How to restore an iconic lock screen feature Apple removed from iPhones in 2022.
Apple has a long history of quietly removing features that many of its users love. The moves are often in the name of 'streamlining' the user experience or making room for new functionality.
Over the years, we've seen the tech giant eliminate things like the headphone jack to the beloved home button. Now, if you're someone who constantly listens to Spotify music or podcasts on your iPhone, you'll likely know which feature we're referring to that's made a return.
What feature did Apple remove?
When playing audio on your Apple device, users can adjust the volume on the side. But, in doing so, you could potentially leave yourself in a 'slightly too loud' and 'a bit too quiet' muddle.
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What used to solve this problem was a handy volume slider that appeared right on your Lock Screen, giving you precise control without having to unlock your device.
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Since its removal in 2022, iPhone users have been taking to social media, asking the community if there's 'any way to get it back?'
The responses have been pretty telling, with tonnes of users saying they 'missed' the feature and hoping with every iOS update that Apple would bring it back.
Why did Apple remove the volume bar?
Apple quietly removed the Lock Screen volume bar when they released iOS 16 back in 2022. However, the tech giant listened to feedback and with iOS 18.2, the feature made a sweet return.
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It's not automatically enabled, but if you keep your device updated with the latest iOS release, you can restore this beloved feature on your iPhone's Lock Screen.
How to bring back the volume slider
Getting the precise volume control back on your Lock Screen is actually pretty straightforward.
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Here's how to do it:
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Open Settings > Tap Accessibility > Tap Audio & Visual under Hearing > Tap the toggle next to Always Show Volume Control.
And boom! The next time you're working out at the gym or commuting on the bus, you can fine-tune your volume using the slider right on your Lock Screen, without needing to unlock your phone.
The reaction from the iPhone community has been overwhelmingly positive since the feature's comeback. On another Reddit forum, comments from iPhone users have been filled with gratitude, saying: "Bro, just saved my life, thank you," and "Omg, thank god!! I hate using the buttons".
Another added: "Yes! Happy to see this making a comeback".
Others hadn't even noticed the Volume Slider disappeared in the first place, writing: "I didn’t even realize we lost it, but I guess I should have noticed sooner".