Must Read This If You Are Using An iPhone. The iPhone is a revolutionary device that has transformed the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. While many of us are familiar with the basic functions and features of our iPhones, there are numerous hidden gems that can enhance our user experience. In this article, we will uncover 20 hidden things in the iPhone that everyone should know. From hidden gestures to secret settings, these features will take your iPhone usage to the next level.
Customize your iOS Control Center
The Control Center in iOS is a powerful tool that provides quick access to essential settings and functions on your iPhone. It’s a convenient way to toggle various features without navigating through multiple menus. But did you know that you can customize the Control Center to suit your preferences? Personalizing this feature allows you to have easy access to the controls that matter most to you.
To customize the Control Center, simply follow these steps:
a. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
b. Scroll down and tap on “Control Center.”
c. Here, you can add or remove controls by tapping the “+” or “-” buttons respectively.
d. You can also rearrange the order of controls by tapping and dragging the hamburger icon next to each control.
e. To access additional controls, tap on “More Controls” and choose the ones you want to include.
To customize the Control Center, simply follow these steps:
By customizing the Control Center, you can prioritize the controls you use frequently, making them easily accessible with just a swipe and a tap. Want to adjust the screen brightness, enable or disable Wi-Fi, control media playback, or activate the flashlight? Simply add those controls to your Control Center.
Not only can you add or remove controls, but you can also include shortcuts to specific actions within apps. For example, you can add shortcuts to take a photo, record a voice memo, or access specific features in your favorite apps.
Use Back Tap for extra iPhone controls
Did you know that your iPhone has a hidden feature called “Back Tap” that allows you to access additional controls and functionalities with a simple double or triple tap on the back of your device? This innovative feature, introduced in iOS 14, provides a new level of convenience and customization to your iPhone experience.
To enable Back Tap, follow these steps:
a. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
b. Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
c. Tap on “Touch” and then select “Back Tap.”
d. Choose whether you want to enable a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone.
e. From the list of actions, select the one you want to assign to the back tap gesture.
The possibilities with Back Tap are endless. You can use it to take a screenshot, launch the Control Center, activate Siri, adjust volume, lock the screen, or even launch specific apps. By assigning actions to the back tap gesture, you can streamline your iPhone usage and access frequently used features with ease.
This feature is not only convenient but also a game-changer for individuals with accessibility needs. It provides an alternative and customizable way to interact with the device, offering more flexibility and control.
Unlock the Interactive iOS Weather Map
Did you know that your iPhone’s built-in Weather app includes an interactive weather map that allows you to explore weather conditions in a whole new way? This hidden gem provides a visual representation of weather patterns and lets you dive deeper into the forecast.
To access the interactive weather map, follow these simple steps:
a. Open the Weather app on your iPhone.
b. Tap on the icon representing the current weather conditions at the bottom of the screen.
c. This will take you to the detailed forecast page.
d. Swipe up on the screen to reveal the interactive weather map.
Once you’re on the interactive weather map, you can pinch to zoom in or out to explore different areas. The map displays various weather elements such as temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, and more. You can toggle specific elements on or off to focus on the information that interests you the most.
The interactive map also allows you to check the weather forecast for different times throughout the day by using the timeline at the bottom of the screen. Simply swipe left or right to see how weather conditions are expected to change.
Share whatever is on your screen using Siri
Did you know that Siri, your virtual assistant on your iPhone, can help you quickly share whatever is on your screen with just a voice command? This convenient feature allows you to effortlessly share content, whether it’s a photo, a webpage, or even a document, without the need to navigate through multiple menus.
To share your screen using Siri, follow these simple steps:
a. Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or pressing the Side or Home button, depending on your iPhone model.
b. Once Siri is active, say “Share my screen” or a similar command.
c. Siri will immediately take a screenshot of your current screen and present you with sharing options.
d. Choose the app or method you prefer to share the screenshot with, such as Messages, Mail, or social media platforms.
e. Customize the message or recipient details, if necessary, and send the shared content.
This feature is not only efficient but also a time-saver when you want to quickly share something with others. Whether you want to share a funny meme, a website you found interesting, or a document you need feedback on, Siri makes the process seamless and effortless.
Moreover, Siri’s ability to share your screen goes beyond just images. It can also assist in sharing live content or recordings from apps like FaceTime or screen recording sessions.
Access the iPhone’s hidden trackpad
Did you know that your iPhone has a hidden trackpad feature that can make editing and navigating through text a breeze? This hidden gem provides a convenient way to precisely move the cursor and select text with ease, enhancing your overall typing experience.
To access the hidden trackpad on your iPhone, follow these steps:
a. Open any app that allows text input, such as Messages, Notes, or Mail.
b. Position your finger on the keyboard until it recognizes your touch.
c. Press and hold firmly on the space bar until the keys on the keyboard disappear.
d. The keyboard area will transform into a trackpad-like surface, and you can freely move your finger around to control the cursor.
The hidden trackpad allows for more precise cursor movement, making it easier to position the cursor exactly where you want it. This is particularly helpful when editing long paragraphs or making changes in dense blocks of text.
To select text using the hidden trackpad, simply double-tap on the trackpad area and then drag your finger to highlight the desired text. This gesture is incredibly useful when you need to select specific words, sentences, or even entire paragraphs.
Turn your iPhone’s camera into a document scanner
Did you know that your iPhone’s camera can do more than just take stunning photos? It can also serve as a powerful document scanner, allowing you to digitize and store important paperwork with ease. This hidden feature eliminates the need for a separate scanner and enables you to go paperless effortlessly.
To use your iPhone’s camera as a document scanner, follow these simple steps:
a. Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
b. Create a new note or open an existing one.
c. Tap the “+” button within the note.
d. Select “Scan Documents” from the options that appear.
e. Position your iPhone’s camera over the document you want to scan.
f. Ensure the document fits within the on-screen boundaries.
g. The camera will automatically detect the document and capture a clear, high-quality scan.
h. You can continue scanning additional pages or tap “Save” when you’re done.
The document scanner feature on your iPhone allows you to capture and save documents, receipts, business cards, and other paperwork in a digital format. This makes it easier to organize and access important information whenever you need it.
Furthermore, the scanner automatically detects the edges of the document, adjusts the perspective, and enhances the scan quality. It ensures that your scanned documents are crisp, clear, and ready for sharing or archiving.
You can also take advantage of additional features within the document scanner, such as cropping, rotating, or adjusting the color of the scanned document. This allows you to further refine the scanned image to your liking.
Drag and drop files and photos between apps
Did you know that your iPhone allows you to easily drag and drop files and photos between apps? This powerful feature simplifies the process of sharing and organizing content, enhancing your productivity and efficiency.
To use the drag-and-drop feature on your iPhone, follow these simple steps:
a. Open the app that contains the file or photo you want to move.
b. Locate the desired item and press and hold on it until it lifts off the screen.
c. While still holding the item, use another finger to navigate to the target app.
d. Once you’ve reached the target app, release your finger to drop the item into it.
With drag and drop, you can quickly transfer files, images, and even text between various apps on your iPhone. For example, you can drag a photo from the Photos app and drop it into an email or a messaging app to share it with friends or colleagues. You can also drag a document from a cloud storage app and drop it into a note-taking app to quickly access and annotate it.
This feature is not only convenient but also versatile. It enables you to seamlessly move content across different apps, eliminating the need for cumbersome workarounds like saving files to your device or using multiple sharing menus.
Enter hidden codes to unlock features
Did you know that your iPhone has hidden codes that can unlock various features and functionalities? These codes, known as “secret codes” or “field test codes,” provide access to hidden menus and settings, allowing you to customize and explore your iPhone in new ways.
To enter a hidden code on your iPhone, follow these steps:
a. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
b. Tap the keypad icon at the bottom of the screen to bring up the dial pad.
c. Enter the specific hidden code for the feature you want to access.
d. Once you’ve entered the code, press the Call button.
These hidden codes vary depending on your iPhone model and the iOS version you’re using. They can enable features like call forwarding, call waiting, signal strength measurements, and more. Additionally, some hidden codes provide access to diagnostic tools that help troubleshoot network or hardware issues.
While these hidden codes are not widely advertised or documented by Apple, they offer a glimpse into the inner workings of your iPhone. Exploring and experimenting with them can be an exciting way to discover new features and functionalities that are not readily accessible through the standard settings menus.
Unleash the power of your iPhone’s calculator app
Your iPhone’s calculator app is more than just a tool for basic arithmetic. It is a powerful tool that can simplify complex calculations and make math tasks easier. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who wants to make the most of your iPhone, unlocking the full potential of the calculator app can significantly enhance your productivity.
The calculator app on your iPhone is designed to handle a wide range of mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. But it doesn’t stop there. Here are some hidden features and tips to help you maximize the capabilities of your iPhone’s calculator app:
a. Swipe Left or Right: Made a mistake while entering a number? Instead of starting over, simply swipe left or right on the calculator display to delete the last digit.
b. Scientific Calculator: Need to perform advanced mathematical functions? Rotate your iPhone into landscape mode, and the calculator will transform into a scientific calculator, providing access to functions like logarithms, trigonometric calculations, and more.
c. Memory Functions: The calculator app has memory functions that allow you to store and recall numbers for future calculations. Use the “M+” button to add a number to memory, “M-” to subtract from memory, and “MR” to recall the number.
d. Copy and Paste: You can easily copy and paste numbers from other apps into the calculator. Simply press and hold on to the display, and the copy and paste options will appear.
e. Percentage Calculations: To calculate percentages, enter the number, followed by the percentage sign (%), and then the “=” button. The result will be the calculated percentage.
By exploring and utilizing these hidden features, you can unlock the full potential of your iPhone’s calculator app. From basic calculations to advanced mathematical functions, a calculator app is a versatile tool that can assist you in various mathematical tasks. So, go ahead and unleash the power of your iPhone’s calculator app for a seamless and efficient math experience.
Search anytime, anywhere using Spotlight
With your iPhone, you have the power to search for anything, anytime, and anywhere using the Spotlight feature. By simply swiping down from the middle of your home screen, the search bar appears, ready for your queries. Spotlight is intelligent and offers real-time suggestions as you type, making it easy to find apps, contacts, emails, messages, music, and documents with a single tap. It even extends its search capabilities to the web, providing web search suggestions powered by your default search engine. With Spotlight, you’re just a tap away from discovering the information you need, making your iPhone an even more powerful tool in your hands
Enable Face ID when you’re wearing a mask
Face ID is a convenient and secure feature on your iPhone that allows you to unlock your device and authenticate various actions with just a glance. However, with the ongoing need to wear masks in certain situations, using Face ID can become a bit challenging. Fortunately, Apple has introduced a feature that enables you to use Face ID even when you’re wearing a mask, striking a balance between convenience and security.
To enable Face ID with a mask on your iPhone, follow these steps:
a. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
b. Scroll down and tap on “Face ID & Passcode.”
c. Enter your passcode to proceed.
d. Scroll down to the section titled “Unlock With Apple Watch.”
e. Toggle the switch next to your Apple Watch to enable the feature.
With this feature enabled, your iPhone will automatically unlock when you’re wearing a mask and your Apple Watch is nearby and unlocked. This allows for a seamless unlocking experience while maintaining the security of your device.
Enabling Face ID with a mask not only makes it more convenient to access your iPhone, but it also ensures that your personal information remains protected. By leveraging the presence of your Apple Watch, Apple has provided a smart solution to a common problem faced by iPhone users in mask-wearing scenarios.
Use your Flash for notifications
Your iPhone offers various ways to keep you informed about incoming notifications, including sound alerts, vibration, and banners. However, there’s another useful feature that you may not be aware of: using your device’s flash to provide visual notifications. This feature can be especially helpful in situations where you may not hear or feel your phone’s alerts.
To enable flash notifications on your iPhone, follow these simple steps:
a. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
b. Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
c. Tap on “Audio/Visual.”
d. Under the “Hearing” section, toggle the switch next to “LED Flash for Alerts” to enable the feature.
Once enabled, your iPhone’s flash will emit a quick burst of light whenever you receive a notification. This visual alert can be particularly useful in loud environments, during meetings, or when your device is on silent mode.
Additionally, you can customize your flash notifications further. You can choose to enable flash alerts for incoming calls, messages, emails, and other app notifications individually. This allows you to tailor the visual notifications according to your preferences and needs.
Using your iPhone’s flash for notifications provides a practical solution to ensure you never miss an important update. It enhances accessibility by providing a visual cue, complementing the existing audio and vibration alerts. Stay informed at a glance and make the most of this handy feature on your iPhone.
Cast Harry Potter spells using Siri
If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series and own an iPhone, you’re in for a magical treat. Did you know that you can cast Harry Potter spells using Siri? Apple has added a touch of wizardry to its virtual assistant, allowing you to bring the enchanting world of Hogwarts to life on your iPhone.
To cast spells using Siri, simply activate Siri by holding down the home button or saying “Hey Siri.” Once Siri is listening, say one of the famous Harry Potter spells, such as “Lumos,” “Nox,” “Accio,” or “Expecto Patronum.” Siri will respond with a clever and often humorous response related to the spell you cast.
This delightful feature adds an extra layer of fun and immersion to your iPhone experience. Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Raven claw, or Slytherin, you can tap into your inner wizard or witch and playfully interact with Siri using the language of spells.
Next time you’re feeling a bit whimsical or want to show off your Harry Potter knowledge, grab your iPhone and let Siri be your magical companion. Cast spells, recite incantations, and enjoy the whimsical responses Siri has in store for you. It’s a delightful way to infuse a touch of magic into your daily routine and experience a bit of the enchanting world of Harry Potter right from the palm of your hand.
How to use the zooming Maps slider
Navigating through maps on your iPhone has become easier and more intuitive over the years, thanks to the advanced mapping capabilities of Apple. One handy feature that enhances your map exploration experience is the zooming maps slider. This slider allows you to adjust the zoom level of the map with precision, giving you a closer or broader view of your desired location. Whether you’re planning a trip, exploring a new city, or simply trying to find your way around, mastering the zooming maps slider can greatly improve your navigation skills.
To use the zooming maps slider, follow these simple steps:
a. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
b. Search for the location you want to view or tap on a pinned location on the map.
c. Once the location is displayed on the map, look for the zooming maps slider.
d. The slider is located in the lower-right corner of the screen and consists of a plus (+) and minus (-) sign.
e. To zoom in, tap on the plus sign (+) or slide your finger up on the slider.
f. To zoom out, tap on the minus sign (-) or slide your finger down on the slider.
By using the zooming maps slider, you can adjust the zoom level to your preference, allowing you to view a larger area or focus on specific details. This level of control is particularly useful when you want to get a closer look at a particular landmark, street, or point of interest.
The zooming maps slider is a versatile tool that helps you tailor your map view to your needs. Whether you’re navigating in a busy city or exploring the great outdoors, having the ability to zoom in and out with ease can greatly enhance your navigation experience.
So, the next time you’re using the Maps app on your iPhone, take advantage of the zooming maps slider. Zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out for a broader perspective. With this simple yet powerful feature, you can navigate your world with precision and confidence.
- Hide sensitive or unwanted apps using the App Library
Managing the apps on your iPhone can sometimes be a daunting task, especially if you have a multitude of apps cluttering your home screen. Whether you have sensitive apps you’d like to keep private or simply want to declutter your screen, the App Library feature on iPhone provides a convenient solution.
The App Library organizes all your apps into categorized folders, allowing for a more streamlined and organized app experience. Additionally, it offers the ability to hide specific apps from your home screen while keeping them accessible in the App Library.
To hide apps using the App Library, follow these steps:
a. Press and hold on any app icon on your home screen to enter the “jiggle” mode.
b. Tap on the small “X” that appears on the top-left corner of the app icon.
c. A confirmation prompt will appear. Choose the “Remove from Home Screen” option.
d. The app will be removed from your home screen but will still be available in the App Library.
Hiding apps using the App Library provides several benefits. Firstly, it declutters your home screen, allowing you to focus on the apps you use most frequently. Secondly, it offers privacy by keeping sensitive apps hidden from prying eyes. You can still access these apps easily by swiping right to access the App Library and navigating to the appropriate category.
With the App Library, you have greater control over the appearance and organization of your iPhone’s home screen. Take advantage of this feature to keep your screen clean, organized, and private, while still having easy access to all your apps in the App Library.
Turn on background sounds to ease stress
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become common challenges for many people. Fortunately, your iPhone offers a helpful feature that can assist in managing stress levels and promoting relaxation. By turning on background sounds, you can create a soothing environment wherever you are.
To activate background sounds on your iPhone, follow these simple steps:
a. Open the Settings app on your device.
b. Scroll down and tap on “Sounds & Haptics.”
c. Select “Headphone Safety” or “Environmental Sound Level” depending on your iOS version.
d. Toggle the switch next to “Background Sounds” to enable the feature.
e. Choose your preferred background sound from the available options such as “Ocean,” “Rain,” “Stream,” or “White Noise.”
Once enabled, the background sounds will continue to play even when you navigate away from the settings. You can adjust the volume of the background sounds by using the volume buttons on your device.
Background sounds provide a calming ambiance that can help you relax, meditate, focus, or unwind after a long day. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go, these soothing sounds can create a tranquil atmosphere and help alleviate stress.
So, the next time you find yourself needing a moment of relaxation, don’t forget to turn on the background sounds on your iPhone. Let the gentle sounds of nature or ambient noise transport you to a more serene state of mind. Take advantage of this feature and prioritize your mental well-being amidst the demands of everyday life.
Rearrange multiple apps at once
Keeping your iPhone’s home screen organized can be a time-consuming task, especially if you have numerous apps that need rearranging. Luckily, there’s a handy feature on iPhone that allows you to rearrange multiple apps at once, making the process much more efficient.
To rearrange multiple apps simultaneously on your iPhone, follow these steps:
a. Tap and hold on to any app icon until all the icons start to jiggle.
b. With one finger, drag an app to a desired location, but don’t release it yet.
c. While holding the app with one finger, use another finger to tap on other apps you want to include in the rearrangement.
d. As you tap additional apps, they will stack behind the initial app you’re holding.
e. Once you have selected all the apps you want to move, drag the entire stack to a new location on your home screen.
f. Release your finger to place the stack of apps in the new location.
By utilizing this feature, you can save time and effort when reorganizing your apps. It’s especially helpful when you want to create folders or move multiple apps to a different page on your home screen.
This convenient method of rearranging multiple apps at once ensures a more streamlined and personalized home screen layout. It enables you to declutter your screen and create a more organized and intuitive app arrangement that suits your preferences.
Take advantage of this time-saving feature on your iPhone and enjoy a more efficient and personalized home screen. With just a few simple steps, you can effortlessly rearrange multiple apps and maintain a clean and well-organized device interface.
- Get custom battery alerts with a shortcut
Managing your iPhone’s battery life is essential to ensure that you never run out of power when you need it most. Luckily, there’s a convenient feature on your iPhone that allows you to set up custom battery alerts using shortcuts.
With custom battery alerts, you can receive notifications when your iPhone’s battery reaches a certain level, helping you stay informed and take timely action. To set up custom battery alerts, follow these steps:
a. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
b. Tap on “Automation” at the bottom of the screen.
c. Tap on the “+” icon to create a new automation.
d. Select “Create Personal Automation” and choose “Battery Level.”
e. Set the desired battery level at which you want to receive an alert.
f. Tap on “Add Action” and search for “Show Notification.”
g. Customize the notification text to your preference.
h. Tap on “Next” and disable the “Ask Before Running” toggle.
i. Tap on “Done” to save the automation.
Once the custom battery alert is set up, you’ll receive a notification when your iPhone’s battery level reaches the specified threshold. This feature is particularly helpful when you’re engrossed in work, traveling, or in situations where it’s crucial to keep your battery charged.
By utilizing the custom battery alert feature, you can proactively manage your iPhone’s battery life and ensure that you always have enough power to get through the day. Stay informed, stay connected, and never worry about running out of battery again.
Make the most of this useful feature on your iPhone and take control of your device’s battery life. With custom battery alerts, you can stay ahead of the game and enjoy a seamless and uninterrupted iPhone experience.
Track Flights Using Messages on iPhone
Managing your travel plans and staying informed about flight updates is crucial, especially when you’re on the go. With the iPhone’s built-in Messages app, you can easily track flights and receive real-time updates right within your conversations.
To track flights using Messages on your iPhone, follow these simple steps:
a. Open the Messages app and navigate to the conversation where you received the flight details.
b. Tap on the flight information within the message, such as the flight number or flight name.
c. A flight card will appear with detailed information about the flight, including departure and arrival times, gate numbers, and
current status.
d. You can tap on the flight card to expand it and view additional details.
e. As the flight progresses, the card will update in real time to reflect any changes or delays.
Tracking flights using Messages is a convenient way to stay updated on your travel itineraries without the need for a separate app or website. It allows you to seamlessly integrate your flight information into your regular conversation threads, making it easy to access and monitor your flights.
Whether you’re planning your own trip or staying informed about a friend or family member’s flight, the ability to track flights using Messages on iPhone simplifies the process and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Next time you receive flight details in a message, take advantage of this feature to effortlessly track and stay updated on your flights. Enjoy peace of mind and a smoother travel experience with the convenience of tracking flights using Messages on your iPhone.
Track flights using Messages
When it comes to traveling, staying informed about flight details and any changes or delays is essential. Luckily, with the iPhone’s built-in Messages app, you can easily track flights and receive real-time updates without the need for separate apps or websites.
To track flights using Messages on your iPhone, follow these steps:
a. Open the Messages app and locate the conversation with the flight information.
b. Tap on the flight details within the message, such as the flight number or name.
c. A flight card will appear, providing you with detailed information about the flight, including departure and arrival times, gate
numbers, and current status.
d. The flight card updates in real-time, so you can stay informed about any changes or delays as they occur.
Tracking flights using Messages offers a seamless and convenient way to monitor your travel itineraries. Whether it’s your own flight or someone else’s, you can easily keep track of the details within your regular conversation threads.
Make the most of this feature on your iPhone and ensure a smoother travel experience by effortlessly tracking flights using Messages. Stay informed and up-to-date on your flight information without the hassle of switching between different apps or websites.
Conclusion
Uncovering the hidden features and functions of your iPhone can greatly enhance your user experience and productivity. From hidden gestures and shortcuts to specialized apps and tools, these 20 hidden things in the iPhone are essential for every user to know. Explore these features, experiment with customization options, and unlock the full potential of your iPhone. Embrace the power of these hidden gems and take your iPhone usage to new heights.
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