10 iPhone Tricks You Probably Didn’t Know About

Think you know your iPhone inside and out? Apple’s iOS is packed with hidden features that most users never tap into. Whether you’re a casual user or a seasoned pro, these 10 iPhone tricks can seriously level up your daily experience.

1. Back Tap to Launch Actions

Did you know you can tap the back of your iPhone to trigger shortcuts?
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, and assign a double or triple tap to actions like taking a screenshot, opening the camera, or launching an app.

2. Pin Shared Content in Messages

Lose track of links and images your friends send? In the Messages app, long-press a shared item and tap Pin so you can easily find it later under the info section of the conversation.

3. Drag and Drop Across Apps

You can drag text, photos, or files from one app to another. Hold down the item with one finger, then use your other hand to switch apps, and drop it where you want it.

4. Hidden Trackpad Mode

Typing something long? Press and hold the spacebar on the keyboard—it turns into a trackpad so you can move the cursor precisely without your finger getting in the way.

5. Set Custom Vibration Patterns

Want to know who’s calling without looking? Go to Contacts > Edit > Ringtone > Vibration and create a custom pattern for specific contacts.

6. Quickly Erase Digits in Calculator

Mistyped a number in the Calculator app? Just swipe left or right on the numbers at the top to delete a digit—no need to start over.

7. Measure Anything with Your iPhone

The Measure app turns your device into a digital measuring tape. You can also use it as a level—just tap Level in the app’s bottom menu to check if surfaces are flat.

8. Create Custom App Icons

Want a cleaner or themed Home Screen? Use the Shortcuts app to create icons for any app with custom designs. Just create a new shortcut to open an app, then tap Add to Home Screen and customize the icon.

9. Set Up Focus Modes for Different Times of Day

Beyond Do Not Disturb, Focus Modes let you create tailored notifications for work, sleep, fitness, and more. Set them up in Settings > Focus and schedule them automatically based on time, location, or app usage.

10. Use Siri to Hang Up Calls

Tired of tapping the screen to end a call? Enable this by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Call Hang-Up, then simply say “Hey Siri, hang up” to end a call hands-free.

Bonus Tip: If you accidentally close a Safari tab, just press and hold the “+” icon in the tab view to bring back recently closed tabs.

Apple is always sneaking in clever features with each iOS update, so there’s always something new to discover. Try these out and see which ones become part of your everyday iPhone routine!