Apple’s iPhones are packed with powerful features, but many users don’t realize just how much their device can do. If you’re looking for cool iPhone hacks that can make your phone more efficient, secure, and fun to use, you’re in the right place. These hidden tricks and lesser-known features can transform the way you interact with your iPhone, helping you save time, increase productivity, and impress your friends.
1. Use the Back Tap Feature for Quick Actions
Did you know that you can double-tap or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to perform specific actions? This feature is hidden in Accessibility settings but can be a game-changer.
How to Enable Back Tap:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
- Scroll down and select Back Tap.
- Choose either Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign an action, such as taking a screenshot, opening the Control Center, or launching an app.
This shortcut can save time and make one-handed use more efficient.
2. Charge Your iPhone Faster with Airplane Mode
If you need a quick battery boost, turn on Airplane Mode before plugging in your charger. This stops background processes, notifications, and network activity, allowing your iPhone to charge faster.
Steps to Enable Airplane Mode:
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and later) or swiping up (iPhone 8 and earlier).
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon.
- Plug in your charger and watch your battery percentage rise quickly.
3. Hide Sensitive Photos Without Deleting Them
Instead of deleting private photos, you can hide them from the main Photos app without using third-party apps.
How to Hide Photos:
- Open the Photos app and select the pictures you want to hide.
- Tap the Share button and choose Hide.
- Confirm by selecting Hide Photo.
- The photos will move to the Hidden album (found under Albums in the Photos app).
To access hidden photos, go to Settings > Photos and toggle Show Hidden Album on or off.
4. Use the iPhone’s Secret Mouse Cursor
Typing on an iPhone can be frustrating when you need to move the cursor precisely. Fortunately, there’s a built-in trackpad mode.
How to Use It:
- Press and hold the spacebar on the keyboard.
- Drag your finger across the screen to move the cursor smoothly.
- Lift your finger to drop the cursor at the desired position.
This hack makes text editing much easier and more accurate.
5. Measure Objects Using the Built-in Measure App
Your iPhone has a built-in Measure app that uses augmented reality (AR) to measure real-world objects.
How to Use the Measure App:
- Open the Measure app.
- Point your camera at the object you want to measure.
- Tap the + button to mark points and get measurements.
This is useful for DIY projects, home decor, or even checking if furniture fits in a space.
6. Get a Flash Notification for Alerts
You can set your iPhone’s LED flash to blink whenever you receive a notification, which is useful in noisy environments or for discreet alerts.
How to Enable Flash Notifications:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual.
- Toggle LED Flash for Alerts on.
You can also choose to enable the feature only when your phone is in Silent Mode.
7. Create Custom Vibrations for Contacts
Instead of relying on standard vibration patterns, you can create custom vibrations for specific contacts.
Steps to Set Up Custom Vibrations:
- Open Contacts and select a contact.
- Tap Edit > Ringtone > Vibration.
- Choose Create New Vibration and tap a pattern.
- Save and assign it to the contact.
Now, you’ll recognize who’s calling even when your phone is in your pocket.
8. Use Siri to Translate Languages Instantly
Your iPhone’s Siri can translate languages in real time, making it a handy travel companion.
How to Translate with Siri:
- Activate Siri by holding the Side button or saying, “Hey Siri.”
- Say, “Translate [phrase] into [language].”
- Siri will provide a translation along with an audio pronunciation.
This feature supports multiple languages and is great for quick translations.
9. Scan Documents with the Notes App
No need for a scanner—your iPhone’s Notes app has a built-in document scanner.
How to Scan Documents:
- Open the Notes app and create a new note.
- Tap the Camera icon and select Scan Documents.
- Position the document within the frame and capture it.
- Adjust corners if needed and save.
You can also annotate and share scanned documents easily.
10. Set a Timer to Stop Music Automatically
If you like listening to music or podcasts before bed, you can set a timer to stop playback automatically.
How to Set a Sleep Timer:
- Open the Clock app and go to Timer.
- Set a duration and tap When Timer Ends.
- Scroll down and select Stop Playing.
- Start the timer, and your music will stop when it reaches zero.
This helps conserve battery and prevents audio from playing all night.
11. Quickly Delete Digits in the Calculator App
Did you know you can swipe to delete a single digit in the Calculator app instead of clearing everything?
How to Delete Digits:
- Open the Calculator app.
- If you enter a wrong number, swipe left or right on the number display to remove the last digit.
This simple trick saves you from frustrating miscalculations.
12. Use the Hidden One-Handed Keyboard
Typing with one hand can be tricky, but the iPhone has a built-in one-handed keyboard mode.
How to Enable One-Handed Keyboard:
- Open the keyboard in any app.
- Press and hold the globe (emoji) key.
- Select the left or right keyboard layout.
This feature is especially useful for larger iPhone models.
Final Thoughts
These cool iPhone hacks can enhance your daily smartphone experience, making your device more efficient and fun to use. Whether you’re optimizing your charging speed, improving typing accuracy, or discovering hidden tools, these tricks help you get the most out of your iPhone. Try them today and unlock the full potential of your device!