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Hidden iPhone & iPad Tricks: Cool Things You Didn't Know Your Apple Devices Could Do
Apple's iPhone and iPad come packed with features, but many users only scratch the surface of what these devices can truly do. Whether you're an iOS power user or just someone looking to get more out of your Apple device, here are some cool things you can do with your iPhone and iPad that most people don’t know about.
1. Use Your iPhone as a Magnifying Glass
Your iPhone has a built-in magnifier that lets you zoom in on text and objects. To enable it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier and turn it on. Once enabled, you can triple-click the Side or Home button to activate it.
2. Back Tap for Quick Actions
A hidden gem in iOS is the Back Tap feature. You can double or triple tap the back of your iPhone to trigger actions like taking a screenshot, opening the camera, or even launching Siri. Enable it by going to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and customize the actions.
3. Measure Objects with Your iPhone
Your iPhone can act as a measuring tape! The Measure app uses augmented reality (AR) to measure objects and spaces accurately. Just open the app and point your camera at an object to get real-time measurements.
4. Drag and Drop Across Apps
On an iPad (and even on iPhone with iOS 15+), you can drag and drop text, images, and files between apps. Simply hold down on an image or text, use another finger to open a different app, and drop the content there.
5. Create Custom Vibrations
You can assign custom vibration patterns to specific contacts so you know who's calling without looking at your phone. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone > Vibration > Create New Vibration and tap out a pattern.
6. Use Apple Pencil for Scribble Anywhere (iPad)
With an Apple Pencil, you can write in any text field on your iPad, and iPadOS will automatically convert your handwriting into text. No need to use the on-screen keyboard!
7. Scan Documents Without a Scanner
Your iPhone and iPad can scan documents using the built-in Notes app. Open a note, tap the camera icon, and select Scan Documents. The app will automatically detect and enhance your scans.
8. Set Custom Shortcuts with Siri
Using the Shortcuts app, you can create custom voice commands for tasks like sending a pre-written text, launching an app, or controlling smart home devices.
9. Unlock Your Car with Car Key
If you have a compatible car, you can store a digital car key in your Apple Wallet and unlock/start your car using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Check if your car manufacturer supports this feature.
10. Use Your iPad as a Second Screen (Sidecar)
If you own a Mac, you can use your iPad as a second screen via Sidecar. Just connect your iPad to your Mac wirelessly or with a USB cable and enable Sidecar in System Preferences > Displays on your Mac.
11. Turn Your iPhone into a Remote for Apple TV & Mac
You can control your Apple TV or Mac using your iPhone. Download the Apple TV Remote from Control Center or use the Remote Mouse app to control your Mac.
12. Share Wi-Fi Passwords Instantly
Instead of typing in long Wi-Fi passwords, you can instantly share them with nearby Apple devices. Just bring your iPhone close to another Apple device, and a pop-up will ask if you want to share your Wi-Fi password.
13. Enhance FaceTime with Portrait Mode & Center Stage
Newer iPhones and iPads allow you to blur the background during FaceTime calls with Portrait Mode. On iPads, Center Stage automatically adjusts the camera to keep you in the frame.
14. Use Live Text to Copy and Paste from Photos
With Live Text, you can copy and paste text directly from images. Just open a photo, tap on any text, and you can copy or translate it instantly.
15. Hide Apps Without Deleting Them
If you want to declutter your home screen, you can remove apps without deleting them. Just long-press an app, tap Remove App, and select Remove from Home Screen to keep it in the App Library.
16. Use Voice Control to Navigate Your Device
You can fully control your iPhone or iPad using just your voice. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control and enable it. You can open apps, swipe, and even dictate text hands-free.
17. Tag People in Notes for Collaboration
If you share a note with someone, you can tag them by typing @theirname in the note. This is useful for shared to-do lists, brainstorming, or keeping track of projects.
18. Customize the Control Center
You can add shortcuts to your Control Center for quick access to tools like Screen Recording, Low Power Mode, and the Apple TV Remote. Go to Settings > Control Center and customize it to fit your needs.
19. Use Keyboard Shortcuts on iPad
If you use an external keyboard with your iPad, hold down the Command (⌘) key to see available shortcuts in different apps. This makes typing and multitasking much faster.
20. Track Flights in Messages
If someone sends you a flight number via iMessage, tap on it, and you’ll get real-time flight tracking, including departure, arrival times, and delays.