Hidden iPhone Features Worth Knowing

iPhones are packed with features that Apple doesn't always advertise prominently. After years of iOS updates, some of the most useful tools are buried deep in menus — or triggered by gestures most users stumble upon by accident. Here are ten genuinely useful hidden features worth learning today.

1. Back Tap

Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap. You can assign a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone to trigger actions like taking a screenshot, opening the Control Center, or running a Shortcut. It works silently and without pressing any buttons.

2. Drag and Drop Text Between Apps

On iPad this is well known, but it works on iPhone too. Select text, hold it with one finger, navigate to another app, then drop it. Works great between Notes, Mail, and Messages.

3. Level Tool in the Measure App

The built-in Measure app includes a digital level. Open it, tap the "Level" tab, and hold your phone against any surface to get a precise reading. Useful for hanging pictures or checking if furniture is even.

4. Custom App Icons with Shortcuts

Using the Shortcuts app, you can create a shortcut that opens any app, then assign a custom image to it from your photo library. Add it to your Home Screen for a fully customized look.

5. Type to Siri

If you'd rather not speak to Siri, go to Settings → Accessibility → Siri and enable Type to Siri. You can then type your requests instead of saying them aloud — great for quiet environments.

6. One-Handed Keyboard

Press and hold the globe or emoji icon on the keyboard and choose the left- or right-hand keyboard layout. It shifts the entire keyboard to one side, making typing much easier with one hand.

7. Screen Distance Warning

Under Settings → Screen Time → Screen Distance, your iPhone's TrueDepth camera can detect if you're holding the phone too close to your face and prompt you to move it away — helpful for protecting eyesight.

8. Silence Unknown Callers

Go to Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. Any number not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions will be silenced automatically and sent to voicemail. A huge help for reducing spam calls.

9. Haptic Keyboard Feedback

If you like a tactile feel while typing, go to Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Keyboard Feedback and enable Haptic. Your phone will give a subtle vibration with each keypress.

10. Announce Notifications with Siri

When wearing AirPods, Siri can read your notifications aloud as they arrive. Enable this under Settings → Siri & Search → Announce Notifications. You can choose which apps Siri announces.

Put These Features to Work

Each of these features takes just a minute to set up but can meaningfully change how you use your iPhone day to day. Start with one or two that match your habits and work your way through the list.