Mastering Smartphone Shortcuts: The Hidden Features That Will Revolutionize How You Use Your Phone

Introduction

Most of us use our smartphones daily without realizing just how powerful they really are. Beneath the surface of the usual taps and swipes lie a range of shortcuts designed to make your life easier, faster, and more efficient. Whether you’re using an Android or an iPhone, these tricks can help you save time, reduce effort, and even protect your privacy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10+ essential smartphone shortcuts—step by step—with clear instructions for both major operating systems. By the end, you’ll be using your phone like a pro.

1. Emergency SOS (Fast Trigger Shortcut)

What It Does:

Immediately calls emergency services and sends your location to emergency contacts.

How to Use:

Android:

1. Go to Settings > Safety & emergency (or search "Emergency SOS").

2. Enable Emergency SOS.

3. Choose the number of power button presses to trigger the action (typically 5 presses).

4. Add emergency contacts.

iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.


2. Enable Call with Side Button.

3. Press the side button 5 times rapidly to trigger SOS mode.

4. You can also set up Auto Call and configure emergency contacts under the Health app.

2. Custom Text Shortcuts (Text Replacement)

What It Does:

Automatically expands short abbreviations into longer text or phrases—great for quick replies or frequently typed info.

How to Use:

iPhone:
1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.

2. Tap the “+” symbol.

3. Type the phrase (e.g., “On my way!”) and shortcut (e.g., “omw”).

4. Tap Save.

Android (Gboard):

1. Go to Settings > System > Languages & input > Personal dictionary.

2. Choose your language.

3. Tap + and enter the shortcut and full phrase.

3. One-Handed Mode

What It Does:

Shrinks the screen for easier use with one hand—ideal for large phones.

How to Use:

Android:

1. Go to Settings > System > Gestures > One-Handed Mode.

2. Enable it and choose the activation method (e.g., swipe down on the navigation bar).

iPhone (iOS):

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Reachability.

2. Enable Reachability.

3. Swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen to shift the interface lower.

4. Quick App Switcher

What It Does:

Allows fast switching between recent apps without going to the overview screen.

How to Use:

iPhone (Face ID models):

Swipe left or right along the bottom edge of the screen.

Android:

Swipe left or right on the pill-shaped home button (gesture navigation must be enabled).

5. Back Tap Shortcuts (iPhone Only)

What It Does:

Allows you to trigger actions like taking a screenshot or launching an app by tapping the back of your phone.

How to Use:
1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.

2. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.

3. Assign an action (e.g., Screenshot, App Switcher, Launch App).

6. Clipboard History

What It Does:

Stores multiple copied items instead of just one.

How to Use:

Android (Gboard):

1. Open any text field.

2. Tap the clipboard icon above the keyboard.

3. Enable Clipboard if prompted.

4. View or paste previously copied items.

iPhone:
Clipboard history is not natively available. Use third-party apps like “Paste” or “Copied.”

7. Screen Recording

What It Does:

Lets you capture video of your screen for tutorials, bug reporting, or gameplay.

How to Use:

iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Control Center.


2. Add Screen Recording.


3. Swipe down from the top-right to access Control Center and tap the record button.

Android:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to access Quick Settings.


2. Look for Screen Recorder. If not there, tap the pencil icon to add it.


3. Tap to start recording.

8. Double Tap Power to Launch Camera

What It Does:

Launches the camera instantly—no need to unlock.

How to Use:

Android:

1. Go to Settings > System > Gestures > Quickly open camera.

2. Enable the feature.


3. Now, double-press the power button.

iPhone:

On the lock screen, swipe left or tap the camera icon.

9. Split-Screen Multitasking (Android)

What It Does:

Lets you use two apps side by side.

How to Use:

1. Open the first app.

2. Tap the Recents button.

3. Tap the app icon at the top of the preview, then choose Split screen.

4. Choose the second app.

Note: Not all apps support this.

10. Hidden Code Shortcuts (Android Only)

What It Does:

Access secret menus for testing and phone information.

Try Typing These Codes in Dialer:

*#*#4636#*#* – Phone info, battery, usage stats.

*#06# – Displays IMEI.

*#0*# – Hardware diagnostic menu (not supported on all phones).

Triple Finger Screenshot (Android-specific and some iPhones with accessibility)

What It Does:

Take a screenshot instantly by swiping three fingers downward on the screen.

How to Use:

Android (Supported Brands: OnePlus, Realme, Xiaomi, Oppo):

1. Go to Settings > Buttons & Gestures or Additional Settings > Gestures.

2. Enable 3-finger screenshot.

3. Swipe three fingers downwards to take a screenshot.

iPhone:
No default 3-finger screenshot, but with Back Tap enabled, you can assign screenshot action.

Voice Assistant Shortcuts

What It Does:

Trigger apps or actions instantly using just your voice.

How to Use:

Android (Google Assistant):

Say “Hey Google, open [app name]” or “Turn on flashlight.”

Create custom routines in Google Assistant > Settings > Routines to automate multiple actions.

iPhone (Siri Shortcuts):

1. Go to Settings > Siri & Search > All Shortcuts.

2. Add a shortcut like "Post to Twitter" or "Open YouTube."

3. Then just say, “Hey Siri, [shortcut name].”

Conclusion

Most people only scratch the surface of what their smartphones can do. These shortcuts and hidden features aren’t just cool—they’re powerful tools that can help you get things done faster and smarter. By mastering even a few of these, you’ll be ahead of the curve and more in control of your digital life