March 27, 2025

25 Tips and Tricks for iPad Pro M4 (2025): Get the Most Out of Your New Tablet!

So, you just got your brand-new iPad Pro M4 (2025)—congrats! 🎉 This powerful tablet is packed with amazing features, but are you using it to its full potential?

Whether you're a student, artist, or professional, these 25 must-know tips and tricks will help you master your iPad Pro M4 like a pro. Let’s dive in!

1. Take Screenshots Without Buttons (Apple Pencil Trick)

Instead of pressing Volume Up + Power, just swipe from the bottom corner with your finger or Apple Pencil to take a screenshot instantly.

How to enable it:

Go to Settings > Multitask & Gestures
Turn on "Swipe from Corner"
Choose left for screenshots and right for Quick Notes

2. Minimize the Keyboard for One-Hand Typing

Using your iPad in landscape mode? Pinch the keyboard with two fingers to shrink it for easier one-handed typing. Reverse the pinch to bring it back to full size.

3. Scan Documents Like a Pro

The Files app now has professional scanning with shadow removal for crisp, clear scans.

How to scan:

Open Files > iCloud
Long-press a blank area → Scan Documents
Hold your iPad over the paper, and it automatically detects edges

4. Save Battery with Attention Awareness

The iPad Pro M4 has a 120Hz ProMotion display, but it can drain battery fast.

Enable this to save power:

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
Turn on "Attention Awareness"
Now, if you’re not looking at the screen, it drops to 10Hz to save battery.

5. Keep Your iPad Always On (Like a Laptop)

If you use your iPad for work, you might want it to stay awake longer.

How to change auto-lock:

Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock
Select "Never" (or a longer time)

Now, just press the Escape key on your Magic Keyboard to lock it manually.

6. Reduce Distractions – Turn Off Notifications

If you already get notifications on your iPhone or Apple Watch, you don’t need them on your iPad too.

How to disable them:

Go to Settings > Notifications
Turn off apps you don’t need alerts from (like Game Center, Messages, etc.)

Keep important emails front and center with the Mail widget.

How to set it up:

Long-press the home screen → Tap "+" → Add Mail widget
Tap "Edit Widget" → Choose "VIP"
Now, only priority emails show up!

8. Stop Apps from Cluttering Your Home Screen

New apps automatically go to your App Library, keeping your home screen clean.

How to enable it:

Go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library
Select "App Library Only" for new downloads

Now, apps stay organized in the App Library until you manually add them.

9. Type to Siri (No Talking Needed)

In public places? Type your Siri requests instead of speaking.

How to enable it:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Siri
Turn on "Type to Siri"

Now, hold Globe + S on the Magic Keyboard to type your requests.

10. Adjust Text Size for Better Readability

Make text bigger or smaller depending on your needs.

How to change it:

Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size
Or, press Command + Plus/Minus while using the Magic Keyboard

11. Show Favorites Bar in Safari

Quickly access your favorite websites in Safari.

How to enable it:

Go to Settings > Safari
Turn on "Show Favorites Bar"

Now, your top sites appear just below the address bar.

12. Preview Links Before Clicking

Hover over a link to see a preview before opening it.

How to enable it:

Go to Settings > Safari
Turn on "Show Link Previews"

Great for avoiding sketchy websites!

13. Add Websites to Your Home Screen

Turn frequently visited sites into home screen icons (like apps).

How to do it:

Open the site in Safari
Tap the Share button (↑ arrow) → "Add to Home Screen"
Name it and tap "Add"

Now, it acts like a standalone app!

14. Change Your Default Browser

Prefer Chrome, Edge, or Firefox? Set it as your default.

How to change it:

Go to Settings > [Browser Name] > Default Browser
Select your preferred browser

15. Master Drag & Drop for Multitasking

The iPad Pro M4 is perfect for multitasking.

How to use it:

Open two apps in Split View
Drag text, images, or files between them
Use three-finger pinch to copy and spread to paste

16. Quickly Exit Apps with Gestures

Pinch with five fingers to go home
Swipe up and hold for multitasking view

17. Control Center Shortcuts

Access Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more without unlocking your iPad.

How to customize it:

Go to Settings > Control Center
Add Screen Recording, Low Power Mode, etc.

18. Lock Down Your iPad from Thieves

Prevent thieves from turning off Find My iPad.

How to secure it:

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
Turn off "Control Center on Lock Screen"

Now, they can’t disable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi without your passcode.

19. Hide Message Previews on Lock Screen

Keep your texts private when your iPad is locked.

How to enable it:

Go to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews
Select "When Unlocked"

20. Customize Pointer Speed & Color

Using a Magic Keyboard or mouse? Adjust the pointer for better control.

How to change it:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control
Adjust size, color, and scroll speed

21. Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

Hold the Command (⌘) key to see all available shortcuts.

Popular ones:

⌘ + H → Go Home
⌘ + Space → Search
⌘ + Tab → Switch Apps

22. Create Focus Mode Widgets

Quickly toggle Work, Gaming, or Sleep Mode from your home screen.

How to set it up:

Open Shortcuts app
Tap "+" → Add Action → "Set Focus"
Choose Work, Gaming, etc.
Add to Home Screen as a widget

Now, tap the widget to turn modes on/off instantly.

23. Use Stage Manager for Desktop-Like Multitasking

Open multiple resizable windows like a computer.

How to enable it:

Swipe down from the top-right for Control Center
Tap Stage Manager

24. Secure Deleted Files with Hidden Folder

Keep sensitive files out of the "Recently Deleted" folder.

How to hide them:

In Files app, select a file → "Hide"
Access hidden files in "Browse > Locations > Hidden"

25. Enable Low Power Mode for Extra Battery

Extend battery life when you’re running low.

How to turn it on:

Go to Control Center
Tap the Battery icon → Low Power Mode

FAQ: iPad Pro M4 (2025) – Your Questions Answered!

1. How do I take a screenshot without pressing buttons?

You can swipe from the bottom corner of the screen (left for screenshots, right for Quick Notes). Enable this in:
Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Swipe from Corner.

2. Can I change the default web browser on my iPad Pro M4?

Yes! Go to:
Settings > [Browser Name] > Default Browser App
Select Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.

3. How do I stop apps from cluttering my home screen?

Set new apps to install only in the App Library:
Settings > Home Screen & App Library > New Downloads > App Library Only.

4. How can I save battery life on my iPad Pro M4?

Enable Attention Awareness (Settings > Face ID & Passcode)
Turn on Low Power Mode (Control Center > Battery Icon)
Reduce screen brightness & auto-lock time

5. Can I use my iPad Pro like a laptop with a mouse?

Yes! Connect a Bluetooth mouse or Magic Keyboard and customize pointer settings in:
Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control.

Conclusion: Master Your iPad Pro M4 Like a Pro!

The iPad Pro M4 (2025) is more than just a tablet—it’s a powerful workstation, creative studio, and entertainment hub all in one. With these 25 essential tips and tricks, you can unlock its full potential and make your workflow smoother, faster, and more efficient.

From quick gestures like swipe-to-screenshot to pro-level multitasking with Stage Manager, these features help you get the most out of Apple’s most advanced iPad yet. Whether you’re a student, artist, or business professional, these optimizations will save you time and boost productivity.

Now, go ahead and supercharge your iPad Pro M4 experience! 🎉