Most iPhone users aren’t using their devices to their full potential. While Apple is known for intuitive design, many of the most powerful features are tucked away in settings menus or hidden behind gestures. This guide, written with a focus on user experience and security, reveals 15 little-known iPhone features that can improve your privacy, productivity, and everyday usability.
All tips are based on the latest stable iOS version (iOS 17 at the time of writing), verified through Apple’s official documentation and hands-on usage.
Productivity Features
- Back Tap for Quick Actions
Back Tap lets users trigger actions by double- or triple-tapping the back of their iPhone. It can launch shortcuts, open apps, or activate accessibility features.
How to enable:
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
Apple Support on Back Tap
- Keyboard as a Trackpad
Long-press the spacebar on the iPhone keyboard to activate a trackpad mode, which makes it easier to move the text cursor precisely.
Compare the iPhone vs Google Pixel and the Samsung Galaxy
Use case:
This feature is invaluable for editing long documents, emails, or messages.
- Pin Safari Tabs for Easy Access
In Safari, long-press a tab and choose “Pin Tab” to keep important websites (email, work dashboards) permanently available.
Privacy and Security Enhancements
- Use Face ID with a Mask
Introduced during the pandemic and available on newer iPhones (12 and later), this feature uses eye recognition to authenticate Face ID with a mask.
How to enable:
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Face ID with a Mask.
Apple’s Face ID Guide
- Hidden Photo Album
Photos marked as hidden can be moved to a separate “Hidden” album, which itself can be hidden from the Photos app.
Enable/disable album visibility:
Settings > Photos > Show Hidden Album
- Safety Check for Personal Security
This privacy tool, introduced in iOS 16, allows users to quickly review and reset data sharing permissions with people and apps.
Where to find it:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check
Apple Guide on Safety Check
Everyday Convenience
- Built-In Level in Measure App
The Measure app includes a digital level, useful for hanging pictures or levelling furniture.
How to access:
Open the Measure app, then tap Level at the bottom.
- Custom Vibration Patterns for Contacts
Assign unique vibration patterns to contacts so you can identify callers even when your phone is on silent.
Steps:
Go to Contacts > [Name] > Edit > Ringtone > Vibration > Create New Vibration
- QuickTake Video from Photo Mode
Instead of switching to Video, you can hold the shutter button in Photo mode to instantly record a video. Releasing the button stops the recording.
Apple Support: Camera Features
- Lift Subjects from Backgrounds
In iOS 16 and later, long-pressing a subject in a photo allows you to “lift” it from the background and paste it into other apps.
Use case:
Useful for creating quick graphic assets or sharing just a person/object without background clutter.
Advanced Utilities
- Math and Unit Conversions via Spotlight
Swipe down on the Home Screen and type equations or conversions like “25 EUR to USD” or “30*1.5”. Results are instant.
- Sound Recognition for Alerts
The iPhone can listen for critical sounds (e.g., smoke alarms, doorbells) and send alerts — particularly helpful for users with hearing loss.
Enable it:
Settings > Accessibility > Sound Recognition
Apple Support on Sound Recognition
- Drag and Drop Between Apps
Hold and drag images, text, or files between supported apps like Photos, Notes, or Mail. This multitasking feature mimics desktop-style interaction.
Fun and Surprising Features
- Siri Spellcasting (Harry Potter Easter Eggs)
You can cast spells like “Lumos” (turn on flashlight), “Nox” (turn it off), and “Accio [App Name]” to open apps. While unofficial, these are fun voice commands baked into Siri.
- Weather App Maps
The native Weather app includes map overlays showing precipitation, temperature, and air quality. Just tap the map icon within the app.
The iPhone is engineered with accessibility, efficiency, and customization in mind — but many of its best tools are hidden in plain sight. With this guide, backed by Apple’s official documentation and hands-on testing, you now have a clearer understanding of features that most users miss entirely.
By integrating a few of these features into your daily use, you can increase productivity, improve security, and even find a little joy in your device’s hidden talents.
