10 settings you should change immediately to get the most out of your iPhone 17.

Nearly two months after the iPhone 17 launch, users have had ample time to explore the power of Apple's latest phone line. With the powerful A19 Bionic chip, improved dual camera system, and versatile selfie shooting capabilities in both landscape and portrait modes, the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max are truly top-of-the-line devices on the market.

However, despite its outstanding advantages, many users still report suboptimal performance or annoying features during use. The majority of these issues don't stem from the hardware itself, but rather from the default settings that Apple has pre-configured.

Here are 10 important changes you should make now to make your iPhone 17 more efficient and last longer.

1. Customize display effects for better readability.

One of the biggest changes in iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass effect – a transparent interface that gives a modern feel but makes it difficult for many people to read content on bright backgrounds.

Apple made adjustments in the iOS 26.1 update, but you can still manually fine-tune it for better readability: Go toSettingnewsAccessibilitynewsScreen & Font SizenewsReduce transparencyand enable this option. Additionally, activate this option as well.Colorless distinctionThis will help to make the display clearer, especially when used outdoors.

2. Turn off accessibility features if you don't really need them.

Many people still keep enabling AssistiveTouch – an accessibility feature that originated when iPhones had a physical Home button – to avoid damaging the physical button. However, on modern iPhone 17 models, this is no longer necessary and can clutter the screen and slow down operation.

You can turn it off by going toSettingnewsAccessibilitynewsTouchscreennewsAssistiveTouch, then flip the switch to "Turn off"

3. Disable the Live Captions feature on FaceTime.

Live Captions are a useful feature for cross-language communication, but for most users, this feature is annoying when FaceTime automatically turns it on every call. To turn it off, go toSettingnewsApplicationnewsFaceTime, then turn it offLive subtitles.

4. Battery optimization

The iPhone 17 series is equipped with a larger battery and new power management technology, but the way it's charged still significantly affects battery life.

Many people believe that limiting the charge level to 80-90% will help extend battery life. However, recent testing from the tech news site BGR shows that this does not offer significant benefits and may even cause the battery to become inaccurately calibrated.

Ideally, you should let your device charge to 100% and then turn on the feature.Optimal battery chargingThis helps your iPhone remember your charging habits so it reaches 100% charge just when you need to use it.SettingnewsBatterynewsBatterynewsCharge limit: 100%and make sure it's turned onOptimal battery charging.

5. Turn off Always-On Display

The Always-On Display feature first appeared on the iPhone 14 Pro and continues to be available on the iPhone 17. However, if you wear an Apple Watch, keeping your iPhone screen constantly on is unnecessary and consumes a significant amount of energy.

You can turn it off by going toSettingnewsScreen & Brightness> Turn offThe screen is always on..

6. Keep Adaptive Power mode enabled.

In Power Mode, the iPhone 17 adds two new options: Adaptive Power Notifications and Dynamic Power Calibration. Apple recommends enabling both as they help the device allocate power more intelligently, especially when gaming or recording high-resolution video.

7. Turn off the auto-skip feature in Apple Music.

One new feature in iOS 26 is AutoMix, which automatically switches songs in Apple Music. However, this feature doesn't work smoothly and often causes music to pause midway. To turn it off, go toSettingnewsApplicationnewsMusicthen switch it off.AutoMix.

8. Block spam calls.

No one wants to be bothered by unknown calls. Fortunately, Apple has provided an option to automatically block them by going toSettingnewsApplicationnewsPhonenewsMute unknown callers..

From now on, your iPhone will only ring when there's a call from someone in your contacts or an important call.

9. Customize the Camera app for faster photo taking.

The Camera app on the iPhone 17 has been significantly streamlined, but this sometimes makes accessing advanced features cumbersome.

You can proactively activate frequently used tools by going toSettingnewsCameranewsIndicator, turn onDouble shot,Net, orExposure lockTo make it more convenient for professional photography.

10. Set up Action Buttons and Security when locking the device.

The Action Button on the iPhone 17 allows users to assign quick commands such as opening an app, recording a video, or launching ChatGPT with just one tap.

To configure, go toSettingnewsAction buttonand choose the action that best suits your usage habits.

In addition, don't forget to enhance security when your phone is locked. Go toSettingnewsFace ID & Passcode, scroll down to the "Allow access when locked." and turn offWallet, Control Center, Siri, and USB AccessoriesThis helps protect your personal information if you lose your phone.

Although the iPhone 17 is one of the most powerful smartphones currently available, an optimal user experience depends not only on the hardware but also on how you set it up. With just a few small changes, you can make your device run faster, save battery power, and improve security.

For those who have just upgraded to the iPhone 17, consider these 10 settings as a "starting guide" to fully enjoy everything Apple has to offer, from performance, battery life, and camera to the convenience of every operation.