15 Best Hidden iPhone Lifehacks & Features to Try in 2025

The best iPhone lifehacks can help you unlock hidden iOS features that make your device more powerful, productive, and enjoyable. Many users aren't aware of just how many clever tricks are built right into iOS. With these iPhone tips, you can work faster, save time, and make your daily experience smoother and more convenient.

Here's a roundup of the top hidden iOS features and iPhone hacks you should try in 2025:

🔝 Top 15 Hidden iPhone Features and Lifehacks

1. Back Tap - Control with a Tap on the Back

   Assign actions to a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone. You can set it to take a screenshot, open the camera, or summon Siri, among other options.

   How to enable: Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.

2. Scan Documents with the Notes App

   No need for a separate scanner. Open the Notes app, create a new note, tap the paperclip icon, and select "Scan Documents." The camera will automatically detect the edges and save your scan as a PDF.

3. Gestures in Safari

   Switch tabs quickly in Safari by swiping left or right on the bottom bar - left for the next tab, right for the previous one. This is a real time-saver when browsing multiple sites.

4. Keyboard Trackpad Mode

   Press and hold the spacebar on your keyboard to turn it into a trackpad. This makes it easy to move the cursor precisely through text, just like on a laptop.

5. Optimized Battery Charging

   Extend your iPhone's battery lifespan by enabling optimized charging. iOS learns your daily routine and charges your phone to 80%, then finishes the last 20% just before you typically unplug it.

   How to enable: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.

6. Hidden Photo Albums

   Keep private photos out of your main gallery by moving them to the "Hidden" album. This album is protected by Face ID or a passcode and won't show up in your general Photos view.

7. Automations with Shortcuts

   Use the Shortcuts app to automate routines: turn on Wi-Fi when you get home, play music when you connect headphones, send automated messages, or enable Do Not Disturb at certain times.

8. Focus Modes - Personalized Notification Profiles

   Set up custom Focus profiles (like Work, Personal, or Gaming) to control which contacts and apps can notify you. Each profile is tailored to your needs for better concentration and balance.

   How to set up: Go to Settings → Focus → Add Profile.

9. Secret iPhone Codes

   Access hidden menus and diagnostics with these USSD codes:

   • *3001#12345#* - Field Test Mode (network diagnostics)
   • *#06# - View your IMEI number
   • *#21# - Check call forwarding status

10. Identify Music with Siri - No App Needed

    Don't have Shazam? Just ask Siri, "What song is playing?" She will identify the track and offer to add it to Apple Music.

11. Quickly Hide Apps from Your Home Screen

    Remove an app from your home screen without deleting it: hold the app icon, select "Remove App," then choose "Remove from Home Screen." The app remains in your App Library.

12. Hidden Text Editing Gestures

    iOS has built-in editing gestures:

    • Triple-tap - select a paragraph of text
    • Three-finger swipe left - undo
    • Three-finger swipe right - redo

13. Virtual Magnifier

    Turn your iPhone into a magnifying glass. Enable "Magnifier" in Accessibility settings to use the camera for examining small print or details.

14. Instant Camera Access

    From the lock screen, swipe left to open the camera instantly. Perfect for capturing moments on the go, without unlocking your phone.

15. Live Text - Real-Time Text Scanner

    With Live Text, point your camera at text to instantly copy, translate, or call numbers directly from what you see on screen.

🎯 Who Benefits from These iPhone Lifehacks?

• Students: Scan documents and work with text efficiently.
• Business users: Streamline tasks and enhance privacy with automations.
• Gamers: Optimize your device for peak performance.
• All iPhone users: Enjoy greater convenience and save time every day.