iOS keeps adding new features every year, and even seasoned users end up missing half the truly useful tricks. Many aren't obvious because Apple buries them in lengthy menus or makes them "default gestures" nobody explains at first boot. Below is a collection of tips to help you use your iPhone faster, share content more carefully, and tailor the device to your needs.
Turn an app icon into a widget in seconds
On the home screen, just long-press an app icon and pick a widget from the top of the menu. You can instantly switch between compact, medium, or large formats. This works with Apple apps and many third-party ones that support widgets. If you change your mind, long-press again and revert to the regular icon.
View your location history in Maps
If you took a trip, stumbled upon a great spot, and forgot where it was, Maps can help. The app has a dedicated section for visited places, organized by city and category like recreation or shopping. You can clear the history, set a retention limit, or turn it off entirely in Maps location settings.
Create custom vibrations for contacts
If your phone stays silent most of the time, custom vibration patterns are a lifesaver. Assign a unique vibration to important contacts so you know who's calling or texting without looking at the screen. Set this in the contact card under ringtone or text tone, where you'll find the "Haptic signals" section and an option to create your own vibration pattern.
Replace the lock screen buttons
The flashlight and camera shortcuts on the lock screen aren't fixed. You can swap them for other Control Center functions, including third-party app actions if supported. To do this, long-press the lock screen to enter edit mode, then replace the left or right shortcut.
Use Back Tap for quick actions
The Back Tap feature has been around for a while, but it's often overlooked. It lets you trigger an action by double- or triple-tapping the back of the iPhone. You can set it to take a screenshot, turn on the flashlight, open the camera, or run a Shortcut. Find it in the Accessibility section under Touch settings.
Capture a full-page screenshot or entire PDF
A regular screenshot only grabs what's on screen. But iPhone can capture an entire web page or document. After taking a screenshot, tap the thumbnail and switch to the "Full Page" option. Then save the long image wherever you like.
Hide an entire home screen page
If you have a page you don't want visible, you can hide it without deleting any apps. Just long-press the home screen to enter jiggle mode, tap the dots at the bottom, and uncheck that page. The apps stay in the App Library and remain searchable via Spotlight, but the page disappears from your home screen.
Set a timer in a flash
Add the timer to Control Center, then long-press it to adjust the time with a slider. No need to open the Clock app. Handy for timing tea, workouts, or short breaks.
Strip location data from photos before sharing
Photos often include location metadata. To avoid sharing your coordinates, remove them before sending. Either edit the photo's info and select "No Location," or go to Options when sharing and turn off Location.
Use the timer to stop audio playback
A clever trick for falling asleep to audio: in the timer app, set the action to "Stop Playing" instead of a ringtone. When time's up, your music, podcast, or audiobook stops automatically—no jarring alarm or manual pause needed.