Handy Phone Features Can Save You Holiday Time

Holidays should be about relaxation and fun, not endless fiddling with gadgets. Fortunately, modern smartphones hide a handful of shortcuts that can streamline everyday tasks, letting you spend more quality time with family and friends.

Effortlessly Share Your Wi‑Fi with Guests

Instead of writing down passwords or repeating the same code, use your phone’s built‑in Wi‑Fi sharing feature. On most Android devices, simply go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi‑Fi → QR code and display the code on your screen. iPhone users can tap Settings → Wi‑Fi → Share Password while a connected device is nearby. A quick scan with the guest’s phone connects them instantly, keeping the network secure and the conversation flowing.

Wrangle Your To‑Do List in Seconds

Voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Siri, or Bixby can add tasks without you lifting a finger. Just say, “Hey Siri, add ‘buy groceries’ to my reminders,” and the item appears in your list. For a more visual approach, use the Quick Capture widget on Android or the Today View on iOS to jot down tasks with a single tap. Sync these lists across devices, and you’ll never miss a deadline while still enjoying the holiday vibe.

Decide What to Do with Family and Friends Faster

Group decision‑making can be a hassle, but a few phone tricks can settle it quickly. Create a poll in your favorite messaging app (WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage) and let everyone vote on dinner spots, movie choices, or activity plans. Alternatively, use the Calendar app’s “Find a Time” feature to spot overlapping free slots, then send a single invitation with all the details. The result? Less debate, more fun.

By mastering these simple shortcuts, you’ll shave minutes—or even hours—off routine chores, giving you more room to relax, explore, and cherish the moments that truly matter during the holiday season.