Think you know your iPhone inside out? Think again.
The iPhone is packed with features that most users never tap into. Whether you’re a casual user or an Apple enthusiast, there are hidden tools, settings, and shortcuts that can take your iPhone experience to the next level.
We’ve compiled a list of 25 iPhone tips and tricks that most people don’t know about — all tested and working on iOS 17 and later.
Top 25 iPhone Tips & Tricks You Should Be Using
1. Back Tap for Quick Actions
You can double or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to perform actions like taking a screenshot or opening an app.
How to enable:
Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap
2. Pin Shared Content in Messages
You can pin links, images, and shared content in the Messages app so they don’t get lost in the chat.
Tap and hold the shared item > Tap “Pin”
3. Hidden Trackpad in Keyboard
Press and hold the space bar on the keyboard to turn it into a trackpad. This makes it easier to move the cursor when editing text.
4. Remove Backgrounds from Photos Instantly
You can now isolate subjects from the background directly from the Photos app.
Tap and hold on the subject in any photo > Tap “Copy” or “Share”
5. Lock Notes with Face ID
Protect sensitive notes using Face ID for an extra layer of privacy.
Open Notes > Swipe left on a note > Tap the lock icon
6. Safari Tab Groups
Organize tabs into groups to keep your browsing tidy.
Safari > Tap the tabs icon > Tap the bottom center menu > “New Empty Tab Group”
7. Use Your iPhone as a Scanner
Turn physical documents into PDFs using the built-in document scanner.
Notes > New Note > Camera icon > “Scan Documents”
8. Quickly Erase Digits in Calculator
Made a mistake? Swipe left or right on the number to delete the last digit.
9. Swipe to Type Faster
Use QuickPath by swiping from letter to letter to type instead of tapping keys.
10. One-Handed Keyboard Mode
Shrink the keyboard for easier typing with one hand.
Tap and hold the globe icon > Select left or right-handed keyboard
iPhone Tips Table: Productivity Boosters
| Tip | What It Does | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| App Library Search | Quickly find apps by typing | Swipe left to App Library |
| Siri Shortcuts | Automate tasks like text reminders | Settings > Siri & Search |
| Widgets on Lock Screen | Access info without unlocking | Long press Lock Screen > Customize |
| Custom Focus Modes | Control notifications for specific tasks | Settings > Focus |
| Haptic Feedback for Keyboard | Adds subtle vibration while typing | Settings > Sound & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback |
16. Silence Unknown Callers
Automatically send unknown numbers to voicemail.
Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers
17. Live Text in Photos
Copy text directly from photos or screenshots.
Photos > Open image > Tap the detected text
18. Hide Photos from Main Gallery
Keep private photos out of your main feed.
Select photo > Share > Hide
19. Quick Switch Between Apps
Swipe left or right on the bottom edge of the screen to switch apps instantly (iPhones with Face ID only).
20. AirDrop to Mac or iPad Instantly
Share files across your Apple devices using AirDrop without needing internet.
21. Search Within Apps from Home Screen
Swipe down on the Home Screen and type the name of the app + keyword (e.g., “Notes birthday”).
22. Limit App Tracking
Control which apps can track your activity across other apps.
Settings > Privacy > Tracking
23. Turn Off App Ratings Requests
Stop apps from constantly asking for ratings.
Settings > App Store > Disable “In-App Ratings & Reviews”
24. Custom Vibration Alerts
Set unique vibration patterns for specific contacts.
Contacts > Edit > Ringtone > Vibration > Create New Vibration
25. Measure Objects with the iPhone Camera
Use the Measure app to calculate dimensions using AR.
Open the Measure app > Point the camera at an object
Final Thoughts
Apple keeps adding features to iOS, but most users never scratch the surface.
These 25 hidden iPhone tips and tricks can dramatically improve how you use your device—from saving time to protecting your privacy. Whether you’re trying to get more productive, customize your experience, or just impress your friends, these tips are worth trying out.
Bookmark this page and come back whenever you want to discover a new trick.
Have a favorite iPhone tip we missed? Share it with us in the comments.
