Apple’s iOS is packed with features that make using an iPhone more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable. While many users are familiar with basic functions, iOS includes hidden gems that can enhance your experience. Whether you want to boost productivity, improve security, or customize your device, these hidden iOS tips and tricks will help you unlock your iPhone’s full potential.
Customize the Back Tap Gesture
One of the lesser-known features in iOS is Back Tap, which allows you to trigger actions by tapping the back of your iPhone. To enable it:
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Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch
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Scroll down and select Back Tap
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Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, then assign an action like taking a screenshot, opening the camera, or launching Siri
This shortcut is perfect for quick access to essential functions without navigating through menus.
Use Live Text to Copy and Paste from Images
Live Text is a powerful feature that lets you extract text from images and use it elsewhere. This is great for copying phone numbers, addresses, or notes from a photo:
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Open the Photos app and select an image containing text
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Tap and hold the text until selection handles appear
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Copy and paste it into Messages, Notes, or Safari
You can also use Live Text directly from the Camera app to grab text in real-time.
Quickly Access Hidden Menus with Haptic Touch
Haptic Touch allows you to press and hold app icons or settings to reveal hidden options. Try these shortcuts:
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Press and hold the Wi-Fi icon in Control Center to switch networks without opening Settings
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Long-press an app icon on the home screen for quick actions, such as composing a message in Mail or taking a selfie in Camera
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Hold down the Notes app icon to instantly create a new note, checklist, or scan a document
Enable One-Handed Keyboard for Easier Typing
If you find it difficult to type with one hand, iOS has a one-handed keyboard mode:
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Open the Keyboard in Messages or Notes
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Tap and hold the globe or emoji icon on the bottom left
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Select Left or Right-Handed Keyboard
This shifts the keyboard closer to your thumb, making typing easier on larger iPhones.
Hide Apps Without Deleting Them
You can keep your home screen clutter-free by hiding apps instead of deleting them:
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Press and hold the app icon
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Select Remove App
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Tap Remove from Home Screen
The app will still be available in the App Library, accessible by swiping left past the last home screen page.
Boost Battery Life with Optimized Charging
To extend your iPhone’s battery lifespan, iOS includes an Optimized Battery Charging feature that slows down charging past 80% when plugged in overnight. To enable it:
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Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
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Toggle on Optimized Battery Charging
This feature reduces battery wear over time and helps maintain peak performance.
Unlock Hidden Trackpad Mode for Precise Text Editing
Editing text on an iPhone can be tricky, but iOS has a hidden trackpad for easier navigation:
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Press and hold the space bar on the keyboard
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The keyboard turns into a trackpad
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Move your finger to position the cursor accurately
This is especially useful for editing long messages or documents.
Use Focus Mode to Minimize Distractions
iOS Focus Mode helps you stay productive by filtering notifications based on your current activity:
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Go to Settings > Focus
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Choose from options like Work, Sleep, or Personal
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Customize allowed notifications for each mode
You can also schedule Focus Modes to activate automatically at certain times or locations.
Scan Documents Directly with the Notes App
No need for a separate scanning app—your iPhone’s Notes app has a built-in document scanner:
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Open Notes and create a new note
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Tap the camera icon and select Scan Documents
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Capture the document, adjust the corners, and save it
This feature is great for digitizing receipts, contracts, or handwritten notes.
Enhance Privacy with App Tracking Transparency
iOS allows you to control which apps can track your activity across other apps and websites:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
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Tap Tracking
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Toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track
This prevents apps from collecting your data for targeted ads, improving your privacy.
Final Thoughts
iOS is packed with hidden features that can improve productivity, security, and usability. Whether you’re using Live Text, Back Tap, or the hidden trackpad mode, these tips help you get the most out of your iPhone. Try them out and customize your device for a smoother and more efficient experience.
Would you like more advanced iOS tricks or recommendations for the best apps to enhance your experience?
