The Best Hidden Features on Your Smartphone You Didn’t Know About

Smartphones are like that one friend who always has a new party trick up their sleeve. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, they pull out something unexpected that leaves you questioning how you’ve lived without it. You might think you’ve mastered your phone, but I promise you—it’s hiding secrets from you.

So, let’s pull back the curtain and uncover the best hidden features on your smartphone that will make your life easier, more efficient, and just a tad cooler.

1. Shake to Undo (iPhone & Android)

Ever typed a whole text and then regretted everything? Instead of hitting backspace like a caveman, just give your phone a shake! On iPhones, this brings up the “Undo Typing” prompt. Some Android devices offer similar gestures in different apps. Try it next time you want to erase that embarrassing text before you send it.

2. Back Tap Gestures (iPhone)

Your iPhone’s back is more than just a pretty piece of glass. You can actually double or triple tap the back of your phone to perform custom actions like taking a screenshot, opening an app, or even controlling volume. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and customize it to your liking. Boom—instant efficiency.

3. Android’s One-Handed Mode

Unless you have hands like a basketball player, you probably struggle to reach the top of your screen sometimes. Android has a solution: one-handed mode. Swipe down on the bottom of the screen (or set it up in Settings > System > Gestures), and your screen shrinks down to a size your thumb can actually manage. No more awkward phone drops.

4. Hidden QR Code Scanner (iPhone & Android)

Stop downloading random QR code scanner apps! Your phone already has one built-in. On iPhone, just open the Camera app and point it at the code—it works instantly. On Android, use Google Lens or the Camera app (depending on your phone model). It’s fast, simple, and you won’t clutter your phone with unnecessary apps.

5. Wi-Fi Password Sharing (iPhone & Android)

Ever had a friend ask, “Hey, what’s your Wi-Fi password?” Instead of digging through old notes or flipping your router upside down, just share it instantly. On iPhone, if they’re in your contacts, you’ll see a pop-up allowing you to share the password without revealing it. On Android, head to Wi-Fi settings, tap the network, and a QR code will pop up for them to scan. No more awkward password spelling bees.

6. Live Captions (Android & iPhone)

Watching a video but forgot your headphones? Or just in a loud environment? Android’s Live Captions (found under Settings > Accessibility > Live Caption) and Apple’s Live Transcription feature create instant subtitles for any audio playing on your device. It’s like having closed captions everywhere, even if the app doesn’t support them.

7. Custom Vibrations for Contacts (iPhone & Some Androids)

Want to know who’s calling without looking at your phone? Set up custom vibrations for different contacts. On iPhone, go to Contacts > Select a Contact > Edit > Vibration, and you can even create your own tap pattern. Some Android devices offer similar options under sound settings.

8. Magnifier Mode (iPhone & Android)

Forget squinting—your phone can act as a magnifying glass! On iPhone, enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier, and you can use it like a real magnifying glass. On Android, enable Magnification under Accessibility settings. Perfect for reading tiny text on menus, labels, or deciphering your grandma’s handwriting.

9. Guest Mode (Android)

Lending your phone to someone but don’t want them to go snooping? Android’s Guest Mode creates a separate profile with limited access. Activate it in Settings > System > Multiple Users, and your personal apps, messages, and accounts stay locked away from prying eyes.

10. Hidden Trackpad in the Keyboard (iPhone & Android)

Ever tried to move your text cursor but ended up selecting half the sentence instead? Hold down the spacebar on your iPhone’s keyboard, and it turns into a trackpad for easy cursor movement. On Android, the Gboard app has a similar function—just swipe your finger across the spacebar to move the cursor like a pro.

Bonus: Google’s “Find My Phone” Trick

Lost your phone but don’t have a second device? Just type “Find My Phone” into Google on any browser, and it’ll locate your device on a map (as long as you’re signed into your Google account). You can even make it ring at full volume—even if it’s on silent! Apple users can use the Find My app or log in to iCloud.com to do the same.

Final Thoughts

Your phone is smarter than you think—it’s practically a pocket-sized superhero. These hidden features might not be front and center, but once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. So go ahead, impress your friends, make your life easier, and let your phone do some of the heavy lifting.

Now that you know these tricks, which one’s your favorite? Or do you have a hidden feature we didn’t mention? Drop a comment below and share the knowledge!