Things You Can Do with an iPhone: Hidden Features and Pro Tips

Introduction

Your iPhone is packed with powerful features that go far beyond making calls and sending texts. From Siri’s advanced capabilities to accessibility features and camera tricks, there are countless ways to make your iPhone work smarter for you. This comprehensive guide explores some of the most useful and often-overlooked features that can transform how you use your device.

Why These iPhone Features Matter

In our experience helping clients master their mobile devices, we have found that most iPhone users only use about 20% of their device’s capabilities. These hidden features can significantly improve your productivity, accessibility, and overall iPhone experience. Whether you’re a busy professional, someone with accessibility needs, or just want to get more from your device, these tips will help you unlock your iPhone’s full potential.

Advanced Siri Features

Siri Can Remind You to Check Messages at a Later Time

What it does: Ever received a text message or email while you are busy? In such situations, you might not read it right away. But, you can ask Siri to remind you about reading the text another time.

How to use it: Simply, ask Siri to let you know to read the message at a later time. And, Siri will automatically notify you about the message after a while.

Compatibility: Most of the messaging/communication-related apps like Mail, Messages, Safari, and Notes, etc. are compatible with this feature.

Pro Tip: You can also ask Siri to remind you about specific tasks, appointments, or even to call someone back at a later time.

Have Siri Call You by a Nickname

What it does: This is a very cool iPhone hack that many people don’t know is possible. You can tell Siri to call you by a different name from your real name.

Why it’s useful: This is not only a cool thing to be able to do, but some people are actually used to being called by a nickname or a different name from their real name, so this comes in handy.

How to set it up:

1. Say “Hey Siri” to activate Siri
2. Tell Siri “Call me by a nickname” which she will reply with “What would you like to be called”
3. Say your nickname
4. Siri will confirm the nickname and if it sounds right to you, you’re done.

Quick Note: This feature works with any nickname you prefer, making your iPhone experience more personal and comfortable.

Accessibility and Control Features

Use the Switch Control Feature

What it does: This trick is hidden under the ‘Accessibility’ settings. This is a great option to use head movement gesture to control lots of actions on your iPhone.

How to set it up: First, you should enable the ‘Switch Control’ option on your iPhone. Then you’d need to add a new switch control action. Follow the steps below:

1. First, go to the ‘Settings’ menu of your iPhone
2. Next, navigate to Settings>General>Accessibility option
3. From there tap on the ‘Switch Control’ option by scrolling down
4. Now tap on the ‘Switches’ option
5. Next tap on the ‘Add New Switch’ option from there
6. And tap on the ‘Camera’ option
7. From there, select the either ‘Left Head Movement’ or ‘Right Head Movement’ (it’s up to you)
8. Next, select any actions from the ‘System’ tab. Let’s say you have selected ‘Increase Volume’

How it works: So from now on, once you tilt your head on the direction you have chosen earlier will trigger the ‘increase volume’ action. Obviously, you can add more switches for a better user experience.

Pro Tip: This feature is particularly useful for people with mobility challenges or those who want hands-free control of their iPhone.

Reachability Mode

What it does: iPhones are getting bigger day by day. So, there’s a chance that you might not be able to access the top of the screen with your fingers easily. The ‘Reachability Mode’ comes in handy in such a situation.

How to activate: Just double-tap on the ‘Home’ button, all the content of the screen will move down in a snap.

For newer iPhones: You can swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen to bring the content of the screen closer to the bottom. It can also be done by quickly swiping up and down on the bottom edge of the screen.

How to enable: By default, the ‘Reachability Mode’ is disabled. To access this feature: Go to: Settings, Accessibility and then Touch to enable or disable this feature. Or, Settings and search for Accessibility.

Quick Note: This feature is especially useful for one-handed use and makes it much easier to access apps and features at the top of your screen.

Camera and Media Features

Snap Photos During Recording Videos

What it does: This feature is not that new. Matter of fact, even if you have an iPhone 5, you can try this feature as well.

How to use it:

1. Once you are recording a video on your iPhone, you will notice a white button next to the record button
2. This is the button to take photos while you are recording a video. So tap on the white button as many times as you want to take a still image
3. Once you tap on the button, the screen will blink to confirm the operation

Pro Tip: This feature is perfect for capturing both video and still images of important moments without having to switch between camera modes.

Location and Navigation Features

Have Your Phone Remember Your Parking Spot

What it does: Before smartphones and map apps, you needed to remember everything when you drove. Remember writing directions on a piece of paper? How crazy was that compared to what we have now. So this is also true in the case of parking spots.

Why it’s useful: It happens to everyone, they park their car, and maybe they were in a hurry and when they go back they can’t seem to remember where it’s parked. This tip will let your iPhone remember the parking spot for you.

How to use it: Just ask Siri “Hey Siri, save my parking spot for me”

What happens: Siri will take a second to mark your location and tell you when it’s done. Simple!

Pro Tip: This feature works with any location, not just parking spots. You can ask Siri to remember any place you want to return to later.

Advanced Siri Commands and Shortcuts

Custom Siri Commands

What you can do: Beyond basic commands, Siri can be trained to understand your specific needs and preferences.

Examples: You can create custom phrases for common tasks, set up location-based reminders, or even create shortcuts for complex operations.

Pro Tip: Use the Shortcuts app to create custom Siri commands that can perform multiple actions with a single voice command.

Battery and Performance Features

Low Power Mode

What it does: Automatically reduces power consumption by limiting background app refresh, automatic downloads, and some visual effects.

When to use: Perfect for when you’re away from a charger and need to extend your battery life.

How to enable: Go to Settings > Battery and toggle on Low Power Mode, or ask Siri to enable it.

Background App Refresh Management

What it does: Control which apps can refresh their content in the background, helping to save battery life and data usage.

How to manage: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh to customize which apps can refresh in the background.

Pro Tip: Only allow essential apps to refresh in the background to maximize battery life.

Privacy and Security Features

App Privacy Report

What it shows: iOS provides detailed information about how apps use your data, including camera, microphone, and location access.

How to access: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report to see which apps have accessed your data and when.

Why it matters: This helps you understand and control how your personal information is being used by apps.

Hide My Email

What it does: Create unique, random email addresses that forward to your real email address, helping to protect your privacy when signing up for services.

How to use: Available through iCloud+ subscription, this feature helps prevent spam and keeps your real email address private.

Productivity Features

Focus Mode

What it does: Automatically filter notifications and calls based on what you’re doing, helping you stay focused on important tasks.

Customization: You can create custom focus modes for work, sleep, exercise, or any other activity.

Pro Tip: Set up automatic focus mode changes based on your calendar or location to ensure you’re never interrupted during important meetings.

Back Tap

What it does: Allows you to perform actions by tapping the back of your iPhone (available on iPhone 8 and later).

Customizable actions: You can set up back tap to take screenshots, open apps, control music, or perform other quick actions.

How to set up: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap to configure your preferred actions.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these features can significantly enhance your iPhone experience, some may require technical assistance to set up properly. Consider seeking help if you experience:

• Difficulty setting up accessibility features like Switch Control or Reachability Mode
• Issues with Siri commands not working as expected
• Problems with camera features or media capture
• Battery or performance issues after enabling new features
• Privacy or security concerns about app permissions

Our technicians can help you configure these features correctly and ensure they work optimally for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do these features work on all iPhone models?

A: Most features work on iPhone 6s and newer running iOS 13 or later. Some newer features require iOS 15 or later and specific hardware.

Q: Will using these features drain my battery faster?

A: Most features are designed to be battery-efficient. However, features like Switch Control and frequent Siri use may use slightly more battery.

Q: Can I customize these features further?

A: Yes! Many of these features have additional customization options in the Settings app under their respective menus.

Q: Are these features available outside the United States?

A: Most features are available worldwide, but some may be limited based on your region or carrier.

Conclusion

Your iPhone is capable of so much more than basic communication. These hidden features and pro tips can transform your device into a powerful productivity tool, accessibility aid, and personal assistant. By taking the time to explore and configure these features, you’ll discover new ways to make your iPhone work better for you.

Start with the features that address your most immediate needs, and gradually explore the others as you become more comfortable with them. Remember, the goal is to make technology work for you, not against you.

If you need help setting up any of these features or encounter issues while using them, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance. Our team is here to help you get the most from your technology investment.

Need help setting up these iPhone features or experiencing issues? If you’re unsure about your options or need assistance with configuration, call Chapin Business Services at (203) 262-1869. We offer both remote support and on-site visits throughout the Chapin area.