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6 hidden iPhone features most users overlook

paris france  sep 17 2022 setting up new smartphone
Hand holding iPhone 16 in pink color

Unlock the Power of Back Tap for Faster Actions

Did you know your iPhone has a feature that allows you to tap the back of your device to trigger actions? The “Back Tap” function can be customized to perform various tasks such as taking a screenshot, launching the camera, or even opening apps. 

To enable it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and select your desired double or triple tap function.

Notes app displayed on a phone

Scan Documents Easily with the Notes App

Forget downloading extra apps; your iPhone can scan documents directly with the Notes app. Open a new note, tap the camera icon, and select “Scan Documents.” 

Your iPhone will automatically detect document edges, capturing a clear image. It’s a quick and straightforward way to create digital copies of documents, which can be saved as PDFs and shared with others in just a few taps.

iPhone silent mode

Set Custom Vibration Patterns

Want to identify a caller or message without looking at your phone? You can set custom vibration patterns for individual contacts. This feature lets you differentiate between your friends, family, or colleagues based on their unique vibration alerts. 

Go to Contacts > Edit > Ringtone/Text Tone > Haptics to create personalized patterns that suit your needs. It’s a minor feature that makes a big difference.

Man using smart phone texting

Speed Up Typing with Slide to Type

Typing on your iPhone doesn’t have to be slow or cumbersome. With the “Slide to Type” feature, you can swipe your finger across the keyboard to form words instead of tapping each key. 

It’s faster and can save you a lot of time. To enable this, go to Settings > General > Keyboard, and toggle on Slide to Type to start swiping your way to faster typing.

Apple measure app logo

Quickly Measure Objects with the Measure App

Ever needed to measure something but didn’t have a tape measure on hand? Your iPhone has you covered. The Measure app uses augmented reality to measure distances between points. 

Open the app, point your camera at the object or space, and tap the screen to start measuring. It’s a handy tool for quick measurements, whether at home, in the office, or on the go.

Receiving call from unknown number on mobile phone high quality

Silence Unknown Callers to Avoid Spam

Tired of receiving spam or robocalls on your iPhone? There’s a simple way to silence calls from unknown numbers. Go to Settings > Phone, and turn on Silence Unknown Callers

This feature automatically silences calls from numbers not in your contacts or recent call history. You’ll still get the voicemail, but the interruption is minimized, perfect for when you need peace.

iPhone shortcuts

Create Custom Shortcuts for Everyday Tasks

The Shortcuts app lets you automate everyday tasks on your iPhone. Whether you want to create a shortcut for sending a pre-written message, turning on your bright lights, or getting directions to your favorite spot, Shortcuts can handle it. 

Explore the app, find a pre-made shortcut, or create your own to speed up routine actions and make your iPhone work even harder for you.

Woman scanning qr code in the magazine

Quickly Scan QR Codes Using Your iPhone’s Camera

While Siri can’t scan QR codes directly, your iPhone’s camera app can easily handle it. Simply open the camera app, point it at the QR code, and your phone will automatically recognize it. 

It will then display a notification with the link or action related to the QR code. This feature is quick and straightforward to use

iPhone screen brightness option

Adjust iPhone’s Screen Brightness

Did you know your iPhone can adjust its brightness automatically based on the lighting in your environment? Turn on Auto-Brightness under Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, and your iPhone will automatically adjust the screen brightness to match your surroundings. 

This function saves battery life and makes your screen more comfortable to view in different lighting conditions.

Siri displayed on a phone

Use Siri to Find Hidden Photos

If you’ve hidden some photos in the Photos app, you might not know that Siri can help you find them. Just ask Siri, “Show me my hidden photos,” and it will direct you to the hidden albums, even if they’re tucked away. 

It’s a great shortcut if you need quick access to those hidden images without manually digging through the album.

A male hand setting up a mobile phone

Limit Your Screen Time with Screen Time Restrictions

iPhones have built-in tools to help you limit screen time and stay focused. Under Settings > Screen Time, you can restrict apps, games, and other content. 

This feature is handy for managing distractions or setting limits for children. You can even schedule downtime during which your iPhone won’t allow apps to interrupt, helping you maintain a balanced digital life.

Wifi settings screen on

Quickly Change Wi-Fi Networks from the Control Center

Switching Wi-Fi networks doesn’t need to be a hassle. Instead of entering the settings, you can quickly change networks from the Control Center. 

Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (on iPhone X and later) and press and hold the Wi-Fi icon. You can easily switch to another network without leaving your current screen.

Man holding iPhone

Access Your iPhone’s Hidden Flashlight Settings

The iPhone’s flashlight can do more than just light up the dark. By swiping up (or down, depending on your model), you can access the flashlight settings from the Control Center. 

Hold down the flashlight icon, and you’ll find different intensity levels, allowing you to adjust the light for various situations. It’s a small but helpful feature that’s easy to miss.

Low power mode of an iPhone

Save Battery Life with Low Power Mode

Running low on battery and need to stretch those last few percentage points? Enable Low Power Mode from Settings > Battery. This feature reduces background activity, dims the screen brightness, and turns off other non-essential features to extend battery life. 

It’s perfect when you need your phone to last a little longer until you can find a charger.

While discussing Apple updates, iPhone 17 Air Leak Reveals Specs and Pro Max Comparison.

Person browsing gallery on iPhone.

View and Recover Deleted Photos

If you accidentally delete photos, there’s a good chance you can recover them. Your iPhone stores deleted photos in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days. 

Go to Photos > Albums > Recently Deleted, and you’ll find all the photos you’ve deleted within the last month. You can restore them with a tap, making it easier to recover images you may have removed by mistake.

Will this design be a game-changer or a controversial misstep? I guess we will have our answers soon. Till then, you can read here about Apple’s Foldable iPhone Rumors.

What do you think about the new iPhone? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to leave a like.

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