10 Hidden Features of the iPhone You Need to Know

Apple packs a lot of powerful features into the iPhone, but many of them remain hidden to the average user. Whether you're looking to boost productivity, improve privacy, or make your iPhone experience more seamless, these lesser-known features can help. Here are 10 hidden iPhone features you need to know about!

1. Back Tap for Quick Actions

Did you know your iPhone has a hidden shortcut that lets you perform actions just by tapping the back of your device? This feature, called Back Tap, is one of the most underrated iPhone tricks, available on devices running iOS 14 or later. With a simple double-tap or triple-tap, you can take a screenshot, open an app, adjust the volume, lock your screen, or even activate Siri. This feature enhances accessibility and convenience, making it easier to navigate your iPhone with minimal effort. Whether you want a quick shortcut for screenshots, a faster way to access essential apps, or an easier way to control your device, Back Tap is a game-changer.

• How to enable it: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and choose either double-tap or triple-tap to trigger an action.

2. Hidden Trackpad for Precise Cursor Control

Struggling to edit text or move the cursor while typing? Your iPhone has a hidden trackpad feature that makes text navigation much easier. By activating this feature, you can turn your keyboard into a precise trackpad, allowing you to move the cursor effortlessly through long messages, emails, or documents. This makes it faster and more accurate to edit text, highlight words, and fix typos without the frustration of tapping the screen repeatedly. Whether you're composing an important email or making quick edits to a note, this hidden iPhone trick can save you time and improve your typing experience.

• How to use it: Press and hold the space bar on the keyboard, then move your finger to adjust the cursor position.

3. Measure Objects Using Your iPhone

Your iPhone comes with a powerful Measure app that uses augmented reality (AR) to measure real-world objects with surprising accuracy. Whether you need to check the dimensions of furniture, measure a picture frame, or get an estimate of any object's size, this feature turns your iPhone into a digital measuring tape. The app can even detect edges automatically and provide precise measurements, making it a handy tool for everyday tasks, DIY projects, or home improvement. Say goodbye to traditional measuring tapes—your iPhone has it all built-in!

• How to use it: Open the Measure app and point your camera at the object. It will automatically detect edges and show measurements.

4. Use Siri to Announce Notifications

With Siri’s Announce Notifications feature, you can stay updated without even looking at your screen. When wearing AirPods or Beats headphones, Siri can read out your notifications in real time, so you never miss an important message, call, or alert. This hands-free feature is perfect for when you're working out, driving, or simply on the go, allowing you to stay connected without constantly checking your iPhone. It enhances convenience and accessibility, making multitasking easier than ever.

• How to enable it: Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Announce Notifications and turn it on.

5. Scan Documents with the Notes App

Forget bulky scanners—your iPhone has a built-in document scanner right inside the Notes app. This hidden feature lets you quickly scan documents, receipts, contracts, or handwritten notes with just your camera. The scanned files can be saved as PDFs, shared via email, or stored in your iCloud for easy access. With automatic edge detection and high-quality scanning, your iPhone makes digitizing documents effortless, whether you're at work, school, or on the go.

• How to do it: Open Notes, tap the camera icon, and select Scan Documents. Align the document, and it will be saved as a PDF.

6. Use Face ID with a Mask (iOS 15.4 and later)

Wearing a mask but still want to unlock your iPhone effortlessly? With the Face ID with a Mask feature, your iPhone can recognize you even when your nose and mouth are covered. This advanced technology focuses on unique features around your eyes to verify your identity, making it easier to unlock your phone, approve payments, and access secure apps without removing your mask. Whether you're commuting, shopping, or working in a masked environment, this feature ensures seamless and secure access to your device.

• How to enable it: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Use Face ID with a Mask and follow the prompts.

7. Hide Your Precise Location

Protect your privacy by controlling how apps access your location. With the Precise Location setting, you can prevent apps from tracking your exact whereabouts and instead share only an approximate location. This feature is especially useful for apps that don’t need pinpoint accuracy, such as weather or shopping apps, helping you maintain better privacy and security. By limiting location access, you reduce the risk of unnecessary tracking while still getting relevant services based on your general area.

• How to enable it: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, select an app, and toggle off Precise Location.

8. Sound Recognition for Alerts

Your iPhone has a powerful Sound Recognition feature that can listen for important sounds like doorbells, sirens, baby cries, or even a barking dog. When it detects these sounds, it sends you an instant notification, ensuring you never miss an important alert. This feature is especially useful for those with hearing impairments or anyone who wants extra awareness of their surroundings. With real-time sound detection, your iPhone acts as an extra set of ears, keeping you informed no matter where you are.

• How to enable it: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Sound Recognition and choose which sounds you want your phone to detect.

9. Live Text to Copy Text from Images

With Live Text, your iPhone can instantly recognize and extract text from photos, screenshots, or even directly through the camera. This powerful feature allows you to copy, paste, translate, or look up text from images in just a few taps. Whether you're capturing notes from a whiteboard, saving contact details from a business card, or translating foreign text, Live Text makes information more accessible and actionable. It’s a game-changer for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to save time by converting images into usable text.

• How to use it: Open a photo with text, press and hold on the text, and tap Copy.

10. Custom Vibration Alerts

Personalize your call alerts with custom vibration patterns for specific contacts, so you can identify who's calling without even looking at your iPhone. This hidden feature allows you to create unique vibration patterns, making it easier to distinguish between important calls and general notifications. Whether you're in a meeting, at the gym, or in a noisy environment, custom vibrations ensure you never miss a call from key contacts. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay connected while keeping your phone on silent.

• How to set it: Go to Contacts > Select a Contact > Edit > Vibration > Create New Vibration.

Final Thoughts

These hidden iPhone features can make your daily life easier and improve how you use your device. Try them out and see which ones work best for you!

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