Five phone settings that make everyday life less distracting

Make information easier to see

Increase text size one step at a time, then check email, maps, and the home screen. Both iPhone and Android also offer bold text, display zoom, and contrast options. Choose the smallest adjustment that feels comfortably readable.

Set the screen to reduce blue light in the evening if you prefer the warmer appearance, but remember that this is a comfort setting—not a guarantee of better sleep.

Let fewer apps interrupt you

Open notification settings and review apps by most recent activity. Keep alerts that require timely action, such as calls from family or appointment reminders. Turn off promotional alerts and badges from apps you check on your own schedule.

• Allow sound only for genuinely time-sensitive apps.
• Use a scheduled Do Not Disturb period.
• Keep emergency and chosen-contact exceptions enabled.

Protect the basics

Enable automatic operating-system updates, use a strong device passcode, and confirm that backups are working. Never approve an unexpected sign-in prompt or share a verification code with someone who contacted you.