Your iPhone has dozens of useful features hiding in plain sight. Most people are missing out on tools that could save hours each week.
1. Measure Anything
The Measure app uses augmented reality to calculate dimensions. Point your camera at an object to get instant measurements without a tape measure. For most items, it's accurate within about a quarter-inch, making it useful when furniture shopping or planning home improvements.
Tip: tap the Level tab to use your iPhone as a spirit level for hanging pictures straight.
2. Hidden Trackpad Mode
Editing text with touch controls can be frustrating. Press and hold the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad. This lets you move the cursor precisely without the magnifying glass. To select text, after entering trackpad mode, press again and drag to highlight text. This works in any app with a keyboard.
3. Text Recognition in Photos
Your iPhone can extract text from images. Open a photo with text, tap the Live Text icon, or tap directly on the text to select and copy it. This works for printed documents, signs, business cards, and some handwritten notes. It saves manual typing and works on existing photos.
For example, if you see a recipe in a magazine, snap a photo and extract the text.
See also - iPhone Not Receiving Texts from Android?
4. Back Tap for Quick Actions
Set up custom actions by double or triple tapping the back of your iPhone. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap to assign shortcuts like taking a screenshot, opening Control Center, or launching specific apps. This feature lets you perform common tasks without navigating through menus. I use double-tap for screenshots and triple-tap to toggle the flashlight.
5. Built-in Document Scanner
You don't need third-party scanning apps. Open the Notes app, tap the camera icon, and select 'Scan Documents.' Your iPhone will automatically detect the document edges and adjust the perspective. You can scan multiple pages into a single PDF, then share or save it. This built-in tool accurately handles everything from receipts to contracts.
6. One-Handed Keyboard
Typing with one hand on larger iPhones is awkward. Press and hold the emoji or globe icon, then select the left or right keyboard icon. This shifts the keyboard to one side, making it reachable with your thumb. Useful when you're holding something in your other hand.
See also - Logitech Keyboard Not Working? How To Fix It
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7. Custom Vibrations for Contacts
Know who's calling without looking at your phone. Go to Contacts, select a person, tap Edit, scroll down to Ringtone, then tap Vibration > Create New Vibration. Tap to create a unique pattern, then save it. Now you'll know exactly who's calling even when your phone is in your pocket.
I use distinct patterns for family, work, and friends.
See also - iPhone Call Failed 13 Simple Steps To Fix It Now
8. Hide Private Photos Instantly
When showing photos to someone, you might scroll past something private. In the Photos app, tap and hold the photo or video that you want to hide. Tap Hide, then confirm. For extra security, go to Settings > Photos and ensure 'Use Face ID' is enabled to lock the Hidden album.
This prevents awkward moments when sharing your screen or showing vacation photos.
9. Screen Recording with Audio
Capture what's happening on your screen with narration. In Settings > Control Center, add Screen Recording. Open Control Center, long-press the Screen Recording button, tap the microphone icon to enable audio, and tap 'Start Recording.' Perfect for creating tutorials, reporting bugs, or saving videos from apps that don't allow downloads. Remember that some apps block screen recording for copyright reasons.
See also - How to Fix the iPhone Mic Not Working Problem
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10. Schedule Text Messages
With iOS 18, the Messages app introduces a built-in 'Send Later' feature, allowing you to schedule messages to be sent at a specific time. To use this feature:
- 1.Open the Messages app and select an existing conversation or start a new one.
- 2.Compose your message as usual.
- 3.Tap the '+' icon next to the text field, then select 'Send Later'.
- 4.Choose the desired date and time for your message to be sent.
- 5.Tap the send button (up arrow) to schedule your message.
Your scheduled message will appear in the conversation with a dashed outline, indicating it's pending delivery. You can reschedule, edit, or delete the message before it's sent by tapping the 'Edit' option above it. Keep in mind that your iPhone needs to be online at the scheduled time for the message to be sent. If it's offline, the message will be sent once the device reconnects to the internet.
11. Offline Maps Navigation
Apple Maps now officially supports offline maps, enabling you to download maps for use without a data connection. This feature is particularly useful in areas with poor reception or when you want to save on data usage.
- 1.Open the Maps app and tap your profile icon or initials next to the search field.
- 2.Select 'Offline Maps'.
- 3.Tap 'Download New Map'.
- 4.Enter a location or select 'Current Location'.
- 5.Adjust the area you want to download by zooming in or out, then tap 'Download'.
See also - Ways to Fix GPS Issues
Once downloaded, you can access the maps without an internet connection, and they will automatically update when you're online. This ensures you have the latest information without manual intervention.
12. Live Listen with AirPods
Turn your iPhone into a personal listening device. Add Hearing to Control Center, connect your AirPods or compatible headphones, then activate Live Listen. Place your phone near what you want to hear, and it amplifies the sound to your AirPods. Helpful in noisy restaurants, lectures, or conversations across a room. Be mindful of privacy considerations when using this feature.
13. Safari Reader Mode
Remove ads and distractions from web articles. Tap the 'AA' icon in Safari's address bar, then select 'Show Reader View.' This strips away everything except the main content and images. You can also adjust text size and background color for easier reading. I use this daily to focus on content without pop-ups and to conserve battery life when reading articles.
See also - Safari Not Working On iPhone? Try These Fixes
14. Create PDF from Any Screen
Turn any content into a shareable PDF. Take a screenshot, tap the preview, select 'Full Page' if it's a scrolling page, then tap the share icon and 'Save as PDF.' This works for websites, emails, documents—anything on your screen. Perfect for saving digital receipts, articles, or information you need to reference later without internet access.
15. Silence Unknown Callers
Stop spam calls from interrupting your day. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts will go straight to voicemail without ringing. You'll still see them in your recent calls list and get voicemail notifications. This greatly reduced my spam calls, and legitimate callers typically leave a message if it's important.
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