 days, but anywhere from 18 to 254 days in the best-known study (Lally et al., 2009). The popular "21 days" figure is a myth. A 21-day challenge is still useful, as a trial sprint rather than a finish line.
How to Add GPS Location and a Timestamp to Photos on iPhone
Your iPhone already saves the date, time and location in every photo's hidden data, as long as Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Camera is set to While Using the App. To print the date, time and GPS coordinates on the picture itself, use a stamp app such as GPS Map Camera.
How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone (and Find Who Called)
Turn on Silence Unknown Callers in your Phone settings to send unknown numbers to voicemail (Settings → Apps → Phone on iOS 26, Settings → Phone on earlier versions). Block a specific number from Phone → Recents → ⓘ → Block this Caller. To find out who is calling, install a caller ID app and switch it on under Call Blocking & Identification in the same Phone settings.
How to Calculate Loan EMI: Formula, Example & Apps
EMI = P × r × (1 + r)ⁿ ÷ ((1 + r)ⁿ − 1), where P is the loan amount, r is the monthly interest rate (annual rate ÷ 12 ÷ 100) and n is the number of monthly payments. For ₹5,00,000 at 9% a year over 5 years, the EMI is about ₹10,379.
How to Remove Location From iPhone Photos Before Sharing
When sharing, tap Options at the top of the share sheet and switch Location off. For a photo you already took, open it, tap ⓘ → Adjust → No Location. To stop recording location altogether, set Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Camera → Never.
How to Scan a Document to PDF on iPhone (Free, No App)
Open Notes, tap the attachment (paperclip) or camera button → Scan Documents, line up the page and save, or open Files → ⋯ → Scan Documents. Both are free, work offline and save a PDF. A dedicated scanner app only helps if you scan a lot or need to merge and convert existing photos.
How to See and Cancel Subscriptions on iPhone
Open Settings, tap your name → Subscriptions, choose the subscription and tap Cancel Subscription. You keep access until the end of the period you've already paid for. For a free trial, cancel at least 24 hours before it ends.
Plant, Bird & Rock Identifier Apps: How Accurate Are They?
Identifier apps are good for a first guess, not a final answer. Accuracy depends on the species, photo quality and where you live, so compare the top results, cross-check with a second source, and never eat a wild plant or mushroom because an app said it was safe.