In today’s world, smartphones are indispensable, yet most users barely scratch the surface of what their devices can do. Beyond the usual calls, texts, and social media scrolling, there’s a treasure trove of hidden features designed to make your life easier and more productive. Let’s explore 10 amazing smartphone features you probably didn’t know existed!
1. Customizable Back Tap Gestures
What it does: Many modern smartphones, like iPhones and Android devices, have a “back tap” feature. This lets you perform actions like taking a screenshot or opening an app by tapping the back of your phone.
How to activate:
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On iPhone: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and assign actions to double or triple taps.
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On Android: Check if your device supports similar gestures under Gestures in the Settings menu.
2. Wi-Fi Password Sharing
What it does: Forget typing out long Wi-Fi passwords. Share your Wi-Fi access instantly with nearby devices.
How to use:
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On iPhone: When another iPhone is nearby and tries to join the network, a prompt will appear on your device to share the password.
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On Android: Go to Wi-Fi Settings, select your network, and tap Share QR Code for others to scan.
3. Built-In Document Scanner
What it does: Your smartphone’s camera can double as a document scanner, eliminating the need for separate apps.
How to use:
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On iPhone: Open the Notes app, create a new note, and tap the camera icon to select Scan Documents.
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On Android: Use Google Drive’s Scan option under the “+” button.
4. Digital Wellbeing Tools
What it does: Monitor and manage your screen time to promote healthier smartphone usage habits.
How to use:
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On Android: Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
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On iPhone: Access Settings > Screen Time to view usage stats and set app limits.
5. One-Handed Mode
What it does: Struggling to use your phone with one hand? Shrink your screen for easier navigation.
How to activate:
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On Android: Go to Settings > Gestures > One-Handed Mode.
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On iPhone: Enable Reachability under Settings > Accessibility > Touch and swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen.
6. Text Replacement Shortcuts
What it does: Save time by creating shortcuts for frequently used phrases.
How to set up:
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On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.
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On Android: Find similar options under Settings > Languages & Input > Personal Dictionary.
7. Hidden Battery Health Information
What it does: Check your battery’s performance to determine if it needs servicing.
How to check:
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On iPhone: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
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On Android: Use the Dialer Code ☎︎#☎︎#4636#☎︎#☎︎** (varies by manufacturer).
8. Emergency SOS Shortcut
What it does: Quickly contact emergency services by pressing a button combination.
How to activate:
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On iPhone: Press the side button five times or hold the side and volume buttons.
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On Android: Set up SOS under Settings > Safety & Emergency.
9. Augmented Reality (AR) Measurements
What it does: Measure objects and spaces in real-time using your phone’s AR capabilities.
How to use:
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On iPhone: Open the Measure app.
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On Android: Download Google’s Measure app if it’s not pre-installed.
10. Live Captioning
What it does: Automatically generate captions for videos, podcasts, and even calls in real-time.
How to enable:
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On Android: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Live Caption.
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On iPhone: Use Live Captions (Beta) under Settings > Accessibility.
Final Thoughts
Your smartphone is a powerhouse of features waiting to be discovered. By leveraging these hidden gems, you can unlock new levels of convenience and productivity. Explore these features today, and you might find your device more indispensable than ever!
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