10 Hidden Features in iOS You Didn’t Know About

Apple’s iOS is renowned for its user-friendly interface, seamless ecosystem, and constant evolution. However, beneath its polished surface lies a treasure trove of lesser-known features designed to elevate your iPhone experience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, discovering these hidden gems can enhance productivity, security, and overall enjoyment.

In this blog post, we’ll unveil 10 hidden iOS features that often go unnoticed but can revolutionize the way you use your iPhone. Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of iOS!

1. Back Tap: Your iPhone’s Secret Shortcut

Did you know your iPhone’s back panel doubles as a button? With the Back Tap feature, you can assign shortcuts by tapping the back of your device. This feature is part of Accessibility Settings and supports actions like taking screenshots, opening apps, or adjusting volume.

How to Enable Back Tap:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.

Choose between Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign a function.

Back Tap is particularly useful for quick actions, making your iPhone even more intuitive to use.

EDGarena 10 Hidden Features in iOS You Didn’t Know About

2. Precise Text Selection with the Hidden Trackpad

Editing text on a touchscreen can be tricky, but iOS offers a hidden trackpad mode to make it seamless. By turning your keyboard into a trackpad, you can navigate text with precision.

How to Use It:

Press and hold the spacebar on your keyboard.

Drag your finger to move the cursor across text.

This feature is a lifesaver for anyone who frequently edits documents, emails, or messages.

3. Measure Real-World Objects with the Measure App

Forget carrying a tape measure. The Measure app on iOS uses augmented reality (AR) to measure objects and distances in the real world. It’s surprisingly accurate and perfect for quick measurements.

Steps to Use the Measure App:

1. Open the Measure app from your home screen.

2. Point your camera at the object and follow the on-screen instructions to set start and end points.

3. View the measurement in real-time.

Bonus: The app also includes a built-in level tool for checking if surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical.

EDGarena 10 Hidden Features in iOS You Didn’t Know About

4. Hide Sensitive Photos in a Locked Folder

Your private photos deserve an extra layer of security, and iOS provides just that. You can move sensitive photos to a Locked Folder within the Photos app.

How to Secure Photos:

Open the Photos app and select the photos you want to hide.

Tap More Options > Hide > Move to Locked Folder.

Use Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to access the folder.

This feature is perfect for safeguarding personal images without needing third-party apps.

5. Use Siri to Perform Custom Shortcuts

Siri isn’t just for setting reminders or answering questions—it can execute complex workflows with Siri Shortcuts. For instance, you can create a shortcut to send ETA updates, launch multiple apps simultaneously, or automate tasks.

How to Set Up Siri Shortcuts:

1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap the + icon to create a new shortcut.

2. Add actions you want Siri to perform.

3. Save and assign a Siri command.

Once set, simply invoke Siri and say the command to activate the shortcut.

EDGarena 10 Hidden Features in iOS You Didn’t Know About

6. Mask Your Email Address with Hide My Email

Privacy-conscious users will love Hide My Email, a feature that generates random email addresses to protect your identity when signing up for services. It forwards emails to your actual inbox, ensuring your primary address stays private.

Where to Find It:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Hide My Email.

Create a new random email address and link it to a service or website.

This feature is a must-have for avoiding spam and maintaining online privacy.

7. Boost Your Calls with Voice Isolation

Struggling with background noise during calls? The Voice Isolation feature in iOS minimizes ambient noise, ensuring clearer communication. It works across apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other voice services.

How to Activate Voice Isolation:

1. During a call, swipe down to access Control Center.

2. Tap Mic Mode and select Voice Isolation.

This feature is particularly helpful for remote workers or anyone frequently on the go.

EDGarena 10 Hidden Features in iOS You Didn’t Know About

8. Scan Documents with the Notes App

iOS turns your iPhone into a portable scanner with its built-in document scanning feature. It’s integrated into the Notes app and delivers crisp, shareable scans.

Steps to Scan Documents:

1. Open the Notes app and create a new note.

2. Tap the camera icon and select Scan Documents.

3. Position the document within the frame and let iOS handle the rest.

You can also annotate or convert scanned documents to PDFs for added convenience.

9. Enable Optimized Battery Charging for Longevity

Battery health is critical for long-term iPhone performance. The Optimized Battery Charging feature reduces wear by learning your charging habits and delaying full charge until needed.

How to Enable It:

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

Toggle on Optimized Battery Charging.

This feature is essential for preserving battery life, especially for users who charge their phones overnight.

10. Create Custom Vibration Patterns

Why settle for generic vibrations when you can personalize them? iOS allows you to create custom vibration patterns for calls and notifications.

How to Set a Custom Vibration:

1. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone > Vibration.

2. Tap Create New Vibration and tap a pattern on the screen.

3. Save and assign it to specific contacts or notifications.

This feature makes it easier to identify who’s calling or texting without looking at your screen.

Bonus Tips to Maximize iOS Features

1. Use Focus Modes: Customize notifications for different scenarios, like work, sleep, or personal time.

2. Explore Hidden Gestures: Swipe with three fingers to undo/redo text edits quickly.

3. Set Up Medical ID: Add critical health information in the Health app for emergencies.

EDGarena 10 Hidden Features in iOS You Didn’t Know About

Final Thoughts

Apple’s iOS is packed with hidden features that often go unnoticed but can dramatically improve your user experience. Whether it’s boosting productivity with Siri Shortcuts, enhancing security with Hide My Email, or unlocking creative options like custom vibrations, these tips are guaranteed to make your iPhone feel brand new.

By exploring these hidden gems, you’ll not only impress fellow tech enthusiasts but also harness the full potential of your device. So, take a moment to experiment with these features and let your iPhone work smarter for you.

Have any other iOS tricks up your sleeve? Share them in the comments below!

Keywords: iOS hidden features, iPhone tips, iOS productivity, iPhone hacks, iOS privacy features, Siri Shortcuts, iPhone security tips.

EDGarena 10 Hidden Features in iOS You Didn’t Know About

Apple’s iOS is renowned for its user-friendly interface, seamless ecosystem, and constant evolution. However, beneath its polished surface lies a treasure trove of lesser-known features designed to elevate your iPhone experience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, discovering these hidden gems can enhance productivity, security, and overall enjoyment.