How to control Ring/Silent Switch using software only

I have a recurring problem with the Ring / Silent Switch, the mechanical switch on the side of the phone that has a little patch of red paint on it. Two issues:

1. Its state (e.g. Ring or Silent) is not shown on the iPhone screen status bar, or anywhere else on screen. This is a constant annoyance, since a) it's so easy to forget the state of the switch and b) it is not easily seen if you have a case to protect your iPhone. In the real world, when you own a slippery, fragile $1000+ item you take everywhere with you, it's just a matter of time before you drop it or get it wet - so a case is mandatory for me.

2. It is a mechanical switch which is difficult to operate at the best of times, especially when you have a case to protect your phone. It's even worse if the case is waterproof (e.g. Lifeproof Pre), since the button must have a cover that seals it, which is then hard to operate and can't be seen.

Here's the typical scenario:

- you're in a meeting, whatever... you need to silence your phone

- the meeting / show is over 2 hours later and your mind is on other things, so you forget your phone is in Silent mode

- a day or so later you realize you're not hearing any phone calls or texts coming in, so you come to your senses and change the switch (though I can't tell what state it's in because of my case)

After much searching I have found a way to control the switch and see it status using software only:

- set up Assistive Touch by going to Settings / General / Accessibility / Accessibility Shortcut, and selecting AssistiveTouch

- triple click Home button to bring up Assistive Touch 

- click Device / Mute 

- the Assistive Touch button remains always on-screen as a reminder that your device is muted 

- after the event requiring Mute is over, click Assistive Touch on-screen button and click Device / Unmute 

- triple click the Home button to close Assistive Touch

Not perfect but it works. Sometimes I forget to Unmute before I close Assistive Touch, which means my phone is Silent but I don't know that. Sooner or later I realize, and correct it. Otherwise the workaround pretty much solves the problem. Enjoy!