Mastering iOS 16: How to Control Nearby Devices Using Your iPhone

Introduction

The ability to control nearby devices with an iPhone is a new feature introduced by Apple in iOS 16. This feature is frequently overlooked, but it can be extremely useful for those with mobility issues or who have multiple Apple devices scattered throughout their home.

Users can easily control their devices using their iPhone by connecting all of their devices to the same iCloud account. This feature is accessed by speaking to Siri and interacting with all of the devices at the same time.

This feature can be a game changer, whether it's pausing a video on an iPad Pro or controlling multiple devices at once. Users can enable it by following the simple steps outlined in the iPhone's settings.

Controlling nearby devices on iPhone can be extremely useful, especially if you own multiple Apple devices. You can easily connect and control nearby devices, such as Apple TVs, HomePods, and other iPhones or iPads, with just a few simple steps.

Here's how to use your iPhone to control nearby devices:

1. First, ensure that you are signed in to iCloud on all of the devices you want to connect. This ensures that they are all linked to the same iCloud account, which is required for the devices to communicate.

2, On your iPhone, open the Settings app and select Accessibility.

3. Scroll down until you find and tap on the Control Nearby Devices option.

4. You should now see a list of nearby compatible devices. Choose the device you want to control.

5. Once you've chosen the device, you can manage and control it remotely using a variety of on-screen controls. You can, for example, play music or videos, adjust the volume, launch apps, or issue voice commands to Siri.

Advanced features

In addition to the basic controls, you can access several advanced features by customising your control centre. This enables you to create shortcuts for your most frequently performed actions, allowing you to access them quickly and easily.

Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls to customise your control centre. You can add or remove specific controls, reorder them, and select which ones appear in your control centre from here.

Other iPhone tips and tricks for controlling nearby devices include:

• Control your HomeKit-enabled devices, such as smart lights, thermostats, and security cameras, using the Home app.

• If you're streaming content from your iPhone to another device via AirPlay, you can also use Control Center to manage playback, adjust volume, and control other settings.

• You can also use your Apple Watch to control nearby devices by using the Now Playing app or Siri if you have one.

Conclusion

To summarise, controlling nearby iPhone devices is a simple and intuitive process that can make your life easier and more convenient. You can connect and manage multiple devices, customise your controls, and access advanced features that can improve your overall user experience with just a few taps.