Apple’s iPhone is widely recognized for its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and user-friendly interface. But beneath its polished surface lies a treasure trove of hidden features that even seasoned users often overlook. Whether you’re an iPhone novice or a long-time fan, this ultimate guide will unveil some of the best-kept secrets that can elevate your iPhone experience to a whole new level.

Best iPhone Tips for Beginners and Pros

1. Back Tap: A Shortcut at Your Fingertips

One of the most impressive hidden features introduced with iOS 14 is Back Tap. This clever accessibility tool allows you to double or triple tap the back of your iPhone to trigger custom actions.

How to Enable It:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility
• Tap Touch > Back Tap
• Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign actions like taking a screenshot, locking the screen, or even launching an app

It’s especially useful for users who prefer quick, one-handed shortcuts.

2. Hidden Trackpad for Precise Typing

Trying to edit a text message or email on your iPhone can sometimes feel frustrating. Luckily, your iPhone keyboard has a hidden trackpad mode that makes text editing much easier.

How It Works:

• Press and hold the space bar on your keyboard
• The keyboard will fade, turning into a trackpad
• Move your finger to precisely place the cursor where you want

This feature is a game-changer for correcting typos or editing long messages.

3. Secure Notes with Face ID or Touch ID

The Notes app isn’t just for grocery lists—it can securely store private information like passwords, financial data, or personal thoughts.

To Lock a Note:

• Open a note in the Notes app
• Tap the Share icon and then tap Lock Note
• Use Face ID, Touch ID, or a password to secure it

This feature turns your iPhone into a personal vault.

4. Measure Real-World Objects Using Your iPhone

Not everyone knows this, but your iPhone can replace your measuring tape. Thanks to augmented reality (AR), the Measure app lets you measure objects simply by pointing your camera at them.

Features Include:

• Measure dimensions in inches or centimeters
• Automatically detect rectangular objects
• Save measurements as photos

Perfect for DIY enthusiasts or anyone who needs a quick size estimate on the go.

5. Hide Photos from Your Main Library

We all have photos we’d prefer to keep private. Fortunately, the Photos app allows you to hide selected images from the main gallery.

How to Hide a Photo:

• Open the Photos app
• Select the image(s) you want to hide
• Tap the Share icon > Hide

To view them, go to Albums > Hidden (you can also lock this album with Face ID in newer iOS versions).

6. Use Siri to Remember “This”

Siri can be a surprisingly efficient reminder tool—especially when you’re browsing in Safari, reading an email, or looking at a text.

Example:

• While viewing a webpage or message, say: “Hey Siri, remind me about this later.”
• Siri will automatically attach the content to your reminder

This trick is great for multitaskers who don’t want to forget important items.

7. Shake to Undo

Accidentally deleted a long note or messed up a message? Just shake your iPhone.

How It Works:

• Shake your device and a pop-up will appear asking if you want to undo the last action
• Tap Undo to revert your change

You can also redo by shaking again. It might seem quirky at first, but it’s surprisingly handy.

8. Use Your iPhone as a Scanner

Forget downloading third-party apps—your iPhone’s Notes app doubles as a document scanner.

How to Use:

• Open Notes
• Tap the Camera icon > Scan Documents
• Align your document and the camera will automatically capture it

It even supports edge detection, filters, and the ability to sign documents on the spot.

9. Wi-Fi Password Sharing

Need to help a friend connect to Wi-Fi but forgot the password? Your iPhone has a clever solution for that.

How to Share:

• Make sure both devices are using iOS and near each other
• The recipient tries to connect to your network
• Your iPhone will show a prompt to share the password—tap Share Password

No more awkward searching through router labels.

10. Hidden Album for Screenshots and Screen Recordings

To declutter your main photo gallery, iOS automatically creates hidden albums for Screenshots and Screen Recordings.

To Access:

• Open the Photos app
• Scroll down to Albums > Media Types

This helps separate casual captures from personal memories.

11. Customize Control Center

Your iPhone’s Control Center can be customized to give you fast access to your most-used tools.

How to Customize:

• Go to Settings > Control Center
• Tap the + or – icons to add or remove shortcuts

Add screen recording, Low Power Mode, or even a QR scanner for instant utility.

12. Use the Hidden Level Tool

Need to hang a painting or balance a shelf? Your iPhone comes with a built-in level tool.

How to Use It:

• Open the Measure app
• Tap Level at the bottom

It works in both portrait and landscape modes and turns your phone into a precision tool.

13. LED Flash for Alerts

If you often miss notifications, especially in noisy environments, you can set your iPhone to flash the LED light when receiving alerts.

To Enable:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility
• Tap Audio/Visual > LED Flash for Alerts

This also works when the phone is on silent—great for meetings or concerts.

14. Sound Recognition: Alerts for Important Sounds

Another accessibility gem is Sound Recognition, which makes your iPhone listen for specific sounds like a doorbell, baby crying, or smoke alarms.

To Enable:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Sound Recognition
• Turn it on and choose which sounds to monitor

This is especially helpful for users with hearing impairments or for added peace of mind.

15. Safari’s Website Settings Per Site

If you prefer to view some websites in desktop mode or disable pop-ups, Safari lets you set preferences on a per-site basis.

How:

• Visit a website in Safari
• Tap the aA icon in the address bar
• Select Website Settings to customize your preferences

Ideal for web developers or users who like control over their browsing experience.

16. Long Press for Extra Functionality

Many iPhone features are hidden under long presses (aka Haptic Touch). Try pressing and holding different icons on your home screen or within apps.

Examples:

• Long press the Camera app to jump straight to selfie mode
• Press and hold Notes to create a new note instantly
• Long press Settings to jump directly into Bluetooth or Wi-Fi settings

Experimenting with long presses will reveal a variety of shortcuts.

17. Hide Your Email Address with Apple’s Privacy Tools

iCloud+ subscribers get a feature called Hide My Email, which creates random email aliases that forward to your real inbox.

How to Use:

• Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Hide My Email
• Create a new alias when signing up for websites

It protects your privacy and keeps your main inbox spam-free.

18. Set Up Sleep Mode with Wind Down

Sleep Mode doesn’t just silence notifications—it can help you prepare for bed with calming routines.

Setup:

• Go to Health app > Browse > Sleep
• Set your sleep schedule and Wind Down time

You can add shortcuts for meditation, music, or dim the screen before bed.

19. Secret Calculator App Backspace

Ever mistyped a number in the Calculator app and wanted to delete just one digit? You don’t need to clear the entire number.

The Trick:

• Simply swipe left or right on the number display to delete the last digit

It’s a subtle but super helpful trick for everyday calculations.

20. Use Live Text to Copy from Photos

With Live Text, your iPhone can recognize text in photos and screenshots.

How to Use:

• Open a photo with text
• Tap and hold on the text to highlight, copy, translate, or look up

This is incredibly useful for copying phone numbers, addresses, or URLs directly from images.

Final Thoughts

Your iPhone is far more than a communication device—it’s a powerful mini-computer filled with smart tools and helpful tricks. From secret gestures to overlooked apps and productivity boosts, these hidden features can enhance how you interact with your device daily.

As Apple continues to evolve iOS, even more hidden gems are bound to emerge. Keep exploring, experiment with settings, and don’t be afraid to dive deep into your iPhone’s capabilities. Who knows what other features you might uncover next?