You’ve been carrying a supercomputer in your pocket for years, but you’re probably only using 10% of its power. While Android users brag about customization, iPhone users are silently missing out on some of the most brilliant software tricks in the game.
We dug deep into the settings, swiped through secret menus, and found the gold. Here are the 10 hidden iPhone features that will completely change the way you use your device.
1. The Secret “Back Tap” Button
Stop digging through menus for screenshots or the flashlight. Your iPhone has a hidden button on the back, and you probably didn’t know it existed.
How to enable it: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
The Hack: You can program a double-tap or triple-tap on the back of your phone to perform almost any action. Set it to open the camera, mute your phone, take a screenshot, or even trigger a specific Shortcut. It’s the ultimate quality-of-life upgrade.
2. Swipe to Fix Typos Like a Pro
Jabbing at a tiny typo in the middle of a word is frustrating. Most people delete the entire word and start over. You don’t have to do that.
The Hack: While typing, hold your finger down on the Space Bar. The keyboard will turn into a virtual trackpad. Slide your finger left or right to move the cursor precisely between letters. It makes editing text 10x faster and makes you look like a tech wizard.
3. Turn Off “Always-On” Bill Shock with Data Mode
Is your iPhone battery draining faster than it should? Low Power Mode is great, but Low Data Mode is the hidden hero for saving both battery and your monthly plan.
The Hack: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode. Switch to Low Data Mode. This stops background apps from refreshing constantly and reduces data usage without disabling your internet. It’s perfect for when you’re on vacation or nearing your data cap.
4. Use Your Phone as a Level (No App Download Needed)
You don’t need to hunt for a bubble level in the garage. Your iPhone has a precise one built right into the Measure app.
The Hidden Part: It’s not just a level; it’s a perfect level.
Open the Measure app (pre-installed on all iPhones) and tap the Level tab at the bottom. Not only can you check if a shelf is straight, but if you tap the screen while it’s flat, it will calibrate to that angle. This is a lifesaver for hanging picture frames.
5. Search Your Photos by Sound (Yes, Really)
Do you have 50,000 photos and can’t find that one video of your dog barking? The Photos app is smarter than you think.
The Hack: Tap the Search bar in the Photos app and type in sounds or specific objects. The iPhone’s on-device AI can recognize “Dog,” “Cat,” “Ocean,” “Food,” or even “Fireworks.”
Pro Tip: You can get even more specific. Type “Dog sleeping” or “Car in snow.” It feels like magic.
6. The Hidden Trackpad on the Calculator
Have you ever typed a long number in the Calculator and screwed up one digit, forcing you to start all over?
Stop doing that.
Unlike the basic calculator app, the iPhone calculator has a hidden delete feature. If you type a wrong number, simply swipe left or right across the number display. This will delete the last digit you typed. You’re welcome.
7. Screen Recording with External Audio
Everyone knows about the Screen Record toggle in Control Center, but most people think it only records internal sounds.
The Hack: Long-press (or force-press) the Screen Recording button in the Control Center. A menu will pop up. At the bottom, you’ll see your Microphone icon. Turn it on.
Now you can record a video of your screen and narrate over it simultaneously. This is perfect for sending tech support tips to your parents or creating quick tutorials for work.
8. Identify Plants and Animals with “Visual Look Up”
You don’t need Google Lens; you have Apple’s version already built into your photos.
How it works: Take a photo of any plant, flower, dog breed, or landmark. Open the photo and look at the bottom of the screen (or the “i” icon at the top on older iOS).
The Hack: If you see a sparkle icon or a leaf icon, tap it. Your phone will instantly identify the species of the plant or the breed of the dog. It’s incredibly accurate and works entirely offline.
9. Shake to Undo (The Feature You Turned Off, But Need)
You might have accidentally triggered this and thought your phone was glitching. But it’s a feature, and you need to start using it.
The Hack: Made a mistake while typing, deleting an email, or pasting a photo? Literally shake your phone. A pop-up will appear asking if you want to “Undo” the action. It’s the fastest way to reverse a mistake without hunting for the arrow button.
10. Optimized Battery Charging is Smart, But This is Smarter
Everyone tells you to turn on “Optimized Battery Charging” to save your battery health. That’s true, but there is a better trick for immediate results.
The Hack: The 80% Limit.
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging > Charging Optimization.
If you want your battery to last years longer, select 80% Limit. Your phone will stop charging at 80%, which significantly reduces battery wear and tear. If you have a desk job or keep your phone plugged in during the day, this is the single best setting to change.
Which of These Blew Your Mind?
There you have it. Ten features hiding in plain sight. You’ve probably been wasting time doing things the hard way.
Which feature are you going to try first? Are there any secret hacks you think we missed? Drop a comment below and share this with a friend who still deletes their whole text message to fix a typo.
