Hidden Smartphone Tricks You Probably Didn’t Know About

 

📱 Hidden Smartphone Tricks You Probably Didn’t Know About

We use our smartphones every single day — for messaging, maps, shopping, photos, and a hundred other tasks. But even the most tech-savvy users often miss out on the hidden features quietly built into iPhones and Android devices.

Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, save battery life, or just impress your friends with clever hacks, here are some surprising smartphone tricks that most people have no idea exist — but will make your life a whole lot easier.

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🧠 1. Back Tap to Trigger Shortcuts (iPhone)

Did you know you can double or triple tap the back of your iPhone to trigger actions like taking a screenshot, opening your flashlight, or launching an app?

How to use it:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap

• Assign actions to double-tap or triple-tap

🔄 Works on iPhone 8 and later (iOS 14+)

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✂️ 2. Quickly Undo Typing with a Shake (iPhone)

Typed something you regret? Just shake your phone to bring up the “Undo Typing” option.

⚠️ Be careful not to throw it across the room!

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⌨️ 3. Turn Your Spacebar into a Cursor (iPhone & Android)

Editing text on a tiny screen can be annoying — but here’s a hidden keyboard trick:

Hold down the spacebar, and your entire keyboard becomes a trackpad, letting you move the cursor with precision.

✅ Works in most apps with both iOS and Gboard on Android

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🔍 4. Hidden Codes for Secret Menus (Android & iPhone)

Your phone has diagnostic menus that can be accessed with secret dialer codes.

Try this:

• Open the Phone app

• Dial *#06# – Instantly shows your device’s IMEI number

• Dial *#*#4636#*#* (Android) – Opens a hidden testing menu for battery, usage stats, and more

⚠️ Use these with care — they’re meant for advanced diagnostics.

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💤 5. Set Your Phone to Auto-Reply While You Sleep or Drive

Both Android and iPhone allow you to automatically silence notifications and send auto-replies.

On iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Focus > Driving or Sleep

• Customize auto-replies and who can reach you

On Android:

• Use Do Not Disturb > Schedules in settings

• Or download automation apps like Tasker for more control

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🧼 6. Clean Your Speaker with a Sound Hack

If your speaker sounds muffled, it might be clogged with dust or debris. Try playing a "speaker cleaning" sound — there are apps and YouTube videos designed to vibrate the speaker and push dust out.

Search for:
🔊 “Speaker Cleaner Tone” on YouTube or Play Store/Apple Store

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🎨 7. Customize App Icons and Widgets (No Jailbreak Required)

Want a completely custom look for your home screen?

• On iPhone, use Shortcuts app + custom icons

• On Android, try Nova Launcher, KWGT, or Material You (on newer versions)

Turn your screen into something that reflects your style — no root or jailbreak needed.

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🛡️ 8. Hide Photos Without Deleting Them

You don’t need a third-party app to hide private photos.

iPhone:

• Select photos > Tap Share > Hide

• They’ll go to your Hidden album (can be Face ID protected)

Android:

• Use Google Photos > Move to Locked Folder (Pixel or newer devices)

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🔋 9. Charge Your Phone Faster in Airplane Mode

Need a quick charge? Switch to Airplane Mode while charging to reduce battery drain from background services.

⚡ You’ll get a slightly faster charge, especially when using a low-watt charger.

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🎯 10. Scan Documents Using Your Phone’s Built-In Camera

No need for a scanner — both iPhone and Android let you scan documents directly.

iPhone:

• Open Notes app > New note > Tap Camera icon > Scan Documents

Android:

• Use Google Drive > Tap + (Add) > Scan

It’s fast, clean, and great for receipts, contracts, or homework.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Smartphones are packed with features we don’t always take advantage of — but a few simple tricks can unlock a whole new level of convenience.

Try just a couple of these hacks today and you’ll quickly see how much more your phone can do than just text and scroll.