40+ iPhone Features That Can Completely Change How You Travel
Updated: Oct 4
Your iPhone can do a lot more than make calls, send texts and take pictures.
There are built-in features that can help you check flights, translate menus, convert currency, navigate without Wi-Fi, organize your trip, keep track of your luggage, protect your information and even use your passport as a Digital ID.
And the best part? Many of these features are already built into your iPhone.
You don't necessarily need another travel app for every little thing.
Here are more than 40 iPhone features worth knowing before your next trip.
1. Check Your Flight Status Without Opening an Airline App
iPhone has a built-in flight-status feature that can save you from opening an airline app just to see whether your flight is on time.
There are several easy ways to pull up flight information directly from your iPhone.
Option 1: Just Text the Flight Number
You can simply type the airline and flight number into a text message.
For example:
DL456
How to check the flight
Open Messages.
Open a conversation with yourself or someone else.
Type the airline and flight number, such as "DL456."
Send the message.
Tap the flight number in the message.
Tap "Preview Flight."
Your iPhone will pull up the available flight information.
This is one of the easiest options because you don't have to have an airline app open or search for your reservation.
Option 2: Tap the Flight Number on a Boarding Pass Someone Sends You
If someone sends you a boarding pass in a text message, you can tap the flight number directly on the boarding pass.
For example, if the boarding pass shows DL456, tap the flight number.
How to check the flight
Open the text message containing the boarding pass.
Find the flight number on the boarding pass.
Tap the flight number.
Tap "Preview Flight."
Your iPhone will display the available flight information.
Option 3: Tap the Flight Number in an Email
If your flight information or boarding pass is in an email, you can also tap the flight number there.
How to check the flight from Mail
Open the Mail app.
Open the email containing your flight information.
Find the airline and flight number.
Tap the flight number.
Tap "Preview Flight."
Option 4: Tap the Flight Number in Notes
If you've saved your flight information in the Notes app, you can tap the flight number there as well.
How to check the flight from Notes
Open Notes.
Open the note containing your flight information.
Find the flight number.
Tap the flight number.
Tap "Preview Flight."
What You'll See
Depending on the flight and available information, your iPhone can show details such as:
Departure airport
Arrival airport
Scheduled departure and arrival times
Current flight status
Gate information
Terminal information
Baggage claim information
Flight duration
Other available flight details
You don't have to wait until the day of your flight to check the scheduled information. You can look at the flight information ahead of time to see the scheduled departure and arrival times.
However, always check again closer to departure and on the day of your flight because gates, terminals, delays, cancellations and baggage information can change.
2. Convert Currency Using the Built-In Calculator
You don't need to download a currency-conversion app every time you travel internationally.
Your iPhone's Calculator app has a built-in conversion feature.
How to convert currency
Open the Calculator app.
Tap the small calculator icon in the upper-right corner.
Tap "Convert."
Choose the currency you want to convert from.
Choose the currency you want to convert to.
Enter the amount.
Your iPhone will show the converted amount.
This is especially useful when you're shopping, looking at restaurant menus, checking hotel prices or trying to figure out how much something costs in U.S. dollars.
Keep in mind that exchange rates change, so the amount shown is useful for estimating what something costs. Your credit card or bank may use a slightly different exchange rate when the actual transaction is processed.
3. Translate Something You Type
The Translate app can translate text without requiring you to speak. This is useful when you want to type a sentence, a question or something you need to show someone.
How to translate typed text
Open the Translate app.
Choose the language you are translating from.
Choose the language you are translating to.
Tap "Enter Text."
Type the word, phrase or sentence you want to translate.
Submit the text.
Your translation will appear.
Tap the play button if you want your iPhone to say the translation out loud.
You can also copy or share the translation.
This can be especially helpful when you want to make sure you're asking for something correctly rather than trying to pronounce a phrase yourself.
4. Speak Into Your iPhone and Have It Translate
You can also speak directly into the Translate app.
How to translate something you say
Open the Translate app.
Select the language you're speaking.
Select the language you want to translate into.
Tap the microphone or listen button.
Speak clearly.
Your iPhone will display the translated text.
Tap the play button to hear the translation spoken aloud.
This can be useful when asking directions, ordering food or communicating with someone who doesn't speak the same language.
5. Use Conversation Mode for a Two-Way Conversation
The Translate app also has a Conversation feature designed for talking back and forth.
How to use Conversation
Open Translate.
Tap "Conversation."
Select the two languages you need.
Listen and speak as the conversation moves back and forth.
You can also turn on Auto Translate.
How to turn on Auto Translate
Open Translate.
Tap "Conversation."
Tap "More Options."
Tap "Auto Translate."
Tap "Listen."
Your iPhone can then help recognize when each person is speaking and provide the translation.
Use Face-to-Face mode
You can also change the conversation view so that each person can see the translation facing them.
Open Translate.
Tap "Conversation."
Tap "View."
Tap "Face to Face."
This is particularly useful when you're standing at a restaurant counter, hotel desk or transportation desk.
6. Point Your Camera at a Menu or Sign and Translate It
You don't always have to type something into Translate. Your iPhone can use the camera to translate visible text.
How to translate a menu or sign
Open the Translate app.
Tap "Camera."
Choose the language you want to translate into.
Point your camera at the menu, sign or other text.
Your iPhone will display the translation.
You can take a picture if you want to work with the image. This can be incredibly helpful when you're looking at a menu or for directional signs.
7. Translate a Photo You Already Took
Already took a picture of a menu or sign? You can translate the photo without taking another picture.
How to translate an existing photo
Open Translate.
Tap "Camera."
Tap "Photo Library."
Select the photo.
Your iPhone can translate the text in the image.
This is particularly useful if you're sitting at your hotel later and trying to figure out what you photographed earlier in the day.
8. Translate Text Directly in Messages, Mail or Notes
You don't always have to open the Translate app.
If you have text in an app such as Messages, Mail or Notes, you can select the text and use the built-in Translate option.
How to translate selected text
Open Messages, Mail or Notes.
Find the text you want to translate.
Press and hold the text or select the specific text.
Tap "Translate."
Your iPhone will show the translation.
If "Translate" isn't immediately visible, tap "More Options" to find it.
9. Translate an Entire Website in Safari
Travel websites aren't always available in English. Safari can translate supported webpages for you.
How to translate a webpage
Open Safari.
Go to the webpage you want to read.
Tap the Page Menu.
Tap "Translate to [language]."
Safari will translate the webpage.
This can be useful when researching restaurants, attractions, transportation, local businesses and destinations while you're traveling.
10. Use Live Translation in Messages
If your iPhone supports the required Apple Intelligence features, Messages can provide live translation during conversations.
How to use Live Translation
Open Messages.
Open the conversation.
Tap the contact or group name at the top.
Look for the translation option.
Choose the language.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
This can make communicating with someone in another language much easier because the conversation can be translated as you go.
11. Download Languages Before You Leave
If you're traveling internationally, it's smart to prepare your Translate app before leaving home. Downloading languages allows you to have language resources available on your iPhone even when you don't have a reliable internet connection.
How to download a language
Open Settings.
Tap "Apps."
Tap "Translate."
Tap "Languages."
Choose the languages you want to download.
Download them before your trip.
You can also use on-device translation when the required language has been downloaded.
Don't wait until you're standing in a foreign airport with no Wi-Fi to discover that you need a language download. Set this up before you leave.
12. Use Live Text to Translate Something With Your Camera
Live Text is another incredibly useful travel feature. Instead of opening Translate first, you can point your camera at text and interact with it.
How to use Live Text
Open the Camera app.
Point your camera at the text.
Wait for the yellow text-detection frame to appear.
Tap the Detect Text button.
Select the text you want.
Tap "Translate."
You can then work with the translated text.
Make sure Live Text is turned on
Open Settings.
Tap "General."
Tap "Language & Region."
Make sure "Live Text" is turned on.
This can be especially useful for menus, street signs, museum descriptions, train information and printed instructions.
13. Download Apple Maps Before You Leave
If you're traveling somewhere with limited cellular service or you want to reduce your dependence on a data connection, download an area in Apple Maps before you leave.
How to download an area
Open Apple Maps.
Search for the destination or area.
Tap the location or map result.
Look for the option to download the map.
Adjust the area you want to save.
Tap "Download."
The exact options can vary depending on the area and your iPhone software.
Download maps while you have reliable Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful for road trips, international travel and destinations where cellular service may be inconsistent.
14. Put Your Boarding Pass in Apple Wallet
If your airline supports Apple Wallet, adding your boarding pass can make airport days much easier.
How to add a boarding pass
Depending on the airline, you may see an "Add to Apple Wallet" option when you check in online or open your boarding pass.
Open your airline's app or check-in webpage.
Open your boarding pass.
Look for "Add to Apple Wallet."
Tap it.
Follow the instructions.
Open Wallet to confirm that the boarding pass is there.
You can then pull up your boarding pass directly from Wallet instead of searching through email or an airline app.
15. Add Your Passport to Apple Wallet as a Digital ID
Here's another newer iPhone travel feature worth knowing about.
If you have an eligible, unexpired U.S. passport, you can use it to create a Digital ID in Apple Wallet.
Your iPhone uses your physical passport to create the Digital ID by scanning the machine-readable portion of the passport photo page, reading the electronic chip inside the passport and having you complete a selfie-based identity check.
The important thing to know is that this does not put your physical passport into Apple Wallet and it does not replace your physical passport.
The Digital ID can be used at select TSA checkpoints in the United States for identity verification before domestic flights, as well as at select businesses, apps and websites that support Digital ID. It cannot be used instead of your physical passport for international travel or border crossings.
What You Need
You need:
An iPhone 11 or later
iOS 26.1 or later
An unexpired U.S. passport
Face ID or Touch ID
Bluetooth turned on
An Apple Account with two-factor authentication turned on
A stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection
Your device region set to United States
You must be at least 13 years old to create a Digital ID
How to Add Your Passport-Based Digital ID to Apple Wallet
Open the Wallet app.
Tap the "+" button.
Tap "Driver's License or ID Cards."
Tap "Digital ID."
Choose whether you want the Digital ID on your iPhone only or on your iPhone and paired Apple Watch.
Follow the onscreen instructions to scan the machine-readable portion of your passport photo page.
Use a well-lit area.
Keep the passport flat and make sure the image is clear and in focus.
Follow the onscreen instructions to read the passport's electronic chip.
Place your iPhone on the passport chip where your iPhone tells you to.
Hold the iPhone in place while it reads the chip.
After the chip is read, your iPhone will ask you to take a selfie.
Follow the instructions for the selfie and any required face or head movements.
Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
Follow any remaining onscreen instructions.
Once the process is approved, your Digital ID will appear in Apple Wallet.
How to Use Your Digital ID at TSA or Another Supported Location
When a location supports Digital ID:
On an iPhone with Face ID, double-click the side button.
Authenticate with Face ID if prompted.
On an iPhone with Touch ID, double-click the Home button.
Tap your Digital ID.
If you want to change what information is presented, tap the Present menu.
Hold the top of your iPhone near the identity reader.
Review the information being requested if prompted.
Provide your consent if required.
With Face ID, double-click the side button.
With Touch ID, hold your finger on the Home button.
Once the transaction is successful, you'll see a checkmark and "Done."
Think of this as a convenient digital form of identity verification, not as a replacement for your passport. If you're traveling internationally, you still need to bring your physical passport for international travel and border crossings.
I recommend setting this up at home before your trip rather than trying to create it at the airport.
I also always recommend making color copies of your passport and carrying a copy with you while sightseeing. That way, you can leave your physical passport safely secured in your hotel safe when you don't need it. You can also upload a copy of your passport and other important travel documents somewhere secure and easy to access, such as your phone or cloud storage, in case you need the information while traveling.
16. Use Your iPhone as a Digital Hotel Key
Some hotels allow you to add a digital room key to Apple Wallet. If your hotel supports the feature, you may be able to use your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock your hotel room and other areas of the property.
How it works
The exact setup depends on the hotel, but typically:
Download or open the hotel's app.
Complete your check-in.
Look for an option to add your room key to Apple Wallet.
Tap "Add to Apple Wallet."
Follow the instructions.
Your digital key will appear in Wallet.
Keep your physical key card until you're sure your digital key is working.
17. Use Check In When Traveling Alone
Apple's Check In feature can automatically notify someone you trust when you've reached your destination. It can also provide information if your trip doesn't go as expected.
How to set up Check In
Open Messages.
Open a conversation with the person you want to notify.
Tap the "+" button.
Tap "Check In."
Choose "When I Arrive" or "After a Timer."
Enter your destination or set your expected time.
Send the Check In.
Your contact can receive an update when you've arrived.
This is especially useful when you're traveling alone, taking a long drive or heading somewhere unfamiliar.
18. Set Up Medical ID Before Your Trip
Your iPhone's Medical ID can store important emergency information that first responders may be able to access from your Lock Screen.
How to set up Medical ID
Open the Health app.
Tap your profile picture.
Tap "Medical ID."
Tap "Get Started" or "Edit."
Add your important information.
Add emergency contacts.
Turn on "Show When Locked."
Tap "Done."
You can include information such as emergency contacts, allergies, medications and other important details. Review your Medical ID before every major trip to make sure the information is current.
19. Know How Emergency SOS Works
Your iPhone has built-in emergency features that you should understand before you travel. Emergency SOS can be used to quickly contact emergency services.
Know how to activate Emergency SOS
On supported iPhones, press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Depending on your settings and iPhone model, you can also use the side-button sequence to quickly initiate an emergency call.
Don't wait until an emergency to figure out how Emergency SOS works. Know how it works on your specific iPhone before leaving home.
20. Share Your Location With Someone You Trust
You can share your location through Apple's Find My or Messages.
How to share your location in Messages
Open Messages.
Open the conversation.
Tap the person's name at the top.
Tap "Share My Location."
Choose how long you want to share it.
You can stop sharing at any time.
Consider sharing your location with someone at home when you're traveling internationally, taking a road trip or exploring somewhere unfamiliar.
21. Use Find My to Keep Track of Your Devices
If you lose your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or another Apple device while traveling, Find My can help you locate it.
How to check Find My
Open the Find My app.
Tap "Devices."
Select the device you want to find.
View its location.
Use available options such as playing a sound or getting directions.
Make sure Find My is turned on before leaving home. You don't want to discover after losing your phone at an airport that you never enabled the feature.
22. Put an AirTag in Your Checked Luggage
An AirTag can help you keep track of your checked bag.
How to set it up
Open the Find My app.
Tap "Items."
Tap the "+" button.
Tap "Add AirTag."
Follow the instructions.
Give it a name such as "Checked Bag."
Place the AirTag inside your luggage. Put it inside the bag rather than attaching it somewhere that can easily be removed.
23. Share an AirTag's Location With an Airline
If your airline supports AirTag location sharing, you may be able to share the location of your lost luggage with the airline.
How to share the location
Open Find My.
Tap "Items."
Select your AirTag.
Look for the option to share the item's location.
Follow the instructions.
Airline support for this feature varies, so check with your airline if your bag is delayed or missing. An AirTag doesn't replace filing a delayed or lost baggage report with the airline. Do both.
24. Share Your Wi-Fi Password Without Typing It
If you're staying with friends or family, you don't have to read a long Wi-Fi password out loud.
Apple devices can share Wi-Fi credentials.
How it works
Make sure both people have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
Make sure the devices are nearby.
The person sharing the password should already be connected to the Wi-Fi network.
On the other device, select the Wi-Fi network.
A prompt should appear on the connected device asking whether to share the password.
Tap "Share Password."
This is much easier than trying to read a complicated hotel, rental-home or family Wi-Fi password.
25. Scan Documents With Your iPhone
You don't need a scanner to make a digital copy of an important travel document.
You can scan documents directly in Notes.
How to scan a document
Open Notes.
Create a new note.
Tap the attachment or camera button.
Tap "Scan Documents."
Position the document inside the camera frame.
Your iPhone will automatically capture it, or you can manually capture it.
Adjust the corners if necessary.
Tap "Keep Scan."
Continue scanning additional pages if needed.
Tap "Save."
You can then share or save the scanned document.
You can use this for receipts, travel documents, confirmations and other paperwork you want to keep digitally.
26. Use Visual Look Up to Identify What You're Seeing
Visual Look Up can help identify objects, plants, animals, landmarks and other things in photos.
How to use Visual Look Up
Open Photos.
Open a photo.
Look for the information or Visual Look Up icon.
Tap it.
Review the available information.
This can be fun while traveling when you're wondering what a landmark, plant, animal or other object is.
27. Check Your iPhone Storage Before Your Trip
Travel means taking pictures and videos.
A lot of them.
Before a big trip, check how much storage you have available.
How to check storage
Open Settings.
Tap "General."
Tap "iPhone Storage."
Review how much space you're using.
See which apps or files are taking up the most room.
Do this before you leave, not after you've filled your phone with 2,000 vacation photos.
28. Adjust Your Camera Video Settings
Video can take up a surprising amount of storage. Before your trip, check your camera settings and decide whether you really need the highest resolution and frame rate.
How to check camera settings
Open Settings.
Tap "Camera."
Tap "Record Video."
Review your resolution and frame-rate options.
Choose the setting that makes sense for your trip.
Higher-quality video can mean larger files. If you're going on a long trip, think about how much storage you actually have before recording everything at the highest possible setting.
29. Turn Off Background App Refresh
Some apps continue updating in the background.
If you're traveling and trying to conserve battery or cellular data, review your Background App Refresh settings.
How to adjust it
Open Settings.
Tap "General."
Tap "Background App Refresh."
Choose whether you want it on, off or limited to Wi-Fi.
Review the individual apps.
You don't necessarily need every app updating in the background while you're traveling.
30. Use Background Sounds
This is one of those iPhone features that isn't specifically a travel feature but can be surprisingly useful. Background Sounds can play sounds such as rain, ocean or other ambient noise.
How to turn it on
Open Settings.
Tap "Accessibility."
Tap "Audio & Visual."
Tap "Background Sounds."
Turn it on.
Choose the sound you want.
This can be useful in a noisy hotel, on an airplane or when you're trying to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
31. Put Another Time Zone on Your iPhone
If you're traveling internationally, keeping track of multiple time zones can be extremely helpful.
The Clock app lets you add cities so you can quickly see what time it is somewhere else.
How to add another time zone
Open the Clock app.
Tap "World Clock."
Tap the "+" button.
Search for the city.
Tap the city to add it.
You can then quickly compare the local time with home.
This is especially useful when you're trying to call family, schedule a work meeting or figure out whether someone back home is awake.
32. Set a Charging Limit When Appropriate
On supported iPhone models, you can set a charging limit to help manage battery charging.
How to check the setting
Open Settings.
Tap "Battery."
Tap "Charging."
Review the charging options available on your iPhone.
Choose the setting that works for you.
If you're going to be away from a charger all day, make sure your phone is charged enough for what you actually need. Battery longevity is important, but so is having enough battery to get you through your travel day.
33. Check Location Services Before Traveling
Many travel features rely on your location.
Maps, weather, ride services, restaurant apps and other travel tools may need Location Services.
How to check
Open Settings.
Tap "Privacy & Security."
Tap "Location Services."
Make sure Location Services is turned on.
Review the apps listed below it.
Adjust permissions as needed.
You can choose whether an app can use your location always, while using the app or never, depending on the available options.
34. Turn On Wi-Fi Calling if Your Carrier Supports It
Wi-Fi Calling can be useful when cellular service is weak but Wi-Fi is available.
How to check Wi-Fi Calling
Open Settings.
Tap "Cellular."
Tap your phone line.
Look for "Wi-Fi Calling."
Turn it on if your carrier supports it.
The exact menu can vary depending on your carrier and iPhone.
If you're traveling internationally, understand your carrier's international calling and texting policies before relying on Wi-Fi Calling.
35. Make Sure Your iPhone Uses Your Travel eSIM
If you're traveling internationally and have purchased a travel eSIM, one of the most important things to do is make sure your iPhone is actually using the travel eSIM for cellular data.
You don't want to arrive in another country, start using Maps, translation, email and other apps, and accidentally use your regular U.S. carrier's international data.
Your iPhone can have more than one cellular line active, but you need to tell it which line you want to use for cellular data.
Before You Leave
First, make sure your travel eSIM has been installed and is available on your iPhone.
Then:
Open Settings.
Tap "Cellular."
Under "SIMs," you'll see your available cellular lines.
Tap your primary or home line.
Make sure "Data Roaming" is turned off for your primary line.
Go back to the Cellular screen.
Tap "Cellular Data."
Select your travel eSIM as the line you want to use for cellular data.
Your travel eSIM should now be the line your iPhone uses for cellular data.
Turn Off Allow Cellular Data Switching
If you want to be especially careful about your iPhone switching between cellular lines:
Open Settings.
Tap "Cellular."
Tap "Cellular Data."
Find "Allow Cellular Data Switching."
Turn it off.
When this is turned off, your iPhone won't automatically switch between your two lines for cellular data.
What About Your Regular Phone Number?
This is where it gets important.
You may want to keep your regular line turned on so you can continue receiving calls or texts to your normal phone number, depending on your carrier and your international plan.
You don't necessarily have to turn off your entire home line.
The most important thing is to make sure your travel eSIM is selected under Cellular Data and that Data Roaming is turned off on your primary/home line if you are trying to avoid using your home carrier's roaming data.
If you want to completely prevent your regular line from connecting to a cellular network while you're abroad, you can turn off that line.
How to Turn Off Your Regular Line Completely
Open Settings.
Tap "Cellular."
Tap your primary or home line.
Turn off "Turn On This Line."
Your home line will no longer be active on the cellular network.
Your travel eSIM can remain turned on and provide your cellular data.
When You Arrive
After you land:
Open Settings.
Tap "Cellular."
Confirm your travel eSIM is turned on.
Tap "Cellular Data."
Confirm your travel eSIM is selected.
Confirm "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is turned off if you want to prevent automatic switching.
Confirm Data Roaming is off for your primary/home line.
Check the travel eSIM's roaming setting and follow the instructions provided by your eSIM company.
Then test your connection by turning off Wi-Fi and opening something that requires cellular data, such as a webpage or Maps.
Don't wait until you are standing at baggage claim trying to figure out your eSIM settings.
Set everything up before you leave home and take a screenshot of your cellular settings so you have a reference if you need to troubleshoot after landing.
And remember: installing a travel eSIM does not automatically guarantee that your iPhone will use it for data.
Always check which line is selected under Cellular Data.
36. Turn On Stolen Device Protection
Stolen Device Protection adds additional security if someone steals your iPhone.
This is especially important when traveling because your phone can contain your email, banking information, travel documents, photos and passwords.
How to turn it on
Open Settings.
Tap "Face ID & Passcode."
Enter your passcode.
Tap "Stolen Device Protection."
Turn it on.
Review the settings before your trip. Your phone is one of the most important things you carry when traveling. Protect it accordingly.
37. Use the Passwords App While Traveling
Your iPhone can store passwords and passkeys in the Passwords app.
This means you don't have to remember every hotel, airline, transportation or travel account password.
How to use Passwords
Open the Passwords app.
Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
Search for the website or app.
Select the account you need.
View the saved password or passkey information.
Make sure your important travel accounts are saved before leaving home.
38. Create a Travel Folder in Notes
Notes can become your digital travel folder. You can keep important information together rather than searching through dozens of emails.
Create a travel note
Open Notes.
Create a new folder or note.
Name it something like "Italy Trip" or "Japan Trip."
Add flight numbers.
Add hotel addresses.
Add confirmation numbers.
Add restaurant information.
Add transportation details.
Add important phone numbers.
Add anything else you need while traveling.
You can also scan documents and add photos or other information. Create one master travel note and keep the most important information near the top.
39. Use Reminders for Your Travel Checklist
The Reminders app is perfect for the things you don't want to forget.
Create a travel checklist
Open Reminders.
Create a new list.
Name it "Travel."
Add tasks such as:
Passport
Wallet
Medications
Chargers
Toiletries
Travel documents
Sunglasses
Headphones
Luggage
House keys
Check items off as you pack.
Make a separate checklist for the night before your trip and another for the morning you leave.
40. Use Siri While Your Hands Are Full
Siri can be especially useful when you're traveling and your hands are occupied.
You can use Siri for things such as:
Setting alarms
Setting reminders
Calling someone
Sending messages
Checking the weather
Starting navigation
Creating notes
Setting timers
Instead of digging through your phone while carrying luggage, use Siri for simple tasks when appropriate.
41. Create a Travel Focus Mode
A Travel Focus can help reduce distractions while you're on vacation.
How to create a Focus
Open Settings.
Tap "Focus."
Tap the "+" button.
Choose "Custom."
Name it "Travel."
Choose which people can contact you.
Choose which apps can send notifications.
Customize your Home Screen if desired.
Set a schedule if you want it to turn on automatically.
You can create a setup that allows important travel notifications through while reducing everything else. You don't necessarily want to miss a flight alert just because you were trying to avoid work notifications.
Customize your Focus around what actually matters while you're traveling.
42. Customize Control Center for Travel
Control Center gives you quick access to settings you use frequently.
You can customize it so the things you use while traveling are easier to reach.
How to customize Control Center
Open Control Center.
Tap the "+" or edit option, depending on your iOS version.
Add, remove or rearrange controls.
Put frequently used controls where you can reach them quickly.
Depending on your iPhone and iOS version, useful controls may include:
Airplane Mode
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Cellular Data
Flashlight
Camera
Screen Recording
Low Power Mode
Calculator
Focus
Location-related controls
43. Use Your Flashlight as a Travel Tool
Your iPhone flashlight can be surprisingly useful when you're traveling. It can help you:
Find something in a dark hotel room
Find a keyhole
Look under a hotel bed
Find something in your luggage
Walk to your hotel room at night
How to add the flashlight to Control Center
If you don't see the flashlight button:
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center.
Tap the + in the upper-left corner to edit Control Center.
Tap Add a Control.
Search for or select Flashlight.
The flashlight button will now appear in Control Center for easy access.
How to open Control Center
On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen at a diagonal angle to open Control Center. Start near the upper-right corner and swipe downward.
Adjust the flashlight brightness
You can adjust the brightness instead of simply turning the flashlight on or off.
Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
Press and hold the flashlight button.
A brightness slider will appear.
Swipe up to make the light brighter or down to make it dimmer.
You can make the light brighter when you need to see clearly or dimmer when you only need a little light without lighting up the entire room.
44. Check Your Battery Before Leaving for the Day
Before heading out for a full day of sightseeing, check your battery.
How to check your battery
Open Settings.
Tap "Battery."
Review your current battery percentage.
Look at your battery usage if needed.
You can also add the Battery widget to your Home Screen so you can see your battery level quickly.
Your phone is your map, camera, boarding pass, translator, communication device, reservation keeper and emergency tool. A dead phone can turn into a much bigger problem than just missing a few vacation photos.
Carry a portable charger or power bank when you're going to be away from an outlet for long periods.
Your Ultimate iPhone Travel Checklist
Before you leave for your next trip, take a few minutes to go through this list.
Before You Leave Home
Check your flight number.
Know how to access your flight status from Messages, Mail and Notes.
Add your boarding pass to Apple Wallet when available.
Set up your passport-based Digital ID if you're eligible.
Download translation languages.
Download offline maps.
Check your iPhone storage.
Check your camera settings.
Review Location Services.
Turn on Find My.
Set up an AirTag for checked luggage.
Review your Medical ID.
Make sure Emergency SOS is understood.
Turn on Stolen Device Protection.
Check Wi-Fi Calling.
Set up your travel eSIM.
Make sure your travel eSIM is selected for Cellular Data.
Turn off Data Roaming on your primary/home line.
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching if you want to prevent automatic switching.
Review your Passwords app.
Create your travel note.
Create your packing checklist.
Set up your Travel Focus.
Charge your phone.
Pack a portable charger.
While You're Traveling
Remember that your iPhone can help you:
Check flight status
Translate text
Translate conversations
Translate menus
Translate photos
Convert currency
Navigate
Access boarding passes
Use supported digital hotel keys
Verify your identity with Digital ID
Share your location
Find your devices
Track your luggage
Scan documents
Store travel information
Communicate hands-free
Manage your schedule
Protect your information
Use a travel eSIM for cellular data
One Last Travel Tip
The best time to learn these features is before you're standing in an airport, trying to find your gate, translate a menu, locate your luggage or figure out what something costs.
Take 15 or 20 minutes before your next trip and set up the features that make sense for you.
You don't need to use all of them. But knowing what your iPhone can already do can mean fewer apps, less searching and a much easier travel day.
And remember: technology is a tool, not a replacement for good travel preparation. Keep your important documents backed up, carry the physical documents you actually need, know your airline's requirements and make sure you have access to your essential information even if your phone isn't available.
More Travel Resources From Alleeways Travel
Always check AlleewaysTravel.com/resources for additional travel guides, destination information, travel tips and helpful resources for your next trip.
We would love to help you with any of your travel needs.
Alleeways Travel is a full-service travel agency offering complimentary booking for accommodations, transportation, excursions and day trips, cruises, travel insurance and more.
Our complimentary booking service does not cost you more than booking directly. You get our expertise and support without an added booking fee, along with a visual travel itinerary that keeps your trip details organized in one place.
We save you the time and stress of searching through countless options to find the right accommodations, transportation, activities, and experiences for your trip. We research the options, compare what makes the most sense for your needs, and look for the best available rates and options
so you don't have to.
We also have direct lines of communication with hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, and other travel providers, allowing us to handle questions or issues on your behalf before, during, and even after your trip.
You get the convenience of having a travel advisor in your corner, personalized expertise, and support throughout your journey — without paying more than you would when booking directly.
Nikol Allee
Alleeways Travel
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