Introduction
iPhones are packed with features, but did you know Apple hides many of its most powerful tools in plain sight? From productivity hacks to secret accessibility options, these hidden iPhone features can change the way you use your device daily. If you think you know your iPhone inside out, think again—these tips might surprise you.
In this guide, we’ll explore lesser-known iPhone functions that save time, enhance performance, and make your smartphone smarter.
Hidden iPhone Features You Should Try
1. Back Tap Shortcuts (iOS 14+)
What it does: Allows you to double or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to trigger actions like taking screenshots, opening apps, or running shortcuts.
How to enable:
- Open Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Assign an action from the list or a custom shortcut.
Use case: Quickly turn on the flashlight without unlocking your phone or open your favorite app in seconds.
Benefits:
- Fast access to frequent tasks
- Highly customizable
- No extra apps needed
2. Hidden Trackpad in Keyboard
What it does: Turns your keyboard into a trackpad for precise text selection and cursor movement.
How to use:
- On iPhones with 3D Touch: Press firmly on the keyboard.
- On newer models: Hold the spacebar and drag your finger to move the cursor.
Example: Editing long emails or documents becomes faster and more accurate.
Pros:
- Makes text editing effortless
- Reduces typing errors
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for beginners
3. Customize Control Center
What it does: Adds or removes shortcuts like Low Power Mode, Screen Recording, or Wallet access.
How to enable:
- Go to Settings → Control Center → Customize Controls.
- Add or remove actions based on your usage.
Pro tip: Add Hearing → Sound Recognition to detect alarms or baby cries automatically.
4. Hidden Camera Features
a) QuickTake Video
- Press and hold the shutter button in Photo mode to record video instantly.
- Works even if your phone is locked via Camera widget.
b) Grid Lines
- Go to Settings → Camera → Grid to align shots perfectly.
- Ideal for photography enthusiasts or social media posts.
c) Portrait Lighting Control
- Adjust lighting effects after taking portrait photos for professional-looking results.
Benefits:
- Improves photo quality
- Adds creative control without third-party apps
5. One-Handed Keyboard Mode
What it does: Shrinks the keyboard to one side for easier typing on larger iPhones.
How to activate:
- Press and hold the emoji/globe icon on the keyboard.
- Select Left or Right keyboard layout.
Use case: Ideal for texting while holding coffee or commuting.
6. Hidden Accessibility Features
- Magnifier: Turns your camera into a magnifying glass (Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier).
- Sound Recognition: Alerts you when specific sounds occur (doorbell, siren).
- AssistiveTouch: Creates a floating menu for gestures like pinch, swipe, or multi-finger tap.
Benefits:
- Enhances usability for everyone
- Improves safety and convenience
7. Live Text in Photos (iOS 15+)
What it does: Recognizes text in your photos or screenshots, allowing you to copy, paste, or translate it.
Example: Snap a photo of a restaurant menu and instantly copy the text to notes or translate it into another language.
Pros:
- Saves time from manual typing
- Works with multiple languages
8. Hidden Safari Tricks
- Pin Tabs: Keep important tabs open permanently.
- Pull Down to Refresh: Quickly reload pages.
- Reader Mode: Removes ads and clutter for better reading.
- Search Web from Text Selection: Highlight any text, tap Share → Search Web.
Use case: Great for students, researchers, and heavy web users.
9. Customizing Notifications
- Scheduled Summary: Groups non-urgent notifications and delivers them at convenient times (Settings → Notifications → Scheduled Summary).
- Time-Sensitive Notifications: Ensures important alerts come immediately.
Benefit: Reduces notification fatigue and improves focus.
10. Hidden Battery & Performance Tips
- Optimized Battery Charging: Extends battery lifespan (Settings → Battery → Battery Health).
- Low Power Mode: Reduces background activity to conserve battery.
- Check App Battery Usage: Identify apps draining power (Settings → Battery).
Extra tip: Enable Background App Refresh selectively to improve battery life.
Pros & Cons of Using Hidden iPhone Features
Pros:
- Unlocks full potential of your iPhone
- Improves productivity and efficiency
- Enhances accessibility and personalization
- Often no additional apps required
Cons:
- Some features may require latest iOS updates
- Learning curve for less tech-savvy users
- Certain features may drain battery if overused
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1: Do all iPhones have these hidden features?
Most features work on iPhones running iOS 14 or later, though some may be exclusive to newer models.
Q2: Can I customize Back Tap actions for apps not listed?
Yes, by using the Shortcuts app, you can create custom actions for almost any app.
Q3: Will using Live Text or Magnifier affect phone performance?
No, these features are optimized for smooth performance, but running many background tasks may slightly impact speed.
Q4: How do I discover other hidden iPhone features?
Regularly check Settings → Accessibility and explore Shortcuts for automation options.
Read more: Browser Hacks: Speed Up Page Loading and Improve Privacy
Conclusion
iPhones are designed with hidden gems that make daily use smarter, faster, and more enjoyable. From Back Tap shortcuts to Live Text and custom Control Center settings, these features can significantly boost productivity and user experience. Regularly exploring your iPhone’s settings ensures you’re leveraging every tool Apple provides.
Whether you’re a casual user or tech enthusiast, mastering these hidden features can transform your iPhone into a truly personalized, powerful device. As Apple continues to release iOS updates, staying informed about new hidden features will keep you one step ahead.
