iPhone and iOS problem solvers: My must-have utilities (and many are free)

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  • Overcome annoyances and solve problems

    Overcome annoyances and solve problems

    iOS comes with plenty of awesome built-in apps, but sometimes... I want more. When I need to diagnose a network problem, connect to business systems, capture a document, keep an eye on my puppy, type faster, and even stay dry -- there's an app in this collection that will come to my rescue.

    Photo by: Apple / GraphicStock

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Use your iPhone as a mouse and trackpad

    Use your iPhone as a mouse and trackpad

    Don't have a mouse or trackpad handy? Want to control your Mac or PC from a distance? Want to dictate text into your Mac without an attached mic? Remote Mouse is your friend. It also has a tiny keyboard, so it works great from the couch.

    Photo by: YANG TIAN JIAO

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Put a toolbox in your pocket

    Put a toolbox in your pocket

    Smart Tools Pro comes with a bunch of useful tools. I particularly value the angle measuring tool and the level, the sound meter, and -- although not that accurate -- the distance measuring tool. Great to always have with you.

    Photo by: Antony Mathew

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Compose text faster

    Compose text faster

    I got addicted to using finger flow (dragging a finger along a keyboard) as a way of fast typing on Android. When Swiftkey came to the iPhone, I jumped at it. It's just a way better keyboard that saves time.

    Photo by: Swiftkey

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Test your Wi-Fi signal strength

    Test your Wi-Fi signal strength

    If you're having problems with your Wi-Fi, it might be that your signal is low. To tell where you have a strong signal and where your signal is weak, try the Network Multimeter.

    Photo by: Jackson Software

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Send or receive a fax from your phone

    Send or receive a fax from your phone

    I only use this a few times a year, but when I need it, I need it, and it's a life saver. You can use the share pane to output most things to a fax with eFax. Yes, there's a service fee, but like I said, if you need it, you need it.

    Photo by: eFax

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Manage your shopping lists and recipes

    Manage your shopping lists and recipes

    Of all the list managers out there, AnyList is definitely among the best. We use it to manage our shopping lists and recipes, and it's a huge help. Plus, you can actually check off items you buy on your watch.

    Photo by: Purple Cover, Inc

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Find all the devices on your network

    Find all the devices on your network

    Need to find out the IP address for a device on your network? Want to know what's connecting to your LAN? Fing is the go-to tool to do just that.

    Photo by: Domotz Ltd

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Determine your network speed

    Determine your network speed

    If you want to find out how fast your network is (along with your Wi-Fi connection), fire up a SpeedTest and you'll have your answer.

    Photo by: Ookla

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Turn your phone camera into a pro tool

    Turn your phone camera into a pro tool

    I use FILMiC to do many of my videos. I like the control it gives me, including manual image controls. I also like how I can control my cameras remotely on my iPhone and my Watch.

    Photo by: FILMiC

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Call and text without giving out your private number

    Call and text without giving out your private number

    This is another tool I use rarely, but when I need it, I need it. Burner lets you create temporary phone numbers, so you can call and get called (as well as text) without giving out your private number.

    Photo by: Ad Hoc Labs, Inc

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Capture prints and documents without glare

    Capture prints and documents without glare

    It's hard to capture a well-lit print or document without glare. PhotoScan from Google does it by taking multiple pictures from various angles and stitching them together.

    Photo by: Google

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Improve your podcast listening experience

    Improve your podcast listening experience

    I love to listen to podcasts while driving. Overcast makes downloading and subscribing easy. Plus, it also improves the listening experience with some helpful management tools.

    Photo by: Overcast Radio, LLC

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Use old iPhones as baby, puppy, and kitten monitors

    Use old iPhones as baby, puppy, and kitten monitors

    When we're out, we're always thinking about our puppy. With Cloud Baby Monitor, we can open up a window and see how he's doing (usually he's sound asleep). We can also talk to him from anywhere.

    Photo by: Martin Man

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Use augmented reality to create a floorplan

    Use augmented reality to create a floorplan

    It's... not perfect. But MagicPlan can help you create a floor plan using the iPhone's camera and some basic sensor capabilities. Don't rely on it alone for critical measures, but it's a good, quick tool for some things.

    Photo by: Sensopia

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Find out if you're going to get drenched

    Find out if you're going to get drenched

    If you ride a motorcycle, walk the dog, ride a bike, or a dune buggy, it's often really important to know whether the weather is going to get you. RadarScope can show you what's happening right now.

    Photo by: Base Velocity, LLC

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

  • Quickly scan in business cards and receipts

    Quickly scan in business cards and receipts

    What I like most about Scannable is that it can tell when your document is in view and automatically takes a scan. I find it quick and easy to capture a pile of cards into my phone with very clear images.

    Photo by: Evernote

    Caption by: David Gewirtz

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Your phone is your constant companion, but sometimes it needs to do more. These are my 16 go-to tools for eliminating annoyances and solving problems when I'm out and about.

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Overcome annoyances and solve problems

iOS comes with plenty of awesome built-in apps, but sometimes... I want more. When I need to diagnose a network problem, connect to business systems, capture a document, keep an eye on my puppy, type faster, and even stay dry -- there's an app in this collection that will come to my rescue.

Caption by: David Gewirtz

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