iOS is packed with features designed to make your iPhone experience smoother and more enjoyable, but some of the best ones remain under the radar for many users. By exploring these lesser-known features, you can unlock new functionalities that can save time, boost productivity, and offer a more personalized experience. Here’s a guide to some of the secret iOS features you should definitely be using.

Unveil Hidden Back Tap Shortcuts

The Back Tap feature is a hidden gem in iOS that allows you to perform various actions by tapping the back of your iPhone. This functionality can be customized to trigger tasks such as taking screenshots, opening the Control Center, or even running shortcuts. To set this up, navigate to “Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.” Here, you can assign different actions to double-tap and triple-tap gestures. This simple feature can significantly streamline your daily tasks and enhance your overall iPhone usage.

Harness the Power of Hidden Camera Controls

Your iPhone’s camera app offers more control than you might realize. For example, you can adjust exposure settings directly within the camera interface by tapping on the screen and dragging your finger up or down. Additionally, to capture burst photos, press and hold the shutter button. If you prefer to shoot video, hold down the shutter button in photo mode to start recording and release it to stop. Swiping right while holding the shutter button will lock it into video mode, making it easier to capture moments without switching modes.

The Measure app, pre-installed on your iPhone, is an incredibly useful tool for taking quick measurements using augmented reality (AR). It can measure objects and spaces with surprising accuracy. Open the app and point your camera at the object or area you want to measure. Follow the on-screen instructions to get measurements and check if surfaces are level. This feature is perfect for DIY projects, home improvements, or just getting a quick measurement when a tape measure isn’t handy.

Master Text Editing with Gestures

iOS includes several text editing gestures that can make managing text on your iPhone much easier. For instance, you can quickly select text by double-tapping a word or triple-tapping a paragraph. To copy text, use a three-finger pinch gesture, and to paste, pinch out with three fingers. If you make a mistake, swipe left with three fingers to undo, or swipe right to redo. These intuitive gestures can greatly streamline the text editing process and improve efficiency.

Custom vibration alerts are a great way to personalize your iPhone notifications. You can create unique vibration patterns for different contacts so you can identify who’s calling or texting without even looking at your phone. To set this up, go to “Contacts,” select the contact you want to customize, tap “Edit,” then choose “Vibration” under the ringtone or text tone options. You can create a new vibration pattern or select from existing ones, making it easier to manage notifications in a more personalized manner.

Explore Hidden Shortcuts for Efficiency

The Shortcuts app on iOS can automate a variety of tasks to make your life easier. You can create custom shortcuts for actions like sending a message, setting reminders, or even controlling smart home devices. The Shortcuts app allows you to build automation routines that run based on specific triggers, such as time of day or location. By exploring the Shortcuts app and creating custom automations, you can save time and streamline repetitive tasks.

Your iPhone is equipped with numerous hidden features that can enhance its functionality and improve your daily life. From the innovative Back Tap feature and advanced camera controls to the Measure app, text editing gestures, custom vibration alerts, and powerful Shortcuts app, there’s a lot to discover. By taking advantage of these secret iOS features, you can make your iPhone work harder for you and enjoy a more customized and efficient user experience.