The Most Annoying iOS 17 Features on Your iPhone (and How to Fix Them)
Smartphones are integral to our daily lives, but sometimes certain features can go from being helpful to being a headache. iOS 17 has been no exception, with users reporting several features that they find particularly frustrating. In this article, we’re going to address the most annoying iOS 17 features on your iPhone and share tips for fixing or mitigating them.
1. Overzealous Screen Time Notifications
Getting constant reminders about screen time can be grating, especially if you’re using your phone for productivity.
Fix: Go to Settings > Screen Time and turn off the notifications or adjust the settings to receive fewer updates.
2. Complicated Wi-Fi Password Sharing
iOS 17 added steps to sharing Wi-Fi passwords which can be confusing for some users.
Fix: Ensure both devices have Bluetooth turned on, and the email addresses used for Apple ID are saved in each other’s contacts. Hold the devices close together when attempting to share the password.
3. Battery Drain with Background App Refresh
Background app refresh can sap battery life by updating apps you’re not actively using.
Fix: Navigate to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and disable it either universally or for select apps only.
4. Safari Tab Groups Syncing Issues
Some users find their Safari Tab Groups aren’t syncing properly across devices.
Fix: Open Safari settings and make sure Safari is enabled in iCloud settings for all devices involved. If issues persist, try disabling and re-enabling iCloud Safari sync.
5. Mail App Alerts Every Sender
Notifications for every incoming email can be overwhelming.
Fix: Visit Settings > Mail > Notifications and set alerts only from known contacts or turn them off altogether and check emails manually.
6. Constant Reminders to Review App Subscriptions
Periodic reminders can be useful, but not if it’s too frequent.
Fix: Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to turn these off, but reducing the number of subscriptions will naturally reduce such reminders.
7. iMessage Edit Feature Misuse
The new iMessage edit feature has led to some misleading conversations when old messages are altered.
Fix: Maintain clear communication about edits made in conversations or opt to delete the message instead of editing it when necessary.
8. Auto-Wi-Fi Switching
Your iPhone may frequently switch between Wi-Fi networks based on strength, which can disrupt activity.
Fix: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and set ‘Ask to Join Networks’ or manually connect to a preferred network before starting any important activities that require a stable connection.
In conclusion, while iOS 17 brought with it exciting new features, it also introduced some elements that have not been so well received by users. Fortunately, most of these annoyances have workarounds or settings adjustments that can help tailor your iPhone’s behavior more closely to your preferences. By making these small tweaks, you can reduce frustration and get back to enjoying what your iPhone has to offer without unnecessary interruptions or complications.