Smartphones are powerful, but most of us only scratch the surface. Beneath the basics are hidden smartphone features designed to save time, boost productivity, and make everyday tasks smoother. Once you know them, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.
Let’s dive into some practical smartphone tips and tricks that iPhone and Android users can start using today.
iPhone Hidden Features You Should Try
Apple hides a surprising number of small but mighty tools behind its clean interface. Here are a few iPhone hidden features worth exploring:
Back Tap
Introduced in iOS 14, back tap iPhone turns the back of your device into a customizable button. With a double or triple tap, you can launch the camera, take a screenshot, or trigger accessibility shortcuts.
Suggested screenshot: iPhone Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
Hidden iOS Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app is Apple’s automation powerhouse. Create routines that adjust brightness, play music, and open apps with one tap. Perfect for mornings or work setups.
Suggested screenshot: Shortcuts app showing a custom “Morning Routine” automation.
Magnifier
Your iPhone doubles as a digital magnifying glass. Great for reading small text on menus or medicine bottles. Once enabled, it uses your camera to zoom in on real-world objects.
Suggested screenshot: iPhone Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier toggle.
Screen Recording
Skip third-party apps—your iPhone has a built-in recorder. Add it to Control Center and record anything from tutorials to FaceTime calls.
Suggested screenshot: Control Center with the record button active.
Focus Modes
Focus takes Do Not Disturb further. Create profiles for work, sleep, or personal time, choosing which apps or contacts can break through.
Suggested screenshot: Focus mode setup screen with Work, Sleep, and Personal options.
Check out Apple vs. Samsung: Who’s Winning the Smartphone War This Year? to see how iPhones stack up against Androids.
Android Hidden Features Worth Unlocking
Google’s ecosystem is packed with gems that go unnoticed. Here are some Android hidden features to try:
Android Split Screen
Multitask easily by running two apps side by side. Watch YouTube while replying to messages, or browse the web while checking notes.
Suggested screenshot: Split-screen mode showing Chrome and YouTube open together.
Live Caption
Turn on live caption on Android and get instant subtitles for videos, podcasts, and even phone calls. A lifesaver for accessibility and noisy environments.
Suggested screenshot: Android Settings → Accessibility → Live Caption toggle.
Notification History
Ever swipe away an alert too fast? Android keeps a hidden log of every notification for the past 24 hours. Enable it to recover what you missed.
Suggested screenshot: Android Settings → Notifications → Notification History.
One-Handed Mode
Large screens can be tricky, but Android’s one-handed mode shifts everything down so your thumb can reach. Perfect for one-handed texting or scrolling.
Suggested screenshot: Android Accessibility → One-handed mode toggle.
Screen Recording
Like iOS, Android includes a built-in recorder. Use Quick Settings to capture your screen for tutorials, presentations, or sharing gameplay.
Suggested screenshot: Quick Settings menu with “Screen Record” tile selected.
See How Long Should a Smartphone Last? for insights on maximizing your investment.
Unlock the Full Potential
You don’t need to upgrade to get more out of your phone. By exploring hidden smartphone features, trying iPhone hidden features like Back Tap and Shortcuts, or diving into Android hidden features like split screen and notification history, you can make your device work harder for you.
Think of it as uncovering a toolbox that’s been in your pocket all along. Start experimenting, take screenshots as you go, and you’ll find that small changes can reshape how you use your phone every day.
