Be honest—how well do you really know your iPhone? Most of us use it daily for calls, social media, photos, and the occasional doom-scrolling session. But IMO, Apple hides some of its best features in plain sight. And unless you’re the type who digs through every setting menu for fun, you’re probably missing out.
I’ve been using iPhones for years, and I still stumble across features that make me say, “Wait… it can do that?” If you love getting more value out of your tech without installing sketchy apps, this one’s for you. Let’s dive into 10 amazing iPhone hacks that can genuinely change how you use your device—FYI, some of these are total game-changers 🙂
1. Back Tap: Control Your iPhone With a Simple Tap
Turn the Back of Your iPhone Into a Secret Button
This hack feels like a magic trick the first time you use it. Apple lets you double-tap or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to trigger actions. No extra apps needed.
You can set Back Tap to:
- Take a screenshot
- Lock your screen
- Open the camera
- Activate Siri
- Launch accessibility features
It’s perfect if you hate pressing physical buttons or just want faster shortcuts. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
2. Use Live Photos as Mini Videos
Bring Your Photos to Life Instantly
Live Photos aren’t just fancy stills—they’re short videos hiding in your photo library. Most people forget this feature even exists.
Here’s what you can do:
- Scrub through frames to capture the perfect moment
- Add effects like Loop or Bounce
- Set a Live Photo as a lock screen wallpaper
If you love candid shots, this hack alone makes Live Photos worth keeping on all the time.
3. Hidden Trackpad Mode for Precise Typing
Edit Text Like a Pro Without Losing Your Mind
Ever tried editing text by tapping the screen and missed the cursor five times in a row? Yeah, same. That’s where this hack saves your sanity.
Just press and hold the space bar, and your keyboard turns into a trackpad. You can move the cursor smoothly and place it exactly where you want.
It’s:
- Faster than tapping
- More accurate
- A lifesaver for long messages
Once you know this, you’ll never fight the cursor again.
4. Scan Documents Without Any Extra Apps
Turn Your iPhone Into a Pocket Scanner
You don’t need a third-party scanner app cluttering your phone. Your iPhone already has a built-in document scanner, and it’s shockingly good.
You can scan:
- Receipts
- Contracts
- Notes
- IDs and paperwork
The scans are clean, adjustable, and can be saved as PDFs. It’s perfect for work, school, or adulting moments you didn’t sign up for.
5. One-Handed Keyboard Mode
Type Comfortably on Bigger Screens
Big screens are great—until you’re typing with one hand and dropping your phone. Apple thought of that.
You can shift the keyboard left or right so it’s easier to reach with your thumb. It looks small, but it makes a huge difference.
This hack is ideal when:
- You’re multitasking
- Holding coffee (priorities)
- Using larger iPhone models
Comfort matters more than we admit, and this one delivers.
6. Drag and Drop Between Apps
Multitask Like a Boss
This one feels almost futuristic if you haven’t tried it. Your iPhone lets you drag text, images, or files between apps using simple gestures.
For example, you can:
- Drag a photo into Messages
- Move text from Safari to Notes
- Transfer links between apps instantly
It’s faster than copy-paste and feels super smooth once you get the hang of it. IMO, this is one of Apple’s most underrated features.
7. Custom Vibrations for Contacts
Know Who’s Calling Without Looking
Yes, custom ringtones are cool—but custom vibrations are next-level. You can assign unique vibration patterns to specific contacts.
This is useful when:
- Your phone is on silent
- You’re in a meeting
- You just don’t want to check your screen
Over time, you’ll recognize who’s calling just by feel. It’s subtle, smart, and surprisingly addictive.
8. Measure Real-World Objects Instantly
Use Your Camera as a Measuring Tool
Your iPhone can measure real objects using the camera. No tape measure required.
You can measure:
- Furniture
- Room dimensions
- Height of people
- Objects on the go
It’s not perfect down to the millimeter, but for quick estimates, it’s incredibly handy. Great for shopping, moving, or just satisfying curiosity.
9. Built-In White Noise for Better Focus and Sleep
Relax Without Installing Anything
If you use white noise apps, here’s a surprise: your iPhone already includes background sounds like rain, ocean, and white noise.
These sounds help with:
- Focus while working
- Reducing stress
- Falling asleep faster
You can play them quietly in the background while using other apps. It’s a small feature with a big impact on daily comfort.
10. Visual Look Up: Learn From Your Photos
Turn Images Into Instant Knowledge
This hack feels straight out of sci-fi. Your iPhone can identify objects in photos and provide instant info.
It can recognize:
- Plants and flowers
- Animals
- Landmarks
- Art and symbols
Just tap the info icon, and boom—your photo becomes searchable knowledge. It’s perfect for curious minds and casual explorers alike.
Bonus Tips to Get Even More From Your iPhone
Little Tweaks That Add Up Fast
Here are a few quick extras that deserve honorable mentions:
- Limit app tracking for better privacy
- Optimize battery charging to extend battery life
- Use Focus modes instead of basic Do Not Disturb
These aren’t flashy, but they quietly improve your everyday experience.
Conclusion
Your iPhone is way more powerful than it looks, and chances are you’ve only been using a fraction of what it can do. From Back Tap shortcuts to hidden trackpads and built-in scanners, these hacks prove that Apple loves hiding gems in plain sight.
If even two or three of these tips make your daily phone use smoother, then mission accomplished. Take a few minutes today to try them out—you might just fall in love with your iPhone all over again. And hey, if you discover a new favorite hack, don’t keep it to yourself
