15 Hidden iPhone Features You Probably Don’t Know About

In a world where iPhones are renowned for their sophisticated technology and intuitive user experience, it's easy to overlook some of their less conspicuous features. Apple has packed iOS with a plethora of hidden functionalities that can transform how you interact with your device. From customizing the Control Center to using your iPhone as a makeshift level, these hidden gems can make your daily tasks smoother and more enjoyable.

Here are 15 fascinating iPhone features that you might not have encountered yet, guaranteed to make you appreciate your device even more:

1. Customise the iOS Control Centre

Maximize efficiency by adding your frequently used widgets to Control Centre. This feature allows quick access to functions like Music Recognition without unlocking your iPhone. Simply go to Settings > Control Centre, and customize it to fit your needs.

2. Clear Your iPhone’s Memory

Who even knew you could do this?! Yes, it's true. There's an incredibly hidden hack that will clear your iPhones RAM in seconds. Here's how to do it:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn it on. This will add a virtual Home button to your screen. Access the Shutdown Menu:
2. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down to bring up the shutdown screen.
3. With the shutdown screen displayed, press and hold the virtual Home button (from AssistiveTouch) until the screen flashes or goes back to the Home screen. This action clears the RAM.

3. Sign Documents Digitally

No need for a scanner or printer; you can sign documents directly on your iPhone. Open the document in Photos, tap Edit, then the pen icon, and add your signature. This is perfect for quick, on-the-go document handling.

4. Remove a Photo’s Background

Instantly isolate subjects from their backgrounds using the Photos app. Just press and hold the subject of your photo to see options like Copy or Add Sticker. This feature simplifies editing and creating new backgrounds.

5. Cut Distractions with Safari’s Reader Mode

Reader mode in Safari cleans up web pages by removing ads and other distractions, allowing you to focus on the content. Activate it by tapping the ‘AA’ icon and selecting Show Reader.

6. Create Zip Files

Compress files directly on your iPhone to save space. Open the Files app, select your files, tap the ‘…’ button, and choose Compress. This helps manage storage and simplifies sharing.

7. Identify Any Song Instantly

Using the built-in Shazam app, you can identify songs playing around you. Add Music Recognition to Control Centre for immediate access, making it easy to discover new music on the fly.

8. Back Tap: The “Hidden Button”

Set up Back Tap to quickly activate features like the Camera or Flashlight. This convenient trick is found under Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.

9. Flash for Notifications

Enable LED Flash for Alerts to get a visual cue for notifications. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio Visual to set this up, ensuring you never miss an alert even when your phone is face down.

10. Text Replacements for Efficiency

Create shortcuts for commonly used text through Text Replacement. For example, typing “@@” could automatically expand to your email address. Set this up under Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.

11. Advanced Auto-Complete Tricks

Your iPhone can auto-complete personal information like your address or phone number. Typing phrases like “my address is…” will show relevant suggestions based on your Contacts.

12. Use the Keyboard as a Trackpad

Press and hold the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad for precise text editing. This trick makes navigating and editing text much easier.

13. Access Settings from Control Center

Press and hold widgets in Control Center to access more options, such as detailed volume or brightness sliders. This feature enhances accessibility and customization.

14. Contextual Menus on App Icons

Long-press app icons to reveal contextual menus with quick actions. This can speed up tasks like taking selfies or accessing email folders.

15. Use the Measure App as a Level

The Measure app doubles as a level, perfect for hanging pictures or installing shelves. Open the app, switch to Level mode, and align your iPhone to check for balance.

One last thing you should consider to vastly improve your iPhone experience is learning the 4 essential tips to making your battery health last longer. As you explore these hidden features, you'll find that they can significantly enhance your iPhone experience. Whether it's through streamlined multitasking, efficient document handling, or creative photo editing, these tools offer more than meets the eye. Apple’s attention to detail in crafting these features showcases their commitment to making technology seamlessly integrate into our lives.

Unlocking these hidden features not only deepens your understanding of your device but also maximizes its potential, making everyday tasks more convenient and enjoyable.

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Flynn Lo Faro

Team Leader / Editor-in-Chief

Flynn has been covering technology for over a decade, with a deep focus on all things Apple. As the Editor-in-Chief of Apple Scoop, Flynn ensures the team delivers the most accurate and up-to-date information on Apple news, rumors, and product releases. His passion for tech journalism and editorial expertise guide the site’s vision and maintain its high standards.

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