We all carry smartphones everywhere, but few of us ever scratch the surface of what these powerful devices can do. Hidden deep inside your settings are features that can boost productivity, save time and even bring a smile to your face. You w
on’t believe how many clever tricks your phone is hiding – until now. Here are ten secret smartphone features you probably never knew existed.
- Double-Tap Back for Shortcuts
On many modern phones, you can double or triple-tap the back of your device to trigger custom shortcuts. On iPhone, enable Back Tap in Settings → Accessibility → Touch. You can set it to take a screenshot, open the camera, toggle the flashlight and more. On some Android phones, you can do the same with gesture settings or third‑party apps. - Keyboard as a Trackpad
Forget fussing with the tiny cursor — on iPhone, press and hold the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad. Drag your finger to move the cursor precisely. Certain Android keyboards like Gboard support the same trick, making edits and text selection a breeze. - Split-Screen Multitasking
Why juggle between apps when you can use two at once? Android phones let you open apps in split‑screen mode — open Recent Apps, tap the app icon and choose “Split screen.” On iPads and select Samsung devices, you can drag apps side‑by‑side. Multitask like a pro by watching videos while texting or browsing while taking notes. - Built-in Level & Measuring Tools
Many smartphones double as handy DIY tools. On iPhone, open the Measure app to find a digital tape measure and leveling tool. Android users can search “bubble level” in the Google app or open Compass apps with built‑in levels. You’ll never hang a crooked picture again. - Native Screen Recording
No need to download a separate recorder — iOS and Android have built‑in screen recorders. On iPhone, add “Screen Recording” to your Control Center in Settings and tap it when you need to capture a how‑to or gameplay. On Android, swipe down to Quick Settings and tap “Screen Recorder.” You can even record audio and show touches on screen. - Document Scanner in Your Pocket
Your phone can scan documents with surprising clarity. On iPhone, open the Notes app, create a new note and tap the camera icon → “Scan Documents.” Android users can open the Google Drive app and tap the plus sign → “Scan.” You’ll get crisp, PDF‑ready documents without a bulky scanner. - Secret Diagnostic Codes
Want to uncover hidden menus? Dialing certain codes reveals deep system information. On Android, typing ##4636## brings up a testing menu for battery status, Wi‑Fi info and usage stats. Samsung phones have codes like #0# for hardware diagnostics. Be careful, though — these tools are meant for engineers, so don’t change anything if you’re not sure. - Share Wi‑Fi with a QR Code
No more shouting passwords across the room. On Android 10 or later, go to Wi‑Fi settings, tap your network and hit “Share.” A QR code pops up that friends can scan to connect instantly. iPhone users can share Wi‑Fi by bringing their phone near someone else’s device and tapping “Share Password.” It’s quick, secure and hassle‑free. - One‑Handed Mode
Struggling to reach the top of your giant screen? Enable one‑handed mode. On iPhone, swipe down on the bottom edge to bring the top of the display closer to your thumb (Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Reachability). On Android, look for “One‑handed mode” in settings. Your phone shrinks to a smaller window, so you can tap top icons without stretching. - Use Your Phone as a Magnifying Glass
Buried under Accessibility settings is a powerful magnifier. On iPhone, enable “Magnifier” and triple‑click the Side button to turn your camera into a zoom lens with adjustable brightness and filters. Android users can open the Camera app and find “Magnifier” under Accessibility or download a built‑in tool. It’s perfect for reading fine print or examining tiny objects.
Modern smartphones are packed with features that can simplify your life, entertain you and keep you safe. Exploring these hidden tools turns your phone from a basic communication device into a multi‑tool worthy of a spy. Try these tricks today — you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!