---
title: Tips & Tricks for the iPhone
layout: default
created: 2009-05-05 00:54:50 +0200
updated: 2010-04-20 23:56:17 +0200
toc: false
tags:
  - know-how
  - hardware
  - apple
  - iphone
  - tipsntricks
---
Mark mail as unread
===================

There's a somewhat hidden way to mark messages as "unread" in the mail app: When viewing a mail,
touch the **Details** link in the upper right. Then find the **Mark as unread** link below the subject.


Access Network Monitor
======================

If you like to see the reception status of all the cells you're receiving, type the following code on
the dialpad and press the dial button: **`*3001#12345#*`**


Recover from Recovery Mode loop
===============================

If you try to update the firmware, you might be stuck in the *"Connect to iTunes"*-recovery mode although you didn't
change any bit of the firmware (e.g. because of some freakin' errors of iTunes). You now have the choice between a
long firmware+backup restore - or get your iPhone back running in about 30 seconds. The procedure is described
at [ihackintosh.com](http://www.ihackintosh.com/2009/09/recover-iphone-3gs-from-apple-logo-or-recovery-mode-loop/). Do
yourself a favor and **don't try it in Windows**. Installing `libusb` there broke something and after a reboot of
Windows, all USB devices didn't work and hat yellow exclamation marks in the Windows device manager. Under Linux,
it's easy as pie. These instructions are for Ubuntu:

  - get [iRecovery](http://github.com/westbaer/irecovery) source code and install [build-essential](apt://build-essential) as well as [libusb-dev](apt://libusb-dev)
  - compile *iRecovery*
  - get the iPhone into recovery mode:
    * switch it completely off, disconnect all cables
    * hold down the ▢ Home button
    * keep the button down while connecting it to the PC
    * wait until the *"Connect to iTunes"* logo appears, then release the ▢ Home button
  - now run: `./irecovery -s`
  - wait for the prompt (`]`) and enter the following commands: (if `fsboot` doesn't do anything, type `reboot`)  
{% highlight text %}
] setenv auto-boot true
] saveenv
] fsboot
{% endhighlight %}
  - your iPhone should now boot normally