5 Hidden Apple Hacks That Will Change How You Use Your iPhone
5 Hidden Apple Hacks That Will Change How You Use Your iPhone
By JanaMana.in • Updated: • Category: Tech Tips
Why these iPhone hacks matter
Most iPhone users rely on the same routine: unlock, open apps, check messages. But the device hides dozens of small features that can dramatically improve speed, privacy, and battery life — without installing any third-party apps. These five hacks are beginner friendly and require just a few taps to set up.
What you'll learn (quick)
1. Back Tap — control your phone by tapping the back
Back Tap lets you run actions by double-tapping or triple-tapping the rear of your iPhone. Use it to open the camera, take screenshots, or trigger any Shortcut.
How to enable Back Tap
- Open Settings → Accessibility.
- Tap Touch → Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and select an action.
Best everyday Back Tap shortcuts
- Double Tap: Flashlight (handy in low-light)
- Triple Tap: Screenshot or Accessibility Shortcut
- Try linking it to a custom Shortcut that runs a quick workflow (e.g., turn on Do Not Disturb + open Calm app).
Tip: Back Tap works best with a slim case — thick cases may reduce sensitivity.
2. Live Text — copy text from photos instantly
Live Text (iOS 15+) recognizes text inside photos and the Camera app. It converts printed or handwritten text into selectable text you can copy, translate, or act on (call numbers, open addresses in Maps).
Use cases you’ll love
- Snap a restaurant sign → copy the address to Maps.
- Copy a Wi-Fi password printed on a router sticker.
- Grab phone numbers from business cards and save them instantly.
How to use Live Text
- Open Camera and point at text → tap the Live Text icon.
- Or open a Photo → tap the text that appears to select and copy.
Pro tip: In Safari, you can long-press on images and use Live Text to search or translate snippets.
3. Battery & charging hacks: make your battery last longer
Batteries degrade over time. These hidden settings and habits will help your iPhone keep a healthy battery percentage for years.
Enable Optimized Battery Charging
- Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging to reduce time spent at 100%.
Other battery tips
- Low Power Mode: turns off nonessential features to squeeze extra hours.
- Disable Background App Refresh for apps you rarely use: Settings → General → Background App Refresh.
- Keep Auto-Brightness on (or use Control Center to reduce brightness manually).
- Avoid extremes: don’t charge to 100% often or let it drop to 0% regularly.
Smart charging habit
If you charge overnight, put the phone on the charger before you sleep and let Optimized Battery Charging delay the final top-up to the moment you usually wake—this reduces battery aging.
4. Hide private apps & secure your data (without deleting)
If you share your phone with family or a curious friend, you don’t need to delete apps — hide them and lock sensitive content.
Remove from Home Screen (hide apps)
- Long-press the app icon → Remove App.
- Select Remove from Home Screen. The app stays in the App Library.
Lock notes, photos & files
- Notes: Open a note → tap ••• → Lock Note (Face ID / Passcode)
- Photos: Move sensitive images to Hidden album, then hide the Hidden album: Settings → Photos → Hide Hidden Album = Off (to hide the album)
- Files: Use password protection or encrypted apps for sensitive PDFs
Limit app permissions
Settings → Privacy. Review location, microphone, and camera access for each app — deny permissions that don’t make sense.
5. Voice Control & Shortcuts — make your iPhone do the heavy lifting
Apple’s Shortcuts and Voice Control let you automate repetitive tasks and control the phone entirely by voice.
Enable Voice Control
- Settings → Accessibility → Voice Control → Set Up.
- Use phrases like “Open Camera”, “Swipe up”, “Tap Next”.
Create a useful Shortcut
Open the Shortcuts app → + → Add Action.
Examples of shortcuts to try:
- Good Night: Turn on Do Not Disturb, set brightness low, play a sleep playlist.
- Commuting: Start navigation to work, play your favorite podcast, enable Low Power Mode.
- One-tap ETA: Send your location and arrival time to a contact.
Accessibility bonus
Combine Back Tap with Shortcuts: double tap → run the “Good Night” shortcut. That’s a one-tap bedtime routine.
Bonus: Small tricks that feel like magic
- One-handed keyboard: Hold the globe icon and pick left/right keyboard.
- Quickly share Wi-Fi: Have a friend nearby and hold your phones close — the iPhone will prompt to share.
- Hidden level tool: in the Measure app, use Level for small DIY jobs.
- Pin conversations: Swipe right on a message thread in Messages to pin it for quick access.
Troubleshooting: If a feature doesn't work
If a feature like Back Tap or Live Text doesn't appear:
- Check your iOS version — update to the latest stable iOS.
- Verify device compatibility (some features require newer iPhones).
- Restart the phone or reset accessibility settings if necessary (Settings → Accessibility → Reset).
Quick reference (one-page)
| Hack | Where to enable | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Back Tap | Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap | Flashlight, Screenshot |
| Live Text | Camera / Photos (iOS 15+) | Copy addresses & numbers |
| Optimized Charging | Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging | Extend battery lifespan |
| Hide Apps | Long press app → Remove from Home Screen | Privacy without deletion |
| Voice Control | Settings → Accessibility → Voice Control | Hands-free phone control |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Back Tap work with any case?
A: Most slim cases work fine. Thick rugged cases might reduce sensitivity — try removing the case to test.
Q: Is Live Text secure? Does Apple send my photos to servers?
A: Live Text processes on-device for most actions; Apple prioritizes privacy. If you use cloud features, review iCloud settings.
Q: Can Shortcuts be shared with others?
A: Yes — open a shortcut → share. But be cautious with shortcuts that include personal data or automations that change phone settings.
