The iPhone is easy to make your own, but there are secrets many don’t know. This article will show you 20 hidden iOS features and tips. They will help you get the most out of your iPhone, make it more private, and customize it like a pro.
You can stop apps from tracking your exact location. You can even turn the back of your iPhone into a secret button. These hidden settings and features can make your iPhone experience much better.
Key Takeaways
- Discover 20 hidden iOS features and tips to enhance your iPhone experience.
- Learn how to stop apps from tracking your precise location and turn your iPhone’s back into a customizable button.
- Explore ways to unlock your iPhone while wearing a face mask and customize Safari’s address bar position.
- Uncover hidden iOS settings for optimizing battery life, data usage, and home screen organization.
- Dive into little-known iOS shortcuts and functionalities to boost your productivity and efficiency.
Stop Apps from Tracking Your Precise Location
If you use an iPhone, you might have noticed some apps need your exact location. For example, food delivery services like Doordash and Postmates need it to deliver right to your door. But, you can stop other apps from tracking your exact location. By adjusting your iPhone’s location services, you can protect your privacy and share less location data with apps.
Opt for Approximate Location over Precise Location
To stop apps from tracking your exact location, go to the Settings app. Then, select the app you want to manage, tap on “Location,” and toggle off “Precise Location.” This lets the app know your location within a few miles, not your exact GPS spot. Keep in mind, you should keep precise location on for apps that really need it, like for navigation or delivery.
- Apps like Doordash and Postmates need your precise location to deliver items directly to you.
- Other apps may not require such detailed location information, so you can opt for approximate location to protect your privacy.
- Manage location services for each app individually in the Settings app to control what information they can access.
By reviewing and adjusting your location services, you can find a balance between convenience and privacy. This ensures your iPhone apps only get the location info they really need.
“Privacy is a fundamental human right, and the right to privacy should be controlled by the individual, not by the government or corporations.”
Turn the Back of Your iPhone into a Button
Did you know you can turn your iPhone’s back into a secret button? The “Back Tap” feature lets you assign actions like taking a screenshot or enabling low power mode by tapping the back. You can do this with a double or triple tap.
This feature is great for quick access to your favorite functions. You don’t need to go through menus. To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Here, you can pick from many options for both double and triple taps.
- Take a screenshot
- Enable low power mode
- Open the camera
- Adjust the volume
- Run a Siri Shortcut
Back Tap works even with your iPhone in a case. It’s a convenient and accessible feature. Try it out and discover a new way to control your device.
Apple has made Back Tap even better with iOS 18. Now, you can assign six new actions to your taps. You can open the Magnifier app, toggle Accessibility features, and control music playback. Back Tap is getting more versatile, letting you customize your iPhone to fit your needs.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Back Tap | A hidden accessibility feature that allows users to assign custom actions to double or triple taps on the back of their iPhone. |
| Supported Devices | Back Tap is available on iPhone 8 and later models running iOS 14 or later. |
| Customizable Actions | Users can choose from a variety of options, including taking screenshots, enabling low power mode, opening the camera, and running Siri Shortcuts. |
| Accessibility Integration | Back Tap can be used to trigger accessibility features like AssistiveTouch, making it a valuable tool for users with diverse needs. |
The Back Tap feature shows Apple’s dedication to making the iPhone better and more accessible. It turns the back of your device into a customizable control panel. This lets you streamline your daily tasks and unlock new levels of efficiency and personalization. Whether you need to take a screenshot or run a Siri Shortcut, Back Tap makes it easy.
Enable Live Voicemail Transcriptions
The latest iOS 17 update brings a cool feature to iPhone users. It’s called Live Voicemail, which transcribes voicemails as they’re being recorded. Now, you can read voicemails on your device instead of listening to them.
To start using Live Voicemail, go to your iPhone’s Settings. Then, tap on “Phone” and flip the “Live Voicemail” toggle to On. After it’s turned on, you can see the text of voicemails as they’re being left. This makes it easier to check calls and spot scams or important messages.
The Live Voicemail feature works great, turning speech into text right away. The text is saved in the “Voicemail” tab of the Phone app. You can also rate how accurate the transcription is by tapping “Useful” or “Not Useful” on the message.
But, Live Voicemail is only available in English in the U.S. and Canada. It’s not available in Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Also, your carrier might charge extra for this feature when you’re roaming. So, it’s a good idea to check with your service provider.
Overall, Live Voicemail is a big improvement. It lets you quickly check calls and respond to messages without listening to the whole voicemail. With its real-time transcription and easy-to-use interface, this iOS 17 feature is a must-have for iPhone users.
hidden iOS features
Beneath the polished surface of iOS lies a treasure trove of hidden features. These include undocumented tricks and obscure capabilities. They can significantly enhance your iPhone experience. From customizing app permissions to optimizing battery life, these settings can unlock your device’s full potential.
Customizing App Permissions for Privacy and Security
iOS lets you fine-tune app permissions. You can grant or restrict access to your device’s sensors and data. By going to the “Privacy” section in your iPhone’s settings, you can control which apps access your location, camera, microphone, and more. This ensures your privacy and protects your sensitive information.
Optimizing Battery Life for Extended Usage
In the Settings app, you’ll find many options to optimize your iPhone’s battery life. You can adjust screen brightness, limit background app refresh, and enable Low Power Mode. These features can extend the time between charges, making the most of your device’s battery.
Boosting Productivity with Obscure Capabilities
iOS has many obscure capabilities to streamline your workflow and boost productivity. For example, the “Back Tap” feature lets you assign actions like taking a screenshot or launching a shortcut with a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone. Discovering and mastering these hidden gems can transform your iPhone into a powerful productivity tool.
Venturing beyond the surface-level features, iOS offers a wealth of customization options and undocumented tricks. These can significantly improve your overall user experience. By exploring these hidden capabilities, you can unlock the full potential of your iPhone and tailor it to your unique needs and preferences.
Bring Back Full-Screen Incoming Call Alerts
As an iPhone user, you might have noticed changes in how calls are shown on your screen. Before, calls took over the whole screen when your iPhone was unlocked. This made it hard to ignore. But now, Apple shows calls in a smaller banner at the top of the screen.
While the new banner alert is less in your face, many prefer the old full-screen call display. Luckily, you can switch back to the full-screen alert easily by changing your settings.
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings app.
- Navigate to Phone.
- Locate the Incoming Calls setting and select Full Screen.
By turning on the Full Screen option, your iPhone will show calls in a big, full-screen alert again. This is great for quickly seeing and answering calls without missing the small banner at the top.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Full-screen incoming call alerts | Instantly grab your attention and make it easier to answer or decline calls |
| Customizable call notification settings | Allows you to personalize your iPhone’s behavior to your preference |
| Improved accessibility | Larger, more prominent incoming call alerts can be especially helpful for users with visual impairments |
By bringing back the full-screen incoming call alerts on your iPhone, you can enjoy a more intuitive and attention-grabbing call experience. This ensures you never miss an important call again.
Turn Off 5G to Save Battery Life
If your iPhone’s battery drains fast since you got 5G, you’re not alone. 5G uses a lot of power, which can hurt your battery. Luckily, you can switch to 4G LTE, which uses less power.
To switch to 4G LTE, go to Settings > Cellular > Primary > Voice & Data. Choose “LTE.” This stops your iPhone from using 5G. Your battery might last longer, but you might get slower speeds.
Apple’s Smart Data mode tries to balance 5G and battery life. But turning off 5G manually might be better for your battery. This small change can make a big difference, especially if you use a lot of data.
| 5G Battery Drain | 4G LTE Battery Life |
|---|---|
| iPhone 12 – 15 and SE 3 support 5G | iPhone battery lasts 1-2.5 hours longer on 4G LTE compared to 5G |
| 5G uses more battery than LTE | 4G LTE is more energy-efficient than 5G |
| 5G connectivity can drain battery faster | Reverting to 4G LTE can help extend battery life |
Switching to 4G LTE can improve your battery life. You won’t lose much speed or connection. This change can help your iPhone last longer, especially if you’re always on the move.
Fine-Tune Data Usage on 5G
As 5G networks become more common, it’s key to know how to manage your iPhone’s data use. With 5G’s faster speeds, you might use more data. iOS has tools to help you control your 5G data use and make the most of your plan.
Start by going to your iPhone’s Settings > Cellular > Data Mode. You’ll see three choices: “Allow More Data on 5G,” “Standard,” and “Low Data Mode.” The “Allow More Data on 5G” option gives you the best 5G experience. This means better video streaming, FaceTime calls, and faster updates. But, it also means you’ll use more 5G data.
If you’re worried about using too much 5G data, choose “Standard” or “Low Data Mode.” “Standard” balances data use and performance. “Low Data Mode” cuts down on background data use to save your cellular data.
| Data Mode | Impact on 5G Data Usage | User Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Allow More Data on 5G | Higher data usage | Optimal 5G performance, high-quality streaming, and faster updates |
| Standard | Moderate data usage | Balanced performance and data conservation |
| Low Data Mode | Lower data usage | Reduced background data usage, lower-quality streaming |
By changing your 5G data mode, you can find the perfect balance. This ensures you enjoy the best 5G experience while watching your data use.
Stop New Apps from Cluttering Your Home Screen
If you use an iPhone, you might have noticed new apps show up on your home screen. This can make your screen look messy, especially if you get new apps often. Luckily, there’s an easy way to stop this.
To keep new apps off your home screen, go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library. Choose “App Library Only”. This makes sure new apps go straight to the App Library, not your home screen.
The App Library is a great iOS feature. It lets you find and use all your apps easily, without them taking up space on your home screen. This keeps your home screen tidy and focused on what you use most.
This trick is especially helpful if you have a lot of apps. It stops new apps from making your home screen messy. This way, your iPhone stays organized and looks better.
“The App Library is a game-changer for keeping my home screen clutter-free. I can easily access all my apps without them overwhelming my home screen.”
If you want to manage your iPhone’s apps better, try this setting. It keeps your home screen clean and lets the App Library handle your apps.
Unlock Your iPhone While Wearing a Face Mask
Face ID has changed how we unlock our iPhones. But, the COVID-19 pandemic made things tricky with face masks. Luckily, iOS 15.4 or later lets you face mask unlock your iPhone without an Apple Watch.
To turn this on, go to Settings, then “Face ID & Passcode.” Switch on “Face ID with a Mask.” It uses your eye features to recognize you, even with a mask.
If you have an Apple Watch, you can use it to unlock your iPhone. Just go to “Face ID & Passcode” settings and enable “Unlock with Apple Watch.” Your Apple Watch will unlock your iPhone while you’re masked.
These features make life easier and keep your device safe. With Face ID with mask and Apple Watch unlock, you can use Face ID without the need for a passcode.
Going out? The face mask unlock feature lets you access your iPhone securely, no need to remove your mask. Enjoy these iOS solutions and unlock your iPhone easily, even with a mask.
Customize Safari’s Address Bar Position
Do you like the Safari address bar at the top or the bottom? iOS lets you choose where you want it. This is based on what you prefer.
With iOS 15, Apple moved the Safari address bar to the bottom. They wanted to make it easier to use with one hand. But, if you prefer it at the top, you can switch it back. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “Safari”.
- Under the “Tabs” section, select “Single Tab”.
- This will move the Safari address bar back to the top of the screen, restoring the familiar browsing experience.
The bottom address bar has its perks. You can scroll between tabs with your thumb. But, what you’re used to is often more important.
Whether it’s at the top or bottom, iOS has many ways to make Safari better. You can use tab groups, private browsing, and translation. These features help make your mobile browsing just right for you.
“The ability to customize the Safari address bar position is a small but impactful feature that allows users to personalize their browsing experience.”
Conclusion
As we finish our look at iOS 18’s hidden features and tips, it’s clear Apple has a lot to offer. The new Passwords app boosts security, and updates in Photos and Camera apps help you work better. iOS 18 lets you unlock your iPhone’s full potential.
Using these hidden settings and options, you can make your iPhone your own. Whether you want to work faster, keep your info safe, or make your device more personal, these tips can help. They make your iPhone fit your needs and likes.
Keep exploring iOS 18 and find its hidden treasures. I’m sure you’ll make your iPhone even better. So, start trying out new things and enjoy all the cool features iOS 18 has for you.
FAQ
How can I stop apps from tracking my precise location?
How can I use the back of my iPhone as a secret button?
How can I enable live voicemail transcriptions on my iPhone?
What are some hidden iOS features and tricks I can use to customize my iPhone?
How can I change the incoming call alert on my iPhone?
How can I turn off 5G to save battery life on my iPhone?
How can I fine-tune my data usage on 5G?
How can I stop new apps from cluttering my iPhone’s home screen?
How can I unlock my iPhone while wearing a face mask?
How can I customize the position of the address bar in Safari?
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