iPhone XS Max Tips and Tricks

The iPhone XS Max, released in 2018, is still a capable device, and this guide covers the most useful tips and tricks to get more out of it. You’ll learn how to master the camera, extend battery life, use hidden gestures, and fix common problems.

Getting Started: Essential Gestures and Buttons

Unlike older iPhones with a Home button, the XS Max relies on gestures. If you’re new to this, the learning curve is short but essential.

Go Home: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
App Switcher: Swipe up and pause, or swipe right along the bottom edge (the Home indicator) to cycle through recent apps.
Screenshot: Press the Side button (right) and Volume Up simultaneously.
Force Restart: Press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This is different from older models and is crucial for fixing frozen screens.
Apple Pay / Siri: Double-click the Side button for Apple Pay; press and hold it for Siri.

Camera Tricks: Beyond the Basic Shutter

The dual 12MP camera system on the XS Max is still impressive, and a few hidden options can improve your photos.

Quick Take Video: In Photo mode, press and hold the shutter button to record a video. Release to stop. Slide your finger to the right (towards the lock icon) to keep recording hands-free.
Portrait Lighting: After taking a Portrait mode shot, open it in Photos, tap Edit, and adjust the Depth Control slider to change the background blur. You can also swipe through different lighting effects (Studio Light, Contour Light, etc.) to change the mood.
Exposure Lock: Tap and hold on the subject to lock focus and exposure. Then swipe up or down on the screen to manually adjust the brightness. This prevents the exposure from changing when you recompose.
Grid Lines: Go to Settings > Camera and enable Grid to use the rule of thirds for better composition.

Battery Life: Making It Last Longer

Battery health degrades over time. If your XS Max doesn’t last a full day, try these settings.

Low Power Mode: Control Center > Battery icon. This disables background app refresh, automatic downloads, and some visual effects.
Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Turn it off for apps you don’t need to update in the background (e.g., social media, news).
Location Services: Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Check each app and set it to “While Using” instead of “Always”.
Screen Brightness: Reduce brightness in Control Center. Auto-Brightness is on by default, but you can also manually lower it.
Battery Health: Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the Maximum Capacity is below 80%, consider a battery replacement.

Hidden Features: Face ID, Haptic Touch, and More

The XS Max introduced some features that are easy to miss.

Face ID with a Hat or Glasses: Face ID learns your face over time. If it fails, enter your passcode; it will update its stored model. You can also set up an “Alternate Appearance” in Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Haptic Touch: Press and hold on app icons, notifications, or the keyboard to bring up quick actions. On the keyboard, press and hold the space bar to move the cursor like a trackpad.
Reachability: Swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen to bring the top half down for one-handed use. Enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
Screen Recording: Add it to Control Center in Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls. Tap the button to record your screen with audio.
Text Replacement: Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Create shortcuts like “omw” for “On my way!”.

Common Problems and Fixes

Even reliable phones have issues. Here are quick solutions to common XS Max problems.

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Not Working: Toggle them off and on in Control Center. If that fails, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will forget saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Phone Freezing or Lagging: Force restart (Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Side). If it persists, check for iOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
Face ID Not Working: Clean the TrueDepth camera area. If it still fails, reset Face ID in Settings > Face ID & Passcode and set it up again.
Poor Battery Life: Check Settings > Battery to see which apps use the most power. Often a rogue app is the culprit; delete or update it.

Comparisons: Should You Upgrade?

If you’re considering an upgrade, here’s how the XS Max stacks up against newer models.

vs. iPhone 11 Pro Max: The 11 Pro has a faster A13 chip, better battery, and a triple-camera system with Night Mode. The XS Max still has a great OLED screen but lacks Night Mode.
vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max: The 12 Pro adds 5G, MagSafe, and a ceramic shield front. The XS Max is heavier and has a less capable camera in low light.
vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max: The 13 Pro has ProMotion 120Hz display, significantly better battery, and a much improved camera. The XS Max is now several generations behind in performance.

If your XS Max is still in good condition and you don’t need the latest camera or 5G, it can serve you well for another year or two. However, if battery life is poor or you need better low-light photos, upgrading is a clear improvement.

Safety and Maintenance

To keep your XS Max safe and running well:

Use a Case and Screen Protector: The glass back is prone to cracking. A case offers grip and protection.
Keep it Cool: Avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct sunlight. High temperatures can damage the battery.
Clean the Charging Port: If charging is intermittent, gently clean the Lightning port with a soft, dry toothbrush. Do not use metal objects.
Water Resistance: The XS Max is IP68 rated, meaning it can survive splashes and brief submersion. However, this is not a permanent feature and can degrade over time. Avoid swimming with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone XS Max still supported? Yes, it supports iOS 17, which is the latest major version as of late 2024. Apple typically supports devices for 5-6 years, so the XS Max is nearing the end of major updates but still gets security patches.

How do I take a screenshot on the XS Max? Press the Side button and the Volume Up button simultaneously. You’ll see a flash and hear a shutter sound.

Why is my XS Max so slow? This is often due to low storage space or an old battery. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to free up space. Also, check Battery Health; if the maximum capacity is below 80%, the phone may throttle performance.

Can I use wireless charging? Yes, the XS Max supports Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W with a compatible charger. It also supports fast charging with an 18W or higher USB-C adapter, which can charge to 50% in about 30 minutes.

Does the XS Max have a headphone jack? No, it does not. You’ll need to use Lightning headphones or a 3.5mm adapter, or use Bluetooth headphones.

How do I force restart my XS Max? Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo. This is the only way to restart it when it’s unresponsive.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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