iPhones are known for their sleek design and seamless user experience, but beneath their intuitive interface lie several hidden features that many users are unaware of. These features can enhance productivity, improve usability, and even add a touch of fun to everyday tasks. Let’s explore some of the most useful hidden features of iPhones and how you can make the most of them.
Back Tap: A Secret Shortcut
One of the most overlooked yet highly functional features in iPhones is the Back Tap. Introduced with iOS 14, this feature allows users to perform certain actions by tapping the back of their iPhone. It can be customized to execute various commands such as taking a screenshot, opening the Control Center, or launching Siri.
To activate this feature, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. You can choose between a double tap and a triple tap and assign different functions to each. This is particularly helpful for those who prefer quick and easy access to essential functions without navigating through menus.
Hidden Trackpad in the Keyboard
Typing on an iPhone can sometimes be tricky, especially when trying to position the cursor precisely within a block of text. Many users don’t realize that their iPhone’s keyboard can transform into a trackpad, making text editing significantly easier. Simply press and hold the spacebar, and the keyboard will turn into a virtual trackpad. You can then slide your finger around to move the cursor anywhere within the text field. This feature is incredibly useful for those who frequently type lengthy messages or documents and need precise cursor placement.
Use Your iPhone as a Magnifying Glass
The Magnifier feature is an excellent accessibility tool that can be used to enlarge text, images, or objects in real life. This can be particularly useful for reading small print on labels or examining intricate details. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier and turn it on. Once activated, triple-clicking the side button (or home button on older models) will launch the Magnifier app, allowing you to zoom in on objects with ease. You can even adjust brightness and contrast for better visibility.
Scan Documents with the Notes App
Gone are the days of needing a separate scanner for documents. Your iPhone’s Notes app includes a built-in scanning feature that allows you to scan physical documents and convert them into digital files. To use this feature, open the Notes app, create a new note, and tap on the camera icon. Select “Scan Documents,” and your iPhone’s camera will automatically detect the edges of the document, capturing a high-quality scan. You can then save or share the scanned document as a PDF. This is particularly useful for students, professionals, or anyone who needs to digitize paperwork on the go.
Silence Unknown Callers
Spam and robocalls can be incredibly frustrating, but iPhones offer a simple solution to block unwanted interruptions. With the Silence Unknown Callers feature, your iPhone will automatically send calls from unknown numbers to voicemail, preventing distractions while still allowing important contacts to reach you. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. While this won’t block all unwanted calls, it significantly reduces interruptions from spam callers.
Customized Vibrations for Different Contacts
Many iPhone users are unaware that they can create custom vibration patterns for specific contacts, making it easier to identify who is calling or texting without looking at the screen. This feature is particularly useful for those who keep their phones on silent mode but still want to recognize important contacts. To set this up, go to Contacts, select a contact, tap Edit, and then tap Ringtone or Text Tone. From there, choose “Vibration” and select “Create New Vibration.” You can then tap on the screen to create a unique vibration pattern that suits your preference.
Low Power Mode for Extended Battery Life
Battery life is a common concern among iPhone users, especially when on the go without access to a charger. While Low Power Mode is not a hidden feature, many users don’t take full advantage of it. This mode temporarily reduces background activity, mail fetch, and visual effects to conserve battery. To enable it, go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode. Alternatively, you can add it to the Control Center for quicker access by going to Settings > Control Center and adding the Battery icon.
Wi-Fi Password Sharing Made Easy
Sharing Wi-Fi passwords can be cumbersome, but iPhones make the process seamless. If a friend or family member is trying to connect to the same Wi-Fi network that your iPhone is connected to, you can share the password instantly without typing it. Simply ensure that both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, and when the person attempts to join the network, a prompt will appear on your screen asking if you want to share the password. Tap “Share Password,” and they’ll be connected in seconds. This eliminates the need to manually enter complex passwords.
Hidden Codes for Extra Functionality
iPhones have several hidden dialer codes that provide quick access to diagnostic information. For example, dialing *#06# reveals your iPhone’s IMEI number, which is useful for tracking and security purposes. Another helpful code is 3001#12345#, which opens the Field Test Mode, providing detailed cellular signal strength information. These codes are useful for troubleshooting network issues and obtaining device-specific details
