9 settings every new iPhone owner should change

Likewise, if you turn on the Repeated Calls option, your phone will ring if the same number dials twice in three minutes. So persistent callers can still get through in an emergency.

4. Use the numeric battery gauge

Want to know exactly how much battery life is left? By default, your iPhone shows you only a small gauge -- not super informative.

Here's the fix: Tap Settings > Battery, then turn on Battery Percentage. Presto! Now you've got a numeric reading alongside your battery icon.

5. Tweak the size of text

The size of your iPhone's screen doesn't necessarily dictate the size of the text you'll be reading. Although iOS has a default font size, you can adjust it by tapping Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size. Then drag the slider a few ticks in either direction until it seems more comfortable.

As noted on that settings page, this will only affect apps that support Dynamic Type (meaning stock iOS apps and a smattering of others). You can also improve readability by tapping Settings > General > Accessibility and enabling the Bold Text option.

6. Configure auto-lock

Can't be bothered to hit the power (aka standby) button every time you put down your phone or stick it in your pocket or purse? I'm always amazed when I see people leave their screens on and active, which is not only a security risk and battery killer, but also a great way to butt-dial (or butt-text) people.

Fortunately, your iPhone can automatically lock (meaning turn off the screen) after a designated interval. To change it, tap Settings > General > Auto-Lock, then set it to 30 Seconds.

7. Add more fingers to Touch ID

All newer iPhones incorporate Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor that makes for fast and easy lock-screen security. And when you first set up your phone, you probably trained Touch ID to recognize one of your fingers.

Just one problem: Sometimes you want to use other fingers. Like, say, the thumb on your other hand, or an index finger when the phone is laying on a table.

Fortunately, iOS can accommodate up to five fingers. All you have to do is train it to recognize more. To do so, tap Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, then enter your numeric passcode. Now tap Add a Fingerprint and follow the prompts. Repeat the process for any additional fingers you want to add.

8. Turn off location services for non-essentials

When you agree to share your location with apps like Waze, Uber and Starbucks, there's a tangible benefit. But what about apps like Fooducate? GroupMe? OneDrive? I don't see any advantage to letting them collect or report my whereabouts, especially considering the hit it puts on battery life.

To see which apps have this feature enabled, tap Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Then scroll down through the list. When you see an app set to Always or While Using, decide if you want that app to know your location. If not, you can change it to Never.

9. Customize the Today display

When you swipe down from the top of the screen (starting just above the top), you gain immediate access to the iOS Notification Center, where you can read, review and dismiss notifications you've received.

You can also tap Today for quick access to information from a wide assortment of apps. Here's how to customize what information is presented -- and in what order:

Swipe down, tap Today, scroll down to the bottom and tap Edit. The items at the top are already selected for the Today screen. All the items below that are available to add. Just tap the green plus sign next to the ones you want.

To change the order in which they appear, tap and drag one of the "handles" (represented by three horizontal lines) and drop it in the desired spot. Then tap Done. Now you'll see the Today screen with all the items you enabled and in the order you put them. Tap Edit again if you want to make further changes.