Apple is known for packing its iOS updates with subtle but powerful features that often go unnoticed—even by experienced users. Whether you’re a casual scroller, an app junkie, or someone who just loves a good hack, there’s a treasure trove of hidden functionality baked right into your device.
Here are 18 lesser-known iPhone tricks and tools that could make your day-to-day life easier, more efficient, or just more fun.
1. Identify Plants or Animals from a Photo
Your iPhone can be your pocket nature guide. Just snap a picture of a plant or animal, tap the Info (i) button, and look for a star icon that signals recognition. Tap it, and you’ll get detailed information about your leafy or furry subject.
2. Turn Your iPhone into a White Noise Machine
Struggling to sleep or need background sounds for focus? Head to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Background Sounds. Choose calming options like Ocean, Rain, or Stream to drown out distractions or soothe a fussy baby.
3. Have Siri Read Web Pages Aloud
Too busy to read a long article? Let Siri do it for you. In Safari, simply say, “Read this,” or tap the Page Settings (AA) icon and choose Listen to Page. It’s great for multitasking or resting your eyes.
4. Schedule a Text Message for Later
Avoid awkwardly timed texts. When composing a message, tap the + icon and choose Send Later. Pick the date and time, and your message will go out automatically.
5. Lock Safari’s Private Tabs with Face ID
For added privacy, go to Settings > Safari and enable Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing. It’s an extra layer of protection for sensitive searches or personal browsing.
6. Create Custom Voice-Controlled Gestures
Want to open an app or perform a task hands-free? Go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control > Commands > Create New Command. Set a phrase, link it to a gesture or action, and your iPhone becomes even more responsive to your voice.
7. Instantly Remove Backgrounds from Photos
In the Files app, tap and hold on an image, choose Quick Actions, then hit Remove Background. It’s a fast way to create stickers, graphics, or clean social media content without extra apps.
8. Quickly Select Multiple Items with Two Fingers
In apps like Messages, Mail, or Notes, swipe down with two fingers to select multiple items at once. It's a time-saver for organizing or clearing things out in bulk.
9. Copy or Translate Text Using the Camera
Open the Camera app and point it at any text. Tap the Live Text icon (three lines in a box) that appears. You can copy the text, translate it, or even search it instantly—ideal for menus, signs, or handwritten notes.
10. Decode Laundry Symbols on Clothing Tags
Confused by those cryptic laundry symbols? Snap a picture of the tag, tap the Info button, and select Look Up Laundry Care to see what each icon means.
11. Lock Individual Apps with Face ID
Keep specific apps off-limits by long-pressing the app icon and selecting Require Face ID. Perfect for keeping kids—or nosy friends—out of your private apps.
12. Use Guided Access to Lock Someone into One App
Enable Guided Access in Settings > Accessibility to restrict someone (like a child) to just one app. Once activated, they can’t exit the app without your passcode.
13. Snap Photos Faster Using Lock Screen Shortcuts
From your lock screen, swipe left to instantly open the Camera. Use the volume buttons to take pictures, hold for video, or swipe the shutter button for burst shots. You won’t miss a moment.
14. Limit Screen Time for Addictive Apps
Feeling glued to Instagram or TikTok? Head to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits and set daily usage caps. You can customize limits by app category or individual app—and even schedule them differently by day.
15. Move Multiple Apps at Once on Your Home Screen
In Edit Home Screen mode, drag one app slightly, then tap others to group them together. Move them all at once to a new page or folder—less dragging, more organizing.
16. Share Wi-Fi Easily with a QR Code
Instead of shouting your password across the room, go to the Passwords section in Settings, select your Wi-Fi network, and tap Show Network QR Code. Anyone can scan it to connect instantly—especially helpful for Android users or visitors.
17. Record Phone Calls with One Tap
Need to save a call for later? If available in your region and carrier, tap the Start Call Recording button during a call (it looks like vertical bars). The iPhone will notify both parties for transparency.
18. Auto-Transcribe Voice Notes and Calls
Recorded voice memos and calls now appear with transcriptions in the Notes app. It’s a game-changer for interviews, classes, or when you just don’t have time to type.
Final Thoughts Your iPhone is smarter than you think—and probably full of useful features you’ve never used. With each iOS update, Apple slips in handy tools designed to make your life easier. Try out a few of these hidden gems, and you might just discover a whole new way to use your device.