iPhones are packed with features designed to make life easier, more fun, and more efficient. While many of the iPhone’s capabilities are well-known, there are plenty of hidden gems that most users don’t realize exist. Whether you’re a long-time iPhone user or a recent convert, these hidden iPhone features can help you unlock even more potential from your device. Let’s explore some of the best features that may have slipped under your radar.
1. Back Tap for Quick Actions
The Back Tap feature is a surprisingly useful shortcut that allows you to perform various actions by tapping the back of your iPhone. You can set it to trigger a range of functions, such as taking a screenshot, opening apps, or activating Siri.
How to Enable:
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Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
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Choose from Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign actions like Take Screenshot, Lock Screen, or Mute.
2. Hidden Trackpad for Precise Text Editing
If you’ve ever struggled with moving the cursor precisely in a text field, this feature is a game-changer. By using the keyboard as a trackpad, you can easily place the cursor exactly where you need it.
How to Use:
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Press and hold the spacebar on the keyboard. The entire keyboard will turn into a trackpad, allowing you to move the cursor with ease.
3. Screen Recording with Audio
Did you know that you can record your screen and include audio? This can be handy for creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls.
How to Use:
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Go to Settings > Control Center, then add Screen Recording to your list of included controls.
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Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right (or up from the bottom on older iPhones).
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Tap the record button to start capturing. You can also press and hold the button to turn on microphone audio.
4. Hidden Photos Album for Private Pics
If you want to hide sensitive photos from your main gallery, the Hidden album allows you to store them securely. While not a super high-security option, it provides a bit of privacy.
How to Use:
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Open the Photos app, select the images you want to hide, and tap the Share icon.
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Choose Hide from the options. The photos will move to the Hidden album, which can be found under Albums > Hidden.
5. Instant Translation with Camera
The iPhone’s camera app can instantly translate text using the Live Text feature. You can point your camera at any printed text, and your phone will recognize and translate it in real-time.
How to Use:
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Open the Camera app and focus on the text you want to translate.
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Tap the text that appears in the camera viewfinder, then select the Translate option to see the translation.
6. Hidden Siri Shortcuts for Efficiency
Siri Shortcuts can automate common tasks, but many people don’t realize the extent to which Siri can be customized. You can create complex routines that trigger multiple actions with a single phrase.
How to Set Up:
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Go to Settings > Siri & Search > All Shortcuts to see existing shortcuts or create new ones.
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You can add actions like sending texts, turning on/off smart home devices, and more.
7. Focus Mode for Better Productivity
With Focus Mode, you can limit distractions by customizing which notifications you receive during specific activities (like work, sleep, or personal time).
How to Use:
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Go to Settings > Focus and select a preset or create your own.
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You can customize who can message or call you, and which apps can send notifications while in Focus mode.
8. Set Custom Vibration Patterns for Contacts
Custom vibration patterns allow you to know who’s calling or texting you without looking at your phone. You can assign unique vibrations to specific contacts, so you’ll recognize them by feel.
How to Set Up:
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Open Contacts, select a contact, and tap Edit.
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Scroll down to Vibration and choose from default patterns or create your own by tapping Create New Vibration.
9. QuickNote for Fast Note-Taking
QuickNote lets you quickly create notes on your iPhone, whether you’re browsing the web or in an app. It’s a great tool for jotting down thoughts or saving important information for later.
How to Use:
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To access QuickNote, swipe up from the bottom-right corner of the screen (on iPhone 12 and newer).
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You can write, highlight text, and even add links to your QuickNote.
10. Customize Your Widgets
iOS offers customizable widgets that allow you to add useful, at-a-glance information to your Home screen. But did you know you can stack widgets for a more organized layout?
How to Use:
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Tap and hold any widget on your Home screen and select Edit Home Screen.
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You can add multiple widgets and stack them on top of each other by dragging one on top of another. You can swipe through the stack to view different widgets.
11. Use iPhone as a Magnifying Glass
If you ever need to see something up close but don’t have a magnifying glass, your iPhone can step in. With the Magnifier feature, you can use your phone’s camera to zoom in on text, objects, or fine details.
How to Use:
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Go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier and toggle it on.
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Now, you can access the Magnifier by triple-clicking the Side button.
12. Set Up App Clips for Instant Access
App Clips are small parts of an app that you can use without installing the full app. They allow you to quickly access certain features, like checking out at a café or renting a scooter, without the hassle of downloading an entire app.
How to Use:
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When you encounter an App Clip available nearby (like in a store or restaurant), you’ll see a QR code or NFC tag that leads you to the clip.
Conclusion
The iPhone is filled with hidden features that can make your life easier, more efficient, and more fun. Whether it’s quick shortcuts, better privacy, or tools for productivity, these features show just how much more your iPhone can do beyond the basics. If you haven’t explored these options yet, it’s time to dive deeper into your settings and start unlocking the full potential of your device.
