15 Essential iOS Tips and Tricks Every iPhone User Should Know

8/14/2025 IOS Comment

Apple devices have become essential tools in our daily routines, offering advanced features that often go unnoticed. Mastering the right iOS tips and tricks can transform your iPhone into a more powerful, personalized, and efficient companion, helping you achieve more with less effort every day.

Whether you use your iPhone for work, entertainment, or creativity, iOS offers countless hidden features waiting to be explored. From customizing your lock screen to mastering gestures at the bottom of the screen, every discovery can save you time and enhance convenience.

In this guide, we’ll share 15 essential iPhone tips and tricks every user should know. These expert techniques will not only boost productivity but also improve your overall iOS experience, ensuring you get the most out of your Apple device.

1. Master the Back Tap Feature for Quick Actions

The Back Tap function is one of the best iOS features that many users overlook. With just a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone, you can quickly perform tasks like taking screenshots, launching apps, or activating accessibility shortcuts.

How to enable Back Tap:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and select Accessibility.
Tap Touch under the Physical and Motor section.
Select Back Tap from the available options.
Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign an action.

This feature is incredibly versatile, letting you personalize your iPhone for maximum efficiency. Whether you use it for quick navigation, accessibility tools, or automations, Back Tap offers a simple yet powerful way to speed up your daily device interactions.

2. Customize Your Control Center for Efficiency

The Control Center on iOS is a powerful tool that grants quick access to your most-used features. Customizing it allows you to streamline daily tasks, improve productivity, and ensure essential tools are always just a swipe away on your Apple devices.

Steps to customize:

Open Settings and tap Control Center.
Scroll to view available controls.
Tap the green plus icon to add items.
Drag to rearrange controls in preferred order.
Swipe down from the top-right or up from the bottom of the screen to test.

Recommended additions:

Screen Recording
Low Power Mode
Music Recognition (Shazam)
Magnifier
Flashlight

Personalizing your Control Center ensures your iPhone is optimized for your lifestyle. By having important tools just a gesture away, you save time, increase efficiency, and make navigating your Apple devices smoother and more intuitive every day.

3. Optimize and Personalize Your Lock Screen

Your lock screen is the first thing you see when using your iPhone, so making it both functional and visually appealing is essential. With iOS updates, you can add widgets, change styles, and create multiple designs to suit different moments throughout your day.

How to customize your lock screen:

Long press on your lock screen until the customization view appears.
Tap Customize to edit the current design or create a new one.
Add widgets for quick access to useful information.
Adjust font styles and colors to match your preference.
Swipe to save and select between multiple lock screen setups.

A well-optimized lock screen not only improves convenience but also gives your device a personal touch. With the right combination of widgets and design, your iPhone becomes more than just a tool—it becomes an extension of your personality and daily routine.

4. Scan Documents Directly in the Notes App

The Notes app on iOS offers a built-in scanning tool that eliminates the need for third-party apps. It’s fast, accurate, and ideal for saving paper documents, receipts, or contracts digitally—perfect for both personal organization and professional use on Apple devices.

How to scan:

Open the Notes app and create a new note.
Tap the camera icon in the toolbar.
Select the Scan Documents option from the menu.
Position your iPhone over the document and let it auto-detect edges.
Save the scan within the note for future reference.

This feature not only simplifies document storage but also allows for easy sharing via AirDrop or email. It’s one of the most practical iPhone tips, helping you stay organized, reduce clutter, and manage important paperwork directly from the palm of your hand.

5. Measure Objects Using Augmented Reality

Your iPhone’s Measure app uses advanced augmented reality technology to help you quickly and accurately measure everyday objects. It’s a handy tool for home projects, furniture shopping, or checking dimensions on the go—without needing a physical tape measure.

How to use Measure:

Open the Measure app on your iPhone.
Move your device around to calibrate the AR system.
Tap the plus button to mark the starting point.
Move the camera to the endpoint and tap plus again.
Read and save the measurement displayed on-screen.

The Measure app is especially useful for interior design, DIY tasks, and quick size checks. By keeping this feature in mind, you can save time, skip unnecessary tools, and make your iPhone a practical companion for both personal and professional needs.

6. Silence Unknown Callers for Peace of Mind

Unwanted calls can disrupt your day and affect your productivity. Fortunately, iOS offers a built-in feature that automatically silences calls from unknown numbers, sending them directly to voicemail while allowing contacts and recent numbers to ring as usual.

How to enable:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and select Phone.
Find the Silence Unknown Callers option.
Tap the toggle switch to turn it on.
Exit Settings to save your preference.

By enabling this setting, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and reduce interruptions from spam or robocalls. It’s a simple yet powerful iPhone tip that keeps your focus intact while ensuring important calls from saved contacts still get through.

7. Assign Custom Ringtones to Contacts

Giving each important contact a unique ringtone helps you instantly recognize who’s calling without checking your screen. It’s a small personalization that adds both convenience and fun to your iPhone experience, making it easier to prioritize calls in any situation.

How to set:

Open the Contacts app on your iPhone.
Select the contact you want to personalize.
Tap Edit in the upper-right corner.
Choose Ringtone from the available options.
Pick your desired tone and tap Done to save.

Custom ringtones make your iPhone feel more personal and efficient. By assigning them strategically, you can quickly identify calls that matter most. This feature is especially helpful in busy environments where looking at your phone isn’t always possible.

8. Use the Hidden Keyboard Trackpad for Precise Editing

Editing text on an iPhone can be tricky, especially when you need to place the cursor in an exact spot. The hidden keyboard trackpad turns the entire keyboard area into a touch-sensitive surface, making text selection and navigation much more accurate.

Benefits:

Move the cursor smoothly across text.
Select words or phrases with better accuracy.
Edit long documents faster.
Reduce frustration from repeated tapping.
Improve productivity for frequent typing tasks.

This hidden trackpad is a small but powerful tool for writers, students, and professionals alike. Mastering it means fewer mistakes, faster corrections, and a more enjoyable typing experience on your iPhone, making editing tasks feel smoother and far less frustrating.

9. Extend Battery Life with Optimized Charging

Keeping your iPhone’s battery healthy is essential for long-term performance. Optimized Battery Charging is an iOS feature that learns your daily charging habits, helping to reduce battery wear and maintain capacity over time, ensuring your Apple device stays reliable for years.

How to enable:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Battery.
Select Battery Health & Charging.
Turn on the Optimized Battery Charging option.
Keep your iPhone connected to a charger during your usual charging schedule.

By using Optimized Battery Charging, your iPhone can reduce the amount of time it spends fully charged, slowing down battery aging. This simple yet effective setting helps ensure that your Apple device delivers consistent performance and reliability throughout its entire lifespan.

10. Hide Sensitive Photos from Your Main Gallery

Keeping your private moments secure is essential, especially when sharing your iPhone with friends or family. iOS provides a built-in feature that lets you hide photos from the main gallery and store them in a protected album for added privacy.

How to hide photos:

Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
Select the images or videos you want to hide.
Tap the Share icon at the bottom of the screen.
Choose the Hide option from the menu.
Confirm your choice to move them to the Hidden album.

By using this feature, you ensure sensitive content stays safe and accessible only to you. In newer iOS versions, the Hidden album is locked by default, requiring Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode for access, adding another layer of protection to your privacy.

11. Pin Important Conversations in Messages

Keeping your most important conversations easily accessible can save time and reduce the risk of missing vital messages. iOS allows you to pin chats at the top of the Messages app, ensuring they remain visible even as new texts arrive.

How to pin:

Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
Scroll through your list to find the desired conversation.
Press and hold the conversation until a menu appears.
Select the Pin option from the menu.
Repeat the process for other important chats.

By pinning key conversations, you create a personalized priority list that enhances efficiency and organization. This is especially useful for work-related discussions, family updates, or group messages that require quick access without having to search through your entire message list.

12. Use One-Handed Mode for Easier Navigation

Navigating larger iPhone models with one hand can be challenging, especially when reaching the top of the display. One-Handed Mode is an essential feature on Apple devices, allowing the screen to shift downward for more comfortable access to controls and apps.

How to activate:

Unlock your iPhone and go to the Home screen.
Swipe down on the bottom of the screen for Face ID models.
Double-tap the Home button for Touch ID models.
Adjust the screen position as needed for easier reach.
Swipe upward to return the display to its normal view.

Using One-Handed Mode ensures smoother, more efficient navigation without straining your grip. It’s one of the most practical iPhone tips for improving comfort, especially when multitasking or on the go, making everyday use more convenient and user-friendly for all.

13. Share Files Instantly with AirDrop

AirDrop is a fast, secure, and convenient way to transfer files between Apple devices without needing an internet connection. Whether you’re sending photos, videos, documents, or links, AirDrop ensures quick delivery while maintaining the privacy and quality of your files.

How to use AirDrop:

Open the file you wish to share.
Tap the Share icon on your screen.
Select AirDrop from the sharing options.
Choose the nearby Apple device you want to send to.
Wait for the recipient to accept the file transfer.

With AirDrop, sharing files becomes effortless and immediate. This feature is perfect for collaborating with colleagues, sending vacation photos to friends, or quickly moving files between your own devices, making it a must-have in your collection of iPhone tips and tricks.

14. Switch Between Apps with a Quick Swipe

Navigating between apps on your iPhone can be lightning-fast once you master this simple gesture. Instead of returning to the Home screen each time, you can quickly jump from one app to another, saving time and keeping your workflow smooth.

Gesture tips:

Swipe left along the Home indicator to go to the previous app.
Swipe right along the Home indicator to go to the next app.
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause to open the app switcher.
Drag left or right in the app switcher to find your desired app.
Tap the app preview to instantly open it.

Mastering this swipe gesture makes multitasking on your iPhone far more efficient. Whether you’re checking messages, browsing the web, or switching between productivity apps, these quick movements keep your focus uninterrupted and your tasks flowing seamlessly throughout the day.

15. Record Your Screen with Audio

Recording your iPhone screen can be incredibly useful for tutorials, troubleshooting, or sharing gameplay moments. With iOS’s built-in tool, you can capture both video and audio without installing third-party apps, making it a seamless option for all Apple devices.

How to enable:

Open Settings and tap Control Center.
Scroll down and tap the green plus next to Screen Recording.
Swipe down from the top right or up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center.
Press and hold the record button.
Tap Microphone to enable audio and start recording.

Once your recording is complete, it will be saved automatically in the Photos app. You can edit, trim, or share the file instantly. This feature is one of the most practical iPhone tips for boosting productivity and creating engaging content effortlessly.

Bonus Tips for Power Users

If you’ve already mastered the essentials, it’s time to take your iPhone experience to the next level. These advanced features and hidden settings will help you work smarter, enjoy richer experiences, and make your Apple devices even more powerful and personalized.

Focus Modes Automation: Set custom Focus Modes for work, leisure, or sleep. Automate notifications, wallpapers, and home screen layouts based on time, location, or app usage.
Live Text in Photos: Extract and copy text directly from images or camera view. Perfect for saving notes, phone numbers, or quotes instantly.
Safari Tab Groups: Organize browsing by creating separate tab groups for projects, research, or leisure. Switch between them seamlessly.
FaceTime SharePlay: Watch movies, listen to music, or share your screen with friends in real time during FaceTime calls.
Quick Notes on iPad and Mac: If you use multiple Apple devices, sync Quick Notes across them for seamless idea capture anywhere.
Keyboard Shortcuts in Settings: Create text replacement shortcuts for frequently typed phrases, email addresses, or emojis to save time.
Files App Tagging: Tag files and folders with custom labels to organize and quickly access important documents on your iPhone or iPad.

By incorporating these advanced iPhone tips into your daily routine, you can unlock new levels of efficiency and enjoyment. The more you explore, the more you’ll discover that your iPhone is capable of far more than you ever imagined.

Conclusion

Mastering these iOS hidden features can transform your iPhone into a highly personalized and efficient tool. From customizing the lock screen to using gestures at the bottom of the screen, these tips will help you work smarter, save time, and enhance your overall Apple device experience.

Explore these iPhone tips regularly to stay ahead of updates and discover new possibilities. The more you experiment, the more you’ll unlock the true potential of your device. Start applying these tips and tricks today to elevate your iOS experience.