Hidden Smartphone Features You Didn’t Know Existed

Smartphones have become such a seamless part of our lives that it’s easy to forget they’re incredibly powerful tools, packed with features most users barely scratch the surface of. While we’re all familiar with calling, texting, taking photos, and using social media apps, there are many hidden gems within our devices—features that often go unnoticed but can significantly enhance your productivity, security, and overall user experience.

Here we’re discussing some of the most awesome lesser-discussed smartphone features you likely didn’t even realize you had. Whether you’re an Android or iPhone user, you’re bound to discover something.

1. Back Tap Shortcut (iPhone)

If you own an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 14 or later, you can actually tap the back of your phone to make it work. This handy feature, called Back Tap, lets you map double or triple taps to carry out certain functions—such as taking a screenshot, locking the screen, opening the camera, or even opening an app.

How to enable it:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap

This is especially handy when you have to do things in a hurry and quietly, such as record a voice note or turn on silent mode.

2. Quick Launch Camera (Android)

The majority of Android phones have an undercover shortcut to launch the camera in a snap—yes, even when your phone is locked. Double tapping the power button on some phones launches the camera. The feature is ideal for taking spontaneous shots without having to navigate your apps.

It’s usually enabled by default, but if not, look under:

Settings > Gestures > Quick Launch Camera (varies by manufacturer)

3. Wi-Fi Sharing with QR Code

Ever had someone over and requested your Wi-Fi password? Rather than trying to remember a cumbersome series of letters and numbers, you can offer your Wi-Fi in a QR code. In both Android and iPhone, you can create a QR code for your Wi-Fi network that people can scan and join instantly—no typing required.

On Android:

Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi

Tap the connected network, then tap Share

On iPhone:

This involves entering the Control Center and long-pressing on the Wi-Fi icon, or a third-party shortcut for getting a code.

4. One-Handed Mode

Big-screen phones are perfect for watching movies and playing games, but they’re clunky with one hand. So now many smartphones have a one-handed mode that temporarily shrinks the screen so it’s easier to access all areas with your thumb.

On iPhone:

Double-click (not press) the home button or swipe down on the bottom screen edge if using Face ID.

On Android:

Navigate to Settings > System > Gestures > One-Handed Mode

5. Magnifier Tool

Your phone can also act as a magnifying glass. This is incredibly useful for reading tiny text or looking at small objects. The Magnifier option employs your camera to zoom in on whatever is around you.

Activate it through Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier

On Android:

Some phones place it in Settings > Accessibility > Magnification

You can even freeze frames and control brightness and contrast.

6. Secret Code Menues

This one’s for the technophiles only. Androids and iPhones both have secret codes you can dial into the phone app to find undocumented diagnostic menus. These menus display hardware information, usage statistics, and even test out individual components of hardware like speakers or sensors.

Example on Android:

Dial *#*#4636#*#* to view battery, usage, and Wi-Fi data.

These codes are manufacturer and region dependent, so go in cautiously and don’t fiddle with settings unless you know what you’re doing.

7. Screen Recording with Voiceover

Most new phones have a built-in screen recording feature. Something that you might not know most people don’t know is that you can even record your voice as you record the screen. It’s so handy for tutorials, step-by-step walkthroughs, or even creating content on the fly.

On iPhone:

Launch Control Center, tap and hold the Record icon, and tap Microphone On

On Android:

Swipe down to launch a Quick Settings panel and search for Screen Recorder

8. Pin Apps for Child Safety or Focus

Ever borrowed your phone to a friend or child and feared they’d go through it? Android and iPhone both support pinning an app such that the user can’t switch out of it unless unlocking the phone again.

On Android:

Settings > Security > App Pinning, then open app, tap recent apps, and pin it.

On iPhone

In order to allow Guided Access, open Settings on your phone> select Accessibility > and then Guided Access.

9. Emergency SOS Mode

Not exactly a secret feature, but one that’s crying out for use. Both Android and iPhones allow you to quickly dial emergency numbers and send your location to emergency contacts.

iPhone:

Simultaneously press the side button and one of the volume buttons, then slide to activate SOS.

Android:

Quickly press the power button five times (this may vary by model).

You may include medical content and select what to alert in your emergency settings.

10. System-Wide Search (iOS Spotlight & Android Search)

Rather than people using the search box on their phones to locate apps, you can now also use it to locate emails, calendar events, web pages, etc.

iPhone:

If you want to open Spotlight Search, just swipe down from the home screen. Attempt to type “emails from John” or “photos from last week.”

Android

Swipe up or use the Google search bar to locate files, messages, settings, and more.

11. Split-Screen Multitasking

If you find yourself constantly switching between apps, you will enjoy this feature. Split-screen mode can be found on most Android devices, and you can use two apps at once—perfect for watching a video while you text or reading a recipe while you cook.

Tap the Recent Apps button, tap the app icon, and choose Split screen.

iPhones do not support actual split-screen on iPhones (though not as yet on iPads), but Picture-in-Picture (etc.) apps can be utilized to provide the illusion.

12. Hidden Photo Album / Secure Folder

Privacy is expanding, and producers have responded. Both platforms now include a native method of hiding photos or apps without having to download a third-party app.

iPhone:

Utilize the Hidden Album inside the Photos app. Slide its on/off switch inside Settings > Photos

Android

Use Samsung’s Secure Folder or similar tools depending on your brand. These spaces are password-protected or biometrically locked.

13. Sleep Tracking & Wind Down Mode

You might not need to purchase a smartwatch to track sleep. Your phone already includes sleep hygiene functions in it.

iPhone:

In the Health app, create a Sleep Schedule that dims your display and minimizes distractions during the night.

Android:

Enable Bedtime mode under Digital Wellbeing settings to filter out dim and silent notifications at bedtime hours.

14. Offline Maps

Lost with no signal? Most mapping applications give offline map downloading for navigating offline. Google Maps, as an example, has the function to choose an area and download it so you can navigate even with no internet.

In order to launch Google Maps, search for a location, and select Download.

Ideal for international travel, treks, and road trips.

15. Smart Lock (Android)

Having to type in your password can be very stressful and annoying. Android has a Smart Lock feature that keeps your phone unlocked when it’s in trusted situations—like when it’s in your pocket, connected to your car, or at home.

Go to Settings > Security > Smart Lock

It balances security with convenience, giving you control over when to enforce lockscreen protections.

16. Custom Vibration Patterns

Did you know you can create custom vibration patterns for specific contacts or notifications?

iPhone:

Open contacts on your iPhone, Select Edit, then Ringtone, select Vibration and then choose Create a New Vibration

Android:

This depends on your device, but many have similar options in sound settings or contact customization.

This way, you’ll know who’s calling or texting without even looking at your screen.

17. Hidden Developer Options

Want more control over animations, USB debugging, or Bluetooth codecs? You can unlock Developer Options.

On Android:

Open your phone Settings, select About phone then click ‘Build number’ 7 times

Once unlocked, you can access advanced settings like animation speed, background process limits, and more.

On iPhone, these kinds of options are more locked down, though TestFlight and beta programs exist for developers.

18. Tap and Pay Without Opening an App

Both Android (Google Pay) and iPhone (Apple Pay) allow you to tap and pay with your phone at contactless terminals—often without needing to unlock or open the app first.

This setting can be adjusted to require authentication for added security.

19. Live Captions (Android)

For accessibility and convenience, some Android phones can now generate real-time captions for any media playing on your phone—even if it’s a video with no subtitles.

Turn it on via Settings > Accessibility > Live Caption

This is also incredibly useful in noisy environments or when you need to mute your device.

20. Clipboard History

Did you copy something and lose it? Android phones that have Gboard can check their clipboard history.

Long press in a text field and tap Clipboard to see recent copied items.

Some Android skins also let you pin items to the clipboard for later use.

Final Thoughts

Your smartphone is far more than a device for texting and scrolling through social media. Packed with smart features and hidden capabilities, it can help you be more productive, organized, and even safer—if you know where to look.

By checking out these lesser-known tools and shortcuts,

you’ll open a new level of convenience and personalization. So, dive into your settings, experiment with features, and make your smartphone truly work for you.

Because sometimes, the best things really are hidden in plain sight.