10 Hidden iPhone Features You Didn’t Know About

The iPhone is packed with powerful features that make everyday tasks easier and more efficient, but some of the best functions remain hidden, buried in settings or requiring a few extra steps to discover. Whether you’re a long-time iPhone user or someone who’s just getting started, there are plenty of useful features that can enhance your experience. From hidden shortcuts to advanced settings, here are 10 iPhone features that you might not know about but should definitely try out!

1. Back Tap for Quick Actions

Introduced with iOS 14, the Back Tap feature allows you to trigger certain actions by tapping the back of your iPhone. You can set it to perform a variety of tasks, from taking a screenshot to opening your favorite app.

How to activate:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
• Choose either Double Tap or Triple Tap and select an action like taking a screenshot, opening the Control Center, or launching a specific app.

This is an excellent shortcut for actions you perform regularly.

2. Hidden Trackpad for Text Editing

Editing text on your iPhone can be a bit tricky with the small keyboard, but did you know you can turn your keyboard into a trackpad? This feature allows you to move the cursor around your text with more precision.

How to use it:

• Press and hold the space bar on the keyboard, and the keys will disappear. You can now slide your finger around to move the cursor precisely where you want it, just like a trackpad on a laptop.

This small trick can save you a lot of frustration when editing long blocks of text.

3. Custom Focus Modes for Productivity

Focus modes help reduce distractions by silencing notifications and limiting which apps or contacts can reach you. You can set different Focus modes for work, personal time, sleep, or any custom setting you need.

How to set up:

• Go to Settings > Focus, and choose a pre-set option like Do Not Disturb, Work, or Sleep, or create a custom one.
• You can customize the allowed notifications, apps, and contacts for each mode. You can even set automatic schedules based on time or location.

Using Focus modes helps keep your attention where it’s needed, without constant interruptions.

4. Siri Shortcuts for Quick Actions

Siri Shortcuts can automate a series of actions, making tasks like sending a text message, setting a timer, or starting a playlist much easier. You can create custom voice commands that trigger multiple actions.

How to use it:

• Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
• Tap on the “+” sign to create a new shortcut.
• Add actions by selecting the apps and tasks you want to automate (for example, “Send a text to [Contact]”).
• After setting up your shortcut, activate it with Siri by saying the custom phrase you’ve created.

This feature can save you time and simplify daily routines.

5. Hidden Album for Photos

You can hide photos on your iPhone, making them less visible in your regular gallery. This is great for personal or sensitive photos that you want to keep private but still easily accessible.

How to use it:

• Open the Photos app, select the photo(s) you want to hide, and tap the Share icon.
• Scroll down and select Hide.
• To view hidden photos, go to Albums, then find the Hidden album under Utilities.

Note: Hidden albums are visible by default in the Photos app, but you can choose to hide the album itself from appearing by going to Settings > Photos and turning off Hidden Album.

6. Optimized Battery Charging

To extend your iPhone’s battery life over the long term, iOS includes an Optimized Battery Charging feature. It learns your charging routine and waits to fully charge your phone until it predicts you’ll need it, thus reducing the wear on your battery.

How to enable it:

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
• Toggle on Optimized Battery Charging.

This feature helps your battery last longer by preventing it from staying at 100% for extended periods.

7. Scan Text with Camera

With iOS 15 and later, you can use your iPhone’s camera to scan and copy text directly from real-world objects, such as documents, signs, or books. This feature is incredibly useful for quickly grabbing phone numbers, addresses, or any written information.

How to use it:

• Open the Camera app and point it at the text you want to scan.
• Once the text is detected, a Live Text icon will appear. Tap it to select and copy the text.
• You can now paste it into a message, email, or note.

It’s a quick and seamless way to digitize written information.

8. Quickly Switch Between Apps with App Switcher

If you often multitask, there’s a faster way to switch between apps without returning to the home screen. The App Switcher feature lets you swipe between recently used apps with a simple gesture.

How to use it:

• For iPhones with Face ID: Swipe up from the bottom and pause to open the App Switcher.
• For iPhones with a Home Button: Double-click the Home button to open the App Switcher.

You can swipe through your open apps and tap one to jump back into it instantly.

9. Hidden Safari Features: Tab Groups and Privacy Settings

Safari has some hidden features that can improve both productivity and privacy. For instance, you can organize your tabs into groups, making it easier to find and manage websites for different projects or tasks.

How to use it:

• To create a Tab Group, tap and hold the Tabs button in Safari, then select New Tab Group.
• To manage privacy, go to Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security and toggle on features like Prevent Cross-Site Tracking to enhance your privacy while browsing.

These settings help keep your browsing experience organized and secure.

10. Live Listen: Use Your iPhone as a Hearing Aid

Live Listen allows you to use your iPhone as a microphone and stream the audio directly to your AirPods or other compatible Bluetooth devices. This can help if you have trouble hearing in certain environments or need a little extra clarity in conversation.

How to use it:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing and toggle on Live Listen.
• Place your iPhone near the sound source (e.g., someone speaking), and connect your AirPods to hear the audio clearly.

It’s a great feature for anyone who needs assistance hearing in noisy environments.

Conclusion: Unlock Your iPhone’s Full Potential

While the iPhone offers many well-known features, there’s a whole world of hidden capabilities just waiting to be explored. From shortcuts to privacy tools, these 10 iPhone features can enhance your user experience, help you stay organized, and make everyday tasks easier. Whether you’re trying to boost productivity, protect your privacy, or simply make your iPhone more user-friendly, these tips will help you get the most out of your device.

Take some time to try these hidden features and enjoy a whole new level of convenience with your iPhone!