27 Tips and Tricks for iPad Air M3: Hidden Features, Unlock Your Tablet's Full Potential

The iPad Air M3 is more than just a tablet—it’s a powerful tool for school, creativity, and entertainment. But unlocking its full potential requires knowing the right tips and tricks.

Whether you’re using it for homework, drawing, gaming, or streaming, this guide will walk you through 27 essential tips to turn your iPad into a productivity powerhouse. Let’s get started!

Hardware Features & Accessories

Your iPad’s hardware is packed with hidden features. Here’s how to use them:

1. Charge Other Devices with the USB-C Port
The USB-C port isn’t just for charging your iPad—it can power up your iPhone, Apple Watch, or even a portable fan!

  • How to do it: Plug a USB-C cable into your iPad and connect it to another device.
  • Why it’s cool: Perfect for emergencies when your phone’s battery is low.
  • Pro tip: Use a USB-C to Lightning adapter for older iPhones.

2. Use the Front Camera Like a Pro
The front camera is now at the top in landscape mode, making video calls look natural.

  • Disable Center Stage: Swipe down for Control Center > Tap the video icon > Turn off Center Stage if you don’t want the camera to follow you.
  • Portrait Mode: Blur your background during calls for a professional look.

3. Unlock with Touch ID
Forget typing passwords! The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner.

  • Set it up: Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Follow the prompts.
  • Use it: Lightly press the power button to unlock your iPad or approve app downloads.

4. Connect to a TV or Monitor
Turn your iPad into a mini computer by connecting it to a bigger screen.

  • How: Use a USB-C to HDMI cable or a wireless adapter.
  • Great for: Presenting school projects or watching movies on a TV.

5. Master the Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard turns your iPad into a laptop.

  • Features: Backlit keys, trackpad, and a floating design.
  • Pro tip: Press Globe + Q to open Spotlight Search instantly.

Software & Customization

Make your iPad work your way with these software hacks:

6. Customize Control Center
Add shortcuts to tools you use daily, like Screen Recording or Low Power Mode.

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner.
  2. Tap Edit.
  3. Drag your favorite tools (e.g., Timer, Voice Memos) into the menu.
  4. Example: Add Screen Recording to capture gameplay or video calls.

7. Organize Your Home Screen
Declutter your apps and widgets for a cleaner look.

  • Resize apps: Long-press an app > Tap Edit Home Screen > Choose small or large icons.
  • Add widgets: Long-press the background > Tap + > Add Weather, Calendar, or Reminders.
  • Blur wallpaper: Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Toggle Blur.

8. Multitask Like a Boss
Split your screen between two apps or float a third.

  • Split View: Drag an app to the left or right edge.
  • Slide Over: Swipe up from the bottom to open a floating window (e.g., Messages while watching YouTube).

9. Use Safari’s Reader Mode
Remove ads and distractions from articles.

  1. Tap the AA icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Show Reader View.
  3. Bonus: Adjust text size and background color for easier reading.

10. Listen to Articles
Let your iPad read articles aloud while you multitask.

  1. Tap the AA icon in Safari.
  2. Choose Listen to Page.
  3. Adjust speed: Tap the playback controls to speed up or slow down.

Apple Intelligence & Productivity

The M3 chip’s AI features make your iPad smarter than ever:

11. Rewrite Essays with AI
Turn rough drafts into polished work using Writing Tools.

  1. Highlight text in Notes or Mail.
  2. Tap Rewrite and choose a tone (Friendly, Professional, Concise).
  3. Example: “The cat sat on the mat” becomes “The fluffy feline lounged elegantly on the woven rug.”

12. Create Art with Image Playground
Generate stickers, logos, or illustrations using AI.

  1. Open the Image Playground app.
  2. Type a prompt (e.g., “robot playing basketball”).
  3. Pick a style (Sketch, Animation, Realistic).
  4. Pro tip: Save images to use in presentations or social media.

13. Clean Up Photos
Remove photobombers or clutter from your pictures.

  1. Open a photo in Photos.
  2. Tap Edit > Clean Up.
  3. Circle objects to delete them.
  4. Why it’s great: Fix group photos or messy backgrounds in seconds.

14. Transcribe Voice Memos
Turn recorded lectures or interviews into text.

  1. Open Voice Memos > Select a recording.
  2. Tap Transcript to see the text.
  3. Bonus: Search for keywords (e.g., “homework”) to find important sections.

15. Ask Siri + ChatGPT
Combine Siri with ChatGPT for advanced help.

  1. Hold the power button to activate Siri.
  2. Say, “Ask ChatGPT…” followed by your question.
  3. Example: “Ask ChatGPT to explain photosynthesis.”

Setup & Settings

Optimize your iPad’s performance with these tweaks:

16. Adjust Text Size
Make text easier to read for long study sessions.

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
  2. Toggle Larger Text and adjust the slider.

17. Save Battery Life
Extend battery life during busy days.

  • Low Power Mode: Swipe down for Control Center > Tap the battery icon.
  • Reduce brightness: Swipe down for Control Center > Drag the brightness slider down.

18. Set Up a VPN
Protect your data on public Wi-Fi (e.g., at school or cafes).

  1. Download a VPN app like Surfshark.
  2. Follow the setup instructions.
  3. Why it matters: A VPN hides your online activity from hackers. For more security tips, see our iPad Air M3 performance review.

19. Turn on Automatic Updates
Keep your iPad secure and running smoothly.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Tap Automatic Updates > Toggle on Download iOS Updates.

Pro Tips & Hidden Features

Become an iPad expert with these advanced tricks:

20. Quick Notes
Jot down ideas without unlocking your iPad.

  • How: Swipe up from the bottom-right corner with your Apple Pencil.
  • Bonus: Tap Scan Documents to add textbook pages directly to your notes.

21. Copy Subjects from Photos
Isolate people, pets, or objects from images.

  1. Long-press a subject in Photos.
  2. Tap Copy Subject to paste it into Notes or Keynote.
  3. Great for: School posters or digital art.

22. Handwriting to Text
Convert messy notes into typed text.

  1. Write with the Apple Pencil in Notes.
  2. Tap Scratch (the squiggly line icon) to convert.
  3. Tip: Works best with print (not cursive).

23. Hidden Trackpad Mode
Turn your keyboard into a trackpad for precise editing.

  • How: Press and hold the spacebar with two fingers.
  • Use it: Move the cursor to fix typos or select text.

Accessories & Alternatives

Save money without sacrificing quality:

24. Logitech Crayon vs. Apple Pencil

Feature Apple Pencil Logitech Crayon
Price $129 $69
Tilt Support Yes Yes
Pressure Sensitivity Yes No
Best For Artists, note-takers Students, casual users

25. Use a $20 Stylus
Basic styluses work for notes and doodling.

  • Look for: Palm rejection, USB-C charging.
  • Example: The Adonit Mark works with most apps.

26. Smart Folio Case
Protect your iPad and wake it instantly when opened.

  • Styles: Choose from colors like purple, blue, or space gray.

Creative & Professional Use

Unlock advanced tools for school or hobbies:

27. Edit Videos with Final Cut Pro
Trim clips, add effects, and export projects directly from your iPad.

  1. Download Final Cut Pro from the App Store.
  2. Import footage from Photos or Files.
  3. Pro tip: Use the Apple Pencil to fine-tune edits.

FAQ: 5 Common Questions About the iPad Air M3

1. Can I really charge my iPhone with the iPad Air M3?

Yes! The USB-C port lets you charge smaller devices like iPhones, AirPods, or Apple Watches. Just plug in a USB-C cable (or use an adapter for older devices). Keep in mind this drains your iPad’s battery faster, so use Low Power Mode if you need to save power.

2. How do I stop the camera from following me during video calls?

The front camera’s Center Stage feature can be turned off:

  1. Swipe down for Control Center.
  2. Tap the video icon (looks like a camera).
  3. Toggle off Center Stage.
    Now the camera stays fixed, like a traditional webcam.

3. Do I need the Apple Pencil, or are cheaper styluses okay?

It depends on what you’re doing:

  • Apple Pencil (2nd gen): Best for artists (pressure sensitivity, tilt support).
  • Logitech Crayon: Great for notes and casual drawing (half the price).
  • $20 stylus: Works for basic tasks like tapping buttons or signing documents.

4. How do I split the screen between two apps?

Use Split View:

  1. Open the first app.
  2. Swipe up from the bottom to see the Dock.
  3. Drag a second app to the left or right edge of the screen.
  4. Adjust the divider to resize the windows.
    Perfect for taking notes while watching a lecture!

5. Can I use AI to create images on the iPad Air M3?

Yes! The Image Playground app lets you generate art with text prompts:

  1. Open the app and type a description (e.g., “astronaut dog”).
  2. Choose a style (Sketch, Animation, etc.).
  3. Save or share your creation.
    No extra cost—it’s built into iPadOS 18!

Conclusion
The iPad Air M3 is a versatile tool for school, creativity, and everyday tasks. With these tips and tricks, you can customize it to fit your needs, whether you’re editing videos, taking notes, or just having fun. If you’re still curious about its performance or display quality, check out our detailed iPad Air M3 review.