10 Hidden iPhone Tricks You Never Knew You Could Use

Hidden iPhone Tricks You’re Missing Out On

Think you’ve got the whole iPhone thing down? Think again. Even the newest iPhones come with a treasure trove of features that most folks only use for selfies and swiping the latest UI updates. Below are some nifty ways to squeeze every bit of convenience out of your device – because who doesn’t want a phone that works harder than their side‑kick?

1. Turn the Phone into a Personal Voice Assistant

Hey Siri – just shout this phrase and your iPhone will handle everything from sending texts to setting alarms. No keys, just voice.
Ask Siri to Remind Me – set up recurring tasks with no stimulus of typing.
Hands Free Navigation – say “Directions to*,” and Apple Maps does the rest.

2. Take Your Phone Beyond the Camera Lens

Sure, the camera is great – but did you know your camera can be a DIY scanner?”

Open the Notes app, tap the camera button and choose “Scan Documents.” Not_both scanning like a pro!
Use “Live Text” feature to copy text from photos instantly.

3. Extreme Multitasking with Split-Screen

Think multitasking is just a myth in iOS? Think again. Swipe up from the bottom, tap the app you want and do this:

Use Split View to see two apps side‑by‑side.
Play a video while scrolling through Twitter – or your latest email chain.
Adjust the size by dragging the divider line – it’s as easy as moving your teddy bear.

4. Customizing Your Phone’s “Personalized Headers”

Make your iPhone look exactly like a book store sign – no expense store sign – by customizing the lock screen. Just go to Settings → Wallpaper → Choose a New Wallpaper and pick from Dynamic, Stills, or Live. Your lock screen is now an instant conversation starter.

5. Messaging Made Smooth with Quick Commands

Open Messages, swipe left on a message to reveal quick moments: Reply, Block, Resend, Mark as Unread, Read Aloud.
Tap the voice dictation button and pretend you’re on a stage while talking. Great for when your thumbs are hanging out with your coffee.

So next time you’re scrolling through a bland photo, pause and check out one of these features. Your iPhone isn’t just a phone; it’s an assistant, a scanner, and a multi‑tool rolled into one sleek package. Treat it right, and it becomes the Rio Airport rug of your daily life – where everything is organized, easy to access, and just a tap away.

1. Search for photos in your Photos album based on what’s in the photo

Spot the Scenes in Zero Time

Ever wondered if your Photos app could be more of a detective than just a picture locker? Well, it can! The app’s got a nifty eye that spots places, things, and even the goofiest moments in your snaps. All it takes is a quick search, and poof—you’ve got a list of images that match what you’re looking for.

Try it out with these fun prompts:

“ beach” – bring back those sun‑splatting memories
“ birthday cake” – because who needs a calendar when you have photos?
“ dogs” – for all the wag‑worthy moments

Curious about how it works? Jump in and let the app do the sleuthing for you. Enjoy the satisfaction of finding that one beach shot from 2019 or the exact slice of cake you overshot on your last birthday!

2. Add a dictionary to iOS search

Unlock a World of Words on Your Phone

Ever wonder how to find the meaning of a word you just stumbled across, no matter what language it comes from? It’s easier than you think! Follow these quick steps and you’ll be translating like a pro in no time.

Step 1: Hit Settings > General > Dictionary

Open Settings on your device.
Navigate to General.
Tap on Dictionary—this is the treasure chest of languages.

Step 2: Add Your Favorite Dictionaries

Scroll through the list provided.
Tap on a dictionary that speaks your language of curiosity.
Download it by following the on‑screen prompts—think of it as adding a new language app to your phone.

Tip: The More, the Merrier!

Want definitions from a dozen languages? There’s no limit—just download each dictionary you need. Your phone becomes a global dictionary hub.

Step 3: Quick Word Lookup on the Home Screen

Now that everything is set up, find a word’s definition on a dime:

Swipe down from your home screen.
Enter the word you’re curious about.
Hit the search icon—voila! The definition pops up right there.

Pro Tip:

Already know the language of your word? The phone automatically pulls from the corresponding dictionary you downloaded, so you’ll get the most accurate translation straight away.

That’s all it takes—no more Googling or hunting for random sites. Your phone becomes a personal linguist ready to help you at any swipe. Happy word hunting!

3. Turn a whole webpage or email into a shareable PDF

Instant PDF – No Fuss, No Hassle

Grab a screenshot of your webpage, email, or document.
Tap that thumbnail that pops up at the bottom of the screen.
Click the “Full Page” button right‑hand side.

While your snapshot might only show a sliver, iOS swoops in and stitches the whole page (or email) into a clean PDF—no extra steps required!

4. Use your iPhone as a tape measure

Turn Your iPhone into a Tape Measure in Just Two Clicks

Ever wish you could ditch that clunky tape measure and just wing it with your phone? That wish just became a reality—thanks to the Measure app, it turns your iPhone into a handy, invisible ruler.

How to Get Rolling

Open the Measure app. It’s got a sweet green background that looks like a mini ‘Measure Tower.’ Trust me, this isn’t your usual boring “App” icon—it’s a neat little tool.
When the app launches, you’ll see a screen that almost begs you to move around. Do it! The dot will start chasing shapes, and that’s how it gets a sense of the room.
Place the glowing dot over the start point of whatever you’d like to measure. Tap the + button to lock this spot. Think of it as marking “once upon a time” in your measurement story.

The Second Half of the Show

Now, wander your phone to the other end of the distance. Position the dot over the end point—look, it’s a thrill‑ride scenario, but the dot stays, and the app keeps track.
Tap the + button again. Yay—instant measurement. No paper, no tape, just pure digital precision.

Why It’s Awesome

As soon as you tap, the numbers appear, and you can either round them off or keep the decimal precision. No tedious dragging or look‑and‑guess errors. Your phone becomes the star hero of your DIY projects.

Wrap‑up

So next time you’re in a basement, an apartment, or just around your house, forget the old tape measure and tap the + on your phone. It’s as simple as a two‑click selfie, and bingo—you’ve just turned your iPhone into a truly versatile, invisible measuring stick.

5. Change your WiFi connections in Control Center

Got a Wi‑Fi hiccup? No sweat! Your iPhone’s Control Center is your new best friend.

Forget digging through Settings — it’s way too much work. Let’s show you the breezy shortcut to reconnect your iPhone to any nearby network, all in a couple of taps.

Step‑by‑Step:

Slide down from the right‑hand corner of your iPhone’s screen. This is the Control Center, the command hub for quick tweaks.
Find the panel with those familiar icons: Airplane mode, Cellular, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth.
Press hard (push it harder than a marathon runner’s feet) on the Wi‑Fi logo. Yep, give it a little “hard press.”
All the Wi‑Fi networks within your range will flash up. Pick the one you want!

Why bother the gray‑area Settings menu?

Because you’re fast, and you’re all about efficiency. Control Center is a time‑saver; you get to connect to Wi‑Fi faster than a coffee order. Plus, it keeps your phone tidy — no more scrolling through endless options.

Pro tip:

If your favorite network isn’t showing up, make sure it’s actually broadcasting. Sometimes you just need to slightly nudge your router into view.

Now you’re all set — say hello to your iPhone’s hidden Wi‑Fi superpower!

6. Change your Bluetooth connection in Control Center

Lightning‑Fast Bluetooth Pairing – No Settings Menu Needed

Ever find yourself staring at an endless maze of options just to switch on Bluetooth?
Skip the back‑and‑forth and follow this quick trick:

Step 1: Open Control Center

Swipe down from the right‑hand corner of your iPhone screen.
That’s it – you’re now in Control Center.

Step 2: Find the Bluetooth Icon

Locate the panel that shows Airplane mode, Cellular, WiFi and Bluetooth logos.
Press hard on this panel – you’ll see the Bluetooth logo highlight.

Step 3: Pull Up Your Devices

Hard‑press the Bluetooth logo again.
An instant list of all available Bluetooth devices within range pops up.

And that’s it! No digging through Settings, no circular waiting. Pair with clicks, stay connected, and get back to what matters.

7. Swipe left to quickly open the Camera

Snap Without the Unlock: A Quick Trick

Heads up! When your phone is in a locked state, you don’t need to wrestle the whole unlocking act just to take a picture.

From your lock screen, swipe left and instantly slide straight into the Camera app.
No unlock gesture required—just a swift swipe and you’re ready to shoot.
Perfect for those those moments when you need a quick snapshot before you even touch your phone.

Give it a try the next time you’re in a hurry—it’s lightning‑fast and saves you a couple of extra taps.

8. Delete digits in Calculator if you make a mistake

Fixing That Messy Number Without a Full Reset

Ever hit the wrong key on your phone’s Calculator and felt the panic that follows? You’re about to wipe out everything with the dreaded “C” button. But there’s a neat trick that lets you delete just one digit—no wiping, no waste.

Just Swipe, No Slap

Swipe left or right: Move your finger over the number you wanna erase.
Each swipe equals one removal: Leave a single zero or 7 gone with a quick left or right flick.
Keep all else intact: Your previous work stays safe while you tidy up.

Give it a try next time you stumble—your calculator will thank you.

9. Turn your keyboard into a trackpad

Turn Your iPhone’s Keyboard into a Hidden Trackpad

Ever wonder if that cramped little keyboard on your iPhone could do more than type? Think again! With a quick, hard press on the space bar, you can temporarily transform it into a full‑blown trackpad. No fancy apps, no extra gear—just your own finger acting like a mouse.

How It Works

Locate the space bar on your on‑screen keyboard.
Press and hold hard—yes, really press it like you’re trying to pop a bubble. Apple’s haptic feel will let you know you’ve hit the special spot.
The keyboard will mute the keys, turning that little gray bar into a tiny trackpad. Your finger slides around, and the cursor follows—perfect for tapping that invisible “next” arrow in a message or aligning text in a snappy note.
When you’re done, simply release—your keyboard snaps back into its usual, keystroke‑loving form.

Why It’s a Game‑Changer

Ever tried typing an email with the “cursor” in the wrong place? It’s like trying to jot a grocery list while a marathon is on. With the temporary trackpad, you swiftly pin the cursor where you want it—no more scrambling, no more awkward hand twitches.

Keep the Fun Going

Use it while editing social media posts—end up with that perfect affection emoji placed exactly where your love belongs.
When taking notes on the go, it’s a lifesaver to line up bullet points without guessing.
Give it a go on an iPad keyboard app for a bigger screen play.

So the next time you’re stuck with that stubborn cursor, just give that space bar a gentle yet determined squeeze. Your iPhone’s keyboard will do the heavy lifting, and you’ll feel like a tech wizard ready to conquer the typing jungle.

10. Undo with three fingers

Tippie: Undo & Redo with a 3‑Finger Swab

Ever hit a key you weren’t supposed to? No worries—just roll your three fingers into action!

Undo (Swipe Left)

Fingers, Fists, Finger—pick any!
Slide them left, like a quick phone swipe across the desk.
Voilà! Your last input disappears.

Redo (Swipe Right)

Same trio of digits.
Slide them right, and the change is reinstated.
Feel like a wizard with a keyboard spell.

11. Double-tap the space bar to end a sentence

Skip the Smoke‑Outs: One Simple Trick to End Your Sentences

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, hunting for that sneaky period after every sentence? Say goodbye to that frustration—double tap the space bar and watch the magic happen.

How It Works

Just double‑tap the space key once the sentence is done.
The system spits out a period followed by a proper space, ready for your next thought.
No more frantic searching for the dot—your typing becomes as smooth as your coffee.

Pro Tips

Use it while typing in Mail, Messages, Notes, or any app that supports it.
It’s instant, no extra settings needed.
Keep it handy—your fingers will thank you.

Try It Out!

Grab your keyboard, hit that space twice, and feel the relief of never having to type a period again. Your typing workflow just got a whole lot more relaxed.

12. Play games with friends in iMessage

Mix, Match, and Message: Discover iMessage Apps

Ever wonder how to turn a plain text chat into a lively, interactive experience? With iMessage apps, you can sprinkle stickers, share your favorite tunes, and even duel with friends in real time—all straight from the Messages app. No extra steps, no awkward app switches.

Getting Started Made Easy

Open Messages and swipe to a fresh start or a conversation you love.
Tap the App Store icon pinning it at the bottom of your screen—your quick‑access toolbox.
Browse the App Store for the game or feature that grabs your attention.
Choose a game or feature and start playing right away—no downloads needed!

High‑5 for Sticky Fun

With a quick tap, your friends will see your style better than a punchline in a sitcom. Add stickers to highlight compliments, or load a favorite meme to keep everyone laughing.

Spotify‑style, Straight to Text

Whisper a song link that instantly plays for everyone in the thread. It’s the hype group’s new secret weapon for sharing mood‑setting music without leaving the conversation.

Game On! (And Keep Winning)

Chicken‑egg? No. Pick a game from the in‑app list, share the invite with a buddy, and compete while you type. It’s like saying “Let’s have this conversation on a remote control!” but with your phone.

So next time you’re scrolling through chats, hit that App Store icon, pick something fun, and watch your messages go from boring to legendary. Happy messaging!

13. Express yourself with new Memoji Stickers

Fresh Memoji Fun on iOS 13.4

Hey Apple lovers – iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4 just dropped a bundle of nine snazzy new Memoji stickers that will pop into your Messages, FaceTime, and any keyboard‑friendly app.

What’s new? #MemojiMood

Screaming in Fear – because sometimes you just need to sound the alarm.
Party Horn – celebrate like a rockstar.
Rolling Eyes – when the world meets your sarcastic grin.
Face with Steam – steam‑up vibes for the days you’re heated.
Folded Hands – prayers and gratitude dressed to impress.
Gesturing No – the classic thumbs‑down with a twist.
Person with Tipping Hand – casual “okay” in a whole new form.
Smiling Face with Three Hearts – because hearts can be un‑tethered.
Person Behind a Computer – put yourself “in front of the screen” for that subtle hint of “I’m busy.”

These fresh faces let you show exactly what you’re feeling – from extra‑cute to downright animated Anger.

Try it out!

Grab your iPhone or iPad and start juggling Memoji into your chats. Need a quick refresher on how to unlock the menu? Find out more about using Memoji on iPhone and iPad here.

14. Quick Reply in iMessage

Send a Quick Text Reply in iMessage

How It Works

Grab the chat: Touch and hold any conversation in your list.
Tap a preset reply: A little menu pops up with a few ready‑made messages—just slide to the one you like.

That’s all—no typing required, just a quick tap and the reply is sent!

15. Filter messages from people you don’t know

Keep Your Inbox Intact: Filter Away the Unknown

Ever feel like your phone is an information pop‑op and you’re the only one enjoying the cookie? With the flood of spam and misinformation lurking in text messages, the good news is you can smother the unwanted chatter with a single toggle.

Why You Should Turn It On

Say goodbye to nagging unknown numbers. No more pings from strangers you never met.
Stop the info overload. Only keep messages from people you actually want to hear from.
Save battery and focus. Fewer notifications mean less surprise alerts.

How to Enable the Filter

Go to Settings on your device.
Find and tap on Messages.
Switch the toggle for Filter Unknown Senders to On.

Once you’ve turned it on, every message from an unknown sender will automatically move to the “Unknown Senders” tab, cutting the noise out of your main conversation view. Simple, quick, and effective.

16. Mark where your car is parked with Maps

Ever Lost Your Car On a Long Drive? Let Your iPhone Handle It!

Picture this: you pull into a parking spot, walk away, and then forget where you parked. Don’t panic—just tell your phone to play its magic game of “Where Am I?” A simple tweak lets Siri’s Maps mark a sweet little pin on the map right before you say goodbye to the car.

How to Make It Work

Pair up with your car. Connect either via Bluetooth or CarPlay. Once you’re in the drive mode, the phone gets a heads‑up that you’re in a vehicle.
Leave it when you’re done. When the phone sees that the Bluetooth link’s gone or CarPlay gets disconnected, the Maps app automatically drops a pin at that location.

Step‑by‑Step Checklist

Enable Location Services. Head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and switch it up.
Turn on Significant Locations. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations and hit the toggle. This feature records places you visit and lets the phone do its thing next time.
Show Your Parking Spot. Finally, open Settings > Maps and pop on the Show Parked Location switch. Now every time you drive off, a little pin lands neatly where you left the car.

Now, when you’re ready to hit the road again, just fire up Maps and tap the tiny pin that says “I parked here.” Easy, breezy, and no more “Did I park if the lights are off?” procrastination.

17. Group FaceTime with up to 32 people at the same time

Say What? FaceTime is Now a Party Crasher!

Who says you can’t turn your lazy Sunday into a full‑blown digital fiesta? Apple’s new Group FaceTime feature lets you drag up to 32 friends, family members, or colleagues into one video or audio call. Think of it as a virtual happy hour, a game night, or even a dinner party—without the actual cleanup.

How to Kick Off the Good Times

From the FaceTime App: Open the app, tap the + button at the top right, then type in a contact name, phone number or email. When you’re ready, press Audio or Video—and boom, you’re live!
From Messages: Open a group chat or start a fresh one. Hit the contact list at the top, switch to FaceTime, and hit play. Voila, you’ve got a virtual gathering in seconds.

And that’s it—no landing page, no extra apps, just pure, unfiltered digital socializing. Ready to let the good vibes roll?

18. Share folders with friends using iCloud Drive Folder Sharing

How to Share Your Folder Like a Boss

Ever wanted to let friends, family, coworkers, or even your students peek at your stuff without turning your entire iCloud Drive into a chaotic mess? With iCloud Drive’s private links, you can do just that — no fuss, no drama.

What’s the Deal?

Just a link— get a private URL and send it off.
Anyone who clicks in can see the folder and add their own files.
All the good stuff stays in one place, and updates are instant— no more hunting for that last version.

Why It Rocks

Imagine you’ve got a project folder full of the latest drafts, photos, and spreadsheets. With a single link, your teammates can drop their edits right into the mix and stay synced in real time. No FTP mail disasters, no version confusion, just smooth teamwork.

Want the Full Scoop?

Check out the official iCloud Drive guide for all the nitty‑gritty details. It’s got you covered from “What’s a private link?” to “How to manage permissions.”

Give it a whirl and watch your collaboration game level up!