Here are hidden smartphone tricks and useful features you may not know about, explained in detail. Many work on both Android and iPhone, though exact steps can vary by model and software version.
1. Use Your Phone as a Document Scanner
You don’t always need a separate scanner app.
iPhone
- Open the Notes app.
- Create or open a note.
- Tap the camera icon → Scan Documents.
- Capture the pages.
- The phone automatically detects edges, corrects perspective, and saves a PDF.
Android
- Open Google Drive.
- Tap + → Scan.
- Take a photo and save it as a PDF.
Useful for:
- Receipts
- IDs
- Forms
- Handwritten notes
- School/work documents
2. Turn Your Phone Into a Magnifying Glass
Your smartphone camera can work as a digital magnifier.
iPhone
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier.
- Turn it on.
- Open Magnifier from Control Centre.
Android
- Search Settings for Magnification or Accessibility Magnification.
- Enable the shortcut.
You can:
- Zoom in on tiny text
- Freeze the image
- Increase brightness
- Add colour filters
3. Use Back Tap Shortcuts (iPhone)
Many iPhone users never notice this feature.
Go to:
Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap
You can assign actions to:
- Double-tap the back of your phone
- Triple-tap the back
Examples:
- Take a screenshot
- Open the camera
- Turn on the flashlight
- Launch an app
- Lock the screen
4. Search Everything on Your Phone Quickly
Instead of opening apps one by one:
iPhone
Swipe down from the middle of the Home Screen.
You can search:
- Apps
- Contacts
- Messages
- Photos
- Settings
- Files
- Notes
Android
Use:
- App drawer search
- Google search bar
- Device search tools (varies by brand)
5. Scan QR Codes Without Installing Apps
Most modern phones have QR scanning built in.
iPhone
- Open Camera.
- Point at the QR code.
- Tap the notification.
Android
- Open Camera or Google Lens.
- Point at the QR code.
You can scan:
- Wi-Fi passwords
- Websites
- Tickets
- Menus
- Payments
6. Copy Text From Photos
Your camera can read text.
iPhone: Live Text
- Open a photo containing text.
- Press and hold the words.
- Select, copy, translate, or search.
Android: Google Lens
- Open Google Photos.
- Tap Lens.
- Select text.
Useful for:
- Copying phone numbers
- Extracting addresses
- Translating signs
- Saving notes
7. Find a Lost Phone Even When It Is Offline
Modern phones have improved tracking systems.
iPhone
Use:
- Find My app
- Find My network
Some models can be located for a period even after the battery runs out.
Android
Use:
- Find My Device
You can:
- Locate your phone
- Play a sound
- Lock it
- Erase data remotely
8. Use Emergency Features
Your phone may automatically help during emergencies.
iPhone
Emergency SOS can:
- Call emergency services
- Notify emergency contacts
- Share location
Android
Emergency features may include:
- Emergency calls
- Medical information
- Location sharing
- Crash detection (on supported devices)
Set these up before you need them.
9. Take Screenshots in Smarter Ways
iPhone
Besides pressing buttons:
- Use Back Tap
- Use AssistiveTouch
Android
Many phones support:
- Three-finger swipe screenshots
- Palm swipe screenshots (Samsung)
- Scrolling screenshots for long pages
10. Use Your Phone as a Level Tool
Need to check if something is straight?
iPhone
Open the Measure app → Level.
Android
Use Google’s level feature through some versions of Google Search or a measurement app.
Useful for:
- Hanging pictures
- Furniture setup
- DIY projects
11. Make Your Battery Last Longer
Hidden battery-saving tricks:
Reduce background activity
Disable unnecessary background app refresh.
Lower screen brightness
The display is one of the biggest battery users.
Turn off unnecessary location access
Check:
- Which apps can access your location
- Whether they need it always
Use battery optimisation
Android:
- Settings → Battery → Battery Optimisation
iPhone:
- Settings → Battery → Battery Health
12. Use Voice Commands Like a Personal Assistant
iPhone: Siri
Examples:
- “Set a timer for 20 minutes.”
- “Remind me to call John tomorrow.”
- “Read my messages.”
Android: Google Assistant/Gemini (depending on device)
Examples:
- Send texts
- Create reminders
- Control smart devices
- Answer questions
13. Share Wi-Fi Passwords Instantly
iPhone
If both people have Apple devices:
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Bring devices close together.
- The connected device can share the password.
Android
Many phones allow:
- Wi-Fi QR code sharing.
Go to:
Wi-Fi settings → Current network → Share.
14. Use Split Screen for Multitasking (Android)
Many Android phones allow two apps at once.
Example:
- Watch YouTube while texting
- Browse while taking notes
Steps:
- Open recent apps.
- Tap the app icon.
- Select Split screen.
15. Lock Private Photos and Apps
iPhone
Use:
- Hidden Photos album
- Face ID/Touch ID protection (supported versions)
Android
Many devices have:
- Secure Folder
- App Lock
- Private Space features
Useful for:
- Personal photos
- Documents
- Banking apps
16. Turn Your Phone Into a Hotspot
You can share mobile internet.
iPhone
Settings → Personal Hotspot
Android
Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot
Useful when:
- Wi-Fi is unavailable
- Laptop needs internet
- You are travelling
17. Automatically Silence Notifications
Avoid distractions.
iPhone
Use:
- Focus Modes
Examples:
- Work
- Sleep
- Driving
Android
Use:
- Do Not Disturb
- Digital Wellbeing
You can allow only important calls or messages.
18. Use Your Camera for More Than Photos
Your camera can:
- Translate languages
- Identify plants
- Recognise objects
- Solve maths problems
- Find products online
Tools:
- Google Lens
- iPhone Visual Look Up
19. Schedule Messages
Some phones allow delayed sending.
Examples:
- Send birthday wishes automatically
- Schedule reminders
- Send work messages later
Android messaging apps often include scheduling. iPhone users can create automations through the Shortcuts app.
20. Use Your Phone as a Security Camera
Old smartphones can become cameras.
You can use:
- Motion detection apps
- Baby monitor apps
- Home monitoring apps
Possible uses:
- Watching pets
- Monitoring a room
- Checking deliveries
21. Recover Deleted Photos
Deleted does not always mean gone.
Check:
- Recently Deleted folder (iPhone Photos)
- Trash/Bin folder (Google Photos)
Many devices keep deleted files temporarily before permanent removal.
22. Make Your Phone Easier to Use With One Hand
iPhone
Enable:
Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Reachability
Android
Enable:
One-handed mode
The screen shrinks so you can reach buttons more easily.
23. Use NFC Features
Your phone may have NFC technology.
Uses:
- Contactless payments
- Digital tickets
- Smart tags
- Quick device actions
24. Check Battery Usage by App
Find battery-draining apps:
iPhone
Settings → Battery
Android
Settings → Battery → Battery Usage
You may discover apps running unnecessarily in the background.
25. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Create shortcuts for commonly typed phrases.
Examples:
- Your email address
- Home address
- Common replies
iPhone
Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement
Android
Keyboard settings → Dictionary/Personal dictionary
Bonus: Hidden Codes (Use Carefully)
Some phones support diagnostic codes entered in the phone dialer. Availability depends on manufacturer and carrier.
Examples may show:
- Device information
- Network information
- Testing menus
Avoid entering random codes found online because some can change settings or erase data.
Best “Hidden” Features Worth Turning On Today
✅ Emergency SOS
✅ Find My Device/Find My iPhone
✅ Two-factor authentication
✅ Automatic backups
✅ Battery optimisation
✅ Password manager
✅ Screen lock security
✅ Focus/Do Not Disturb modes
✅ Photo text recognition
✅ Wi-Fi password sharing
Your smartphone is usually much more powerful than it appears—the biggest hidden tricks are the accessibility, security, camera, and automation features built into the operating system.