7 Hidden iOS Features That Will Massively Improve iPhone Gaming (2023)

1. Play games in iOS Messages

As we have already explained, you have many options for playing games on your iPhone. But there are a significant number of titles that tend to get overlooked - the games that can be played through the iOS Messages app. Okay, you won't find a stack of blockbuster games here, but you will discover titles that you can play with friends (which is always better than playing alone).

to enjoy themLaunch the Messages appand eitherstart a new threadorOpen an existing one.Tap the App Store iconin the bottom toolbar andLook for the Play Games on iMessage section.Press Download.To install the game, it will appear in the bottom toolbar. SimplyTap the game iconto open it and if youstart a new game, it appears in the message thread. An invitation will then be sent to your friend when youClick Send.

2. Connect classic controllers

Although you can enjoy iOS games by tapping on the touchscreen, you can get more control with a gamepad. It is possible to connect a current gen console to an iPhone - find outHow to connect a PS5 DualSense controller to your iPhone, for example – but since iOS 16.1, Apple also allows retro pads to connect... as long as they're the modern Bluetooth versions, anyway!

It's really easy so you don't waste your playing time. OnlyLaunch the Settings appAndSelect Bluetooth. After thatPress and hold the pairing buttonon the controller andTap the controller's nameConnect.

3. Charge your iPhone faster

When you play a game, your iPhone will probably use more battery. Play for a long time and your session will probably be interrupted because you need to recharge your device. To avoid long periods of downtime without your game, recharge your batteries as soon as possible. Fortunately, there is a way to reduce the wait.

Go into the Settings appAndSet your iPhone to airplane mode. If you want to continue using your device's Wi-Fi or cellular network, leave airplane mode turned off, but scroll down andTap BatteryAfter thatActivate the power saving modeinstead of this. For the fastest possible charging, enable airplane mode and power saving mode at the same time.

4. Screenshot on iPhone

Why should you record the screen when playing a game? To show off your skills, of course! In fact, there are other reasons as well: recording the screen during a game session is great for creating walkthrough videos for YouTube and showing how to overcome a difficult section. And it's super easy to make.

Play your gameAndOpen Control Centerby swiping down from the top right corner of the screen (or swiping up from the bottom if your iPhone doesn't have FaceID). NowTap the Screen Recording button.and wait three seconds - start the game again. To stop recording, simplyPress the red barat the top left of the screen andPress Stop. And there you go: a video of your game as you play. For more information on adding comments, see the full guide.

5. Disable background refresh

Background refresh is a useful feature. This means apps keep ticking and updating when you're not using them, so you'll always see the latest information when you visit them again. Although the feature also shortens charging time, it still reduces battery life and also affects mobile data.

While you can leave background app refresh enabled for a game if you want to jump right back in and pick up where you left off, you can disable background app refresh for most apps. If you're worried about draining your battery, you can disable background refresh altogether. Whatever you decide, it's easy.

Launch the Settings appAndSelect General. After thatTap Refresh background app. You canTap Refresh background appAndChooseif you wish. Or you canUse the switchesTo prevent individual apps from updating, simply select the ones you don't want to be active in this way.

6. AirPlay games to TV

If you don't want to squint at the small screen of your iPhone and prefer to enjoy your game on the TV, use the AirPlay feature. With it, you can mirror the iPhone screen so that the actions you perform on your device are reflected on the TV.

For this to work, you'll need an Apple TV device or an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same WiFi network. So when the game is the gameGo to the control centerAndSelect "Screen Mirroring"..Select the deviceyou want to stream to (Apple TV or the name of your Smart TV).

7. Clear RAM

You want your games to run flawlessly and quickly. The best way to ensure that your games make the best use of the available resources on your iPhone is to clear RAM (Random Access Memory). When it starts to fill up, it can freeze or slow down, which will be a nightmare when you're about to make that crucial play. Therefore, clear the RAM from time to time, especially if you feel that the performance is not optimal.

To do this,Open the Settings appAndTap Accessibility. After thatSelect "Touch".AndTap Assistive Touch.Turn on Assistive Touch. When the iPhone is unlocked,Press the volume up buttonAndPress the volume down button. NotPress and hold the lock button. When you reach the shutdown menu,Press the circular Assistive Touch buttonto bring up a menu andLong press the Home option.Enter your password.