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20 iPhone Hacks That Show You're Not Using It To Its Full Potential


20 iPhone Hacks That Show You're Not Using It To Its Full Potential


Explore Everything Your iPhone Has To Offer

Do you know the full potential of your iPhone? Whether you know it or not, this pocket-sized powerhouse is filled with a litany of tricks and special features that you've probably never even heard of. If you think you've tried and tested everything, you're in for a surprise! These 20 iPhone hacks will change how you use your phone forever. 

woman in black leather jacket holding blue iphone caseTaan Huyn on Unsplash

1. Turn Back Tap Into A Shortcut

Tap the back twice, and a screenshot appears. Tap three times, and the flashlight turns on. Introduced in iOS 14, Back Tap makes multitasking effortless. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, and customize it to match your workflow.

1-2.pngiPhone 14's/14 Pro Max: How to Set Back Tap To Open Accessibility Shortcut by ITJungles

2. Utilize The Hidden Trackpad For Precise Typing

Have you ever struggled to place the cursor exactly where you need it? No more! Press and hold the spacebar, and your keyboard magically transforms into a trackpad. Since iOS 12, this hidden gem has made editing more straightforward, helping writers, students, and professionals fix typos.

2-1.pngiPhone Trackpad - A 2 Minute Guide to Unlocking this Hidden Feature by Dan's Tutorials

3. Measure Objects Using Augmented Reality

Did you know your iPhone can double as a virtual ruler? With the Measure app, you can scan objects and get accurate dimensions in seconds. It's perfect for DIY projects or quick estimates. This tool becomes even more precise on Pro models equipped with LiDAR sensors. 

File:IOS measure app demonstration.jpgAtomicdragon136 on Wikimedia

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4. Enhance Security With Customized App Tracking

You're not wrong if you feel like apps watch your every move. Luckily, App Tracking Transparency, introduced in iOS 14.5, puts you back in control. Head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking to stop apps from spying on your activity. It significantly reduces data collection, shielding your browsing habits from advertisers.

3-1.pngIs Someone Tracking You? [Stop Apps from Tracking You on iPhone] by SHS - Connected Life

5. Activate LED Flash Alerts For Notifications

Enabling LED flash notifications will ensure you never miss an alert again. To do so, head to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > LED Flash for Alerts. The hack benefits those in loud environments or with hearing impairments. It's also helpful for people who prefer a visual cue over sound or vibration.

4-1.pngHow To Activate Led Flash Notifications iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Plus by Unboxingalism

6. Shake To Undo

Did you make a typing mistake or accidentally delete a chunk of text? No need to stress. Give your iPhone a quick shake, and a pop-up will appear, asking if you'd want to undo your last action. It's like a secret Ctrl + Z for mobile users.

5-1.png6 Ways to Use Shake to Undo on iPhone! by Technomentary

7. Declutter Your Home Screen With App Library

If you're tired of a cluttered Home Screen filled with apps you rarely use, Apple's App Library lets you hide entire pages of apps while still keeping everything organized and accessible. Press and hold anywhere on the Home Screen, tap the dots at the bottom, and select the pages you want to hide. 

6-1.pngHow to use App Library iOS 14? by Nick Ackerman

8. Scan Documents Directly With Your Camera

Forget bulky scanners because your iPhone's camera does the job in seconds! Open the Notes app, tap the camera icon, and select "Scan Documents." It automatically enhances clarity and even detects edges for a perfect scan.

7-1.pngHow to Scan a Document With iPhone 15 Pro Camera - Full Guide by Apple Guy

9. Set Custom Ringtones And Vibrations For Contacts

Distinguish important calls by assigning unique ringtones and vibration patterns. Open a contact, tap "Edit," then choose "Ringtone" or "Vibration." Be it a favorite song for your friend or a subtle buzz pattern for work calls, you'll know who's calling without checking your screen or hearing their name aloud.

8-1.pngHow to change vibration on iPhone | Set custom vibration for contact on iPhone | Know who is calling by iOSTutorialandTips iOS

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10. Enable One-Handed Keyboard For Easier Typing

Struggling to text on a larger iPhone? No problem! Press and hold the globe, then select a left- or right-aligned keyboard for effortless one-handed use. It makes texting smoother and more comfortable. Need to switch back? Tap the arrow to return to full size.

9-1.pngHow to Use One-Handed Keyboard on iPhone | Setup One-Handed keyboard on iPhone byDeviceCare+

11. Use Live Text To Interact With Text In Photos

Captured text is now searchable, selectable, and usable. With iOS 15's Live Text feature, point your camera at handwritten or printed words, then copy, translate, or call phone numbers instantly. This AI-powered tool is invaluable for students or travelers struggling with foreign languages.

10-1.pngHow to Use iOS 15 Live Text Mode on iPhone & iPad! Copy, Extract, Scan Text from Image by Tim Harris AI

12. Dictation with Punctuation

No need to pause mid-sentence to add punctuation when your iPhone can do it for you. While using voice dictation, say commands like "comma" or "new paragraph," and Siri will insert them seamlessly. This feature makes note-taking and even writing emails much faster and more accurate.

11-1.pngiPhone 14's/14 Pro Max: How to Enable/Disable Keyboard Dictation Auto-Punctuation by ITJungles

13. Turn Your iPhone Into A Color Detective

Your iPhone's Magnifier app does more than zoom. It can identify color names, too. By tapping the Color Dropper tool, you can instantly detect and display the exact shade of whatever your camera is pointed at. Whether you're matching paint for a home project, coordinating outfits, or identifying colors in nature, this tool makes things easier. 

12-1.pngHow to Fix Magnifier App Not Working on iPhone by Technomentary

14. Access Hidden Weather Maps For Detailed Forecasts

Tap the Weather app's temperature graph to uncover a hidden treasure of interactive maps displaying precipitation, air quality, and wind patterns. Introduced in iOS 15, this feature provides detailed meteorological data at your fingertips and allows you to plan accordingly with real-time updates.

13-1.pngHow to Check Weather Temperature in iPhone? by daily doubts

15. Utilize Text Replacement For Faster Typing

Text Replacement lets you create shortcuts for commonly used phrases, saving time with every message. Head to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement, and add shortcuts like "omw" for "On my way." It even works for emails or complex symbols like ¯\(ツ)/¯.

14-1.pngHow to Set Up Text Replacement on iPhone by Techno Window

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16. Use Siri To Share Your Screen

Do you need to assist someone remotely through a tech issue? During a FaceTime call, ask Siri, "Share my screen with [contact]," and let them see precisely what's happening. This feature, introduced in iOS 15, makes troubleshooting, collaboration, and remote assistance a breeze. 

15-1.pngHow To Screen Share on iPhone iOS 18 (2 Ways to Share Screen) by Saunders Tee

17. Access Scientific Calculator By Rotating Your iPhone

Flip your iPhone sideways, and voilà! The basic calculator morphs into a scientific version. Disable the Portrait Orientation Lock and access functions like logarithms and exponents. It's perfect for students or anyone who loves a math trick up their sleeve.

16-1.pngHow to Rotate iPhone Calculator? | Turn On Scientific Calculator! by daily doubts

18. Utilize Spotlight Search From The Lock Screen

Swiping on the lock screen activates Spotlight Search, turning your iPhone into a mind-reading assistant. Instantly find apps, contacts, emails, or web results without endless scrolling. Powered by Apple's AI-driven indexing, it works like magic. Just type and tap—what you need appears in seconds.

17-1.pngHow to Use Spotlight Search on iPhone Lockscreen by Adedotun 4A

19. Protect Sensitive Notes With A Password

Protecting your private notes is as easy as adding a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. Open the Notes app, swipe left on an entry, and tap the lock icon. For all your passwords, financial details, or personal thoughts, this extra layer of security keeps prying eyes out.

18-1.pngHow to Lock Notes on iPhone iOS 18 by Adedotun 4A

20. Unlock Your iPhone Even With A Mask On

Are you wearing a mask but need a Face ID to work? iPhones with iOS 15.4 and later let you enable Face ID with a Mask for faster unlocking. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and toggle "Use Face ID with a Mask."

19-1.pngiOS 15.4 Face ID Mask Unlock is NOT for EVERYONE! By iDeviceHelp