Hidden iPhone Features You Didn’t Know Existed

The iPhone is packed with more features than most users realize, making it one of the most powerful devices in your pocket. While most of us are familiar with the basics—calling, texting, and social media—Apple has built in a treasure trove of hidden tools and tricks that can make your daily life easier, more productive, and a lot more fun.

In this article, we’ll explore hidden iPhone features that you probably didn’t know existed, helping you unlock the full potential of your device. From iOS shortcuts to secret gestures and customization options, these tips will change the way you use your iPhone.

1. Back Tap: Your Secret Shortcut Button

Did you know that the back of your iPhone can be turned into a secret button? With the Back Tap feature, you can tap the back of your iPhone to trigger specific actions like taking a screenshot, opening apps, or even activating Siri.

To set it up:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch.

2. Scroll down to Back Tap.

3. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign an action to each.

Now, when you double or triple tap the back of your phone, it will perform the action you’ve set. It’s like adding extra buttons to your iPhone without changing its sleek design!

Why it’s awesome: Back Tap is a game-changer for those who want faster access to key functions, especially for accessibility purposes.

2. Customizing the Control Center: Your Command Hub

The Control Center is one of the most underutilized tools on the iPhone, and many users don’t realize how customizable it is. Instead of sticking with the default options, you can personalize it to suit your daily needs, adding shortcuts for things like screen recording, low-power mode, and even Apple Wallet.

To customize your Control Center:

1. Go to Settings > Control Center.

2. Scroll down to More Controls and tap the + icon next to the tools you want to add.

3. Use the reorder feature to prioritize the tools you use most.

Why it’s awesome: With the Control Center fully customized, you can access your most-used functions with just a swipe, eliminating the need to dig through apps and settings.

3. Hidden Trackpad Mode: Easier Text Editing

Editing text on a smartphone can sometimes feel like a hassle, especially when you need to move the cursor to a specific spot in a block of text. Fortunately, iPhones have a hidden trackpad that makes this process much smoother, but it’s a feature many users don’t know about.

Here’s how to activate it:

1. Press and hold the space bar on the keyboard.

2. Your keyboard will turn into a trackpad, allowing you to slide your finger to move the cursor more precisely.

Why it’s awesome: This hidden trackpad feature takes the frustration out of text editing, making it easier to select, copy, and move text with precision.

4. Measure Real Objects Using Augmented Reality (AR)

One of the coolest hidden iPhone features is the ability to use Augmented Reality (AR) to measure real-world objects. The Measure app on iOS is a built-in tool that lets you measure furniture, walls, or any other object with just your camera. It’s not only fun to use, but also surprisingly accurate.

To use it:

1. Open the Measure app (you’ll find it pre-installed on your iPhone).

2. Move your iPhone around the object you want to measure until the screen says it’s ready.

3. Point at the starting point of what you want to measure and tap the + icon, then move to the endpoint and tap again.

Why it’s awesome: Whether you're redecorating or simply curious about the size of something, this AR-powered tool saves you from the hassle of finding a ruler or tape measure.

5. Hidden Safari Gestures for Faster Browsing

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time browsing the web on Safari, these hidden gestures can help you navigate more efficiently. Safari has several swipe gestures that make moving between pages, tabs, and even refreshing a breeze.

Here are a few to try:

1. Swipe left or right on the screen edge to quickly switch between open tabs.

2. Swipe down on the address bar to reveal your bookmarks, recent history, and frequently visited sites.

3. To close multiple tabs quickly, hold the Tab icon (bottom right) and tap Close All Tabs.

Why it’s awesome: These hidden gestures allow you to browse more seamlessly, saving you time and effort during your online adventures.

6. Silence Unknown Callers: Stop Spam Calls in Their Tracks

Tired of spam calls interrupting your day? There’s a hidden feature that lets you automatically silence any calls from unknown numbers, ensuring only your contacts and important calls come through.

To enable this:

1. Go to Settings > Phone.

2. Scroll down to Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on.

Why it’s awesome: This is an excellent feature for anyone tired of constant interruptions from telemarketers or unknown numbers. You’ll still see missed calls, but your phone will remain blissfully silent during the day.

7. Guided Access: Lock Your iPhone to a Single App

Ever let someone borrow your phone to make a call or use an app and worry they’ll snoop through your messages or photos? Guided Access solves that problem by locking your iPhone to a single app until you manually unlock it again.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.

2. Toggle on Guided Access and set a passcode.

3. When using an app, press the side button three times to activate Guided Access.

Why it’s awesome: Whether you’re handing your phone to a child or friend, Guided Access ensures they stay within the app you want them to use, giving you peace of mind.

8. Live Text: Copy Text From Photos

With iOS 15 and later, Apple introduced a magical feature called Live Text, which allows you to extract text from any photo or image on your iPhone. This feature is incredibly useful for students, professionals, or anyone needing to pull information from a document, sign, or screenshot.

To use Live Text:

1. Open the Photos app or the Camera.

2. Find a photo or take a new one with text in it.

3. Tap the Live Text icon in the corner and copy the text directly from the image.

Why it’s awesome: Live Text saves time by letting you interact with text in photos, allowing you to copy, paste, translate, or even look up information instantly.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your iPhone

Your iPhone is more than just a phone—it’s a powerful tool packed with hidden features that can simplify your life. Whether it’s using Back Tap for shortcuts, navigating Safari with hidden gestures, or measuring objects with AR, these secret iPhone features will make your device even more useful and enjoyable.

Take the time to explore these lesser-known functions and see how they can enhance your productivity, improve your browsing, and even add a little fun to your day. With these hidden features in your arsenal, your iPhone becomes more than just a device—it’s your ultimate personal assistant.

So, which feature will you be using first?