The “secret button” you’re referring to on the back of most iPhones is actually a software feature called Back Tap. It was introduced in iOS 14 and allows you to trigger various actions by simply double or triple tapping on the back of your iPhone. It works on iPhones as old as the iPhone 8 and even with most cases.
Here’s how to use and set up Back Tap:
How to Set Up Back Tap:
* Open Settings: Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
* Navigate to Accessibility: Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
* Select Touch: Under the “Physical and Motor” section, tap on “Touch.”
* Find Back Tap: Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap on “Back Tap.”
* Choose Tap Action: You’ll see two options: “Double Tap” and “Triple Tap.” You can set a different action for each.
* Select an Action: Choose the action you want to be performed when you double or triple tap. There’s a wide range of options, including:
* System Actions: Control Center, Notification Center, Home, Lock Screen, Screenshot, Siri, Volume Up/Down, Flashlight, Camera, App Switcher, and more.
* Accessibility Features: AssistiveTouch, Magnifier, VoiceOver, Reachability, etc.
* Scroll Gestures: Scroll Up, Scroll Down.
* Shortcuts: This is where it gets really powerful! You can create custom shortcuts using the Shortcuts app to launch any app, perform specific tasks (like calling a contact, sending a message, playing music, etc.), or even trigger complex automations.
How to Use Back Tap:
Once you’ve set it up, simply double-tap or triple-tap firmly on the back of your iPhone. You don’t need to tap on the Apple logo specifically, just anywhere on the back of the device. The iPhone’s internal sensors are sensitive enough to detect the taps even through a case.
Tips and Considerations:
* Consistency: The consistency of Back Tap can vary slightly depending on how you tap and your iPhone model. Some users find tapping near the camera module or just below the Apple logo to be most consistent.
* Accidental Triggers: If you find yourself accidentally triggering Back Tap, consider setting the action you want to use most as a triple tap, as it’s less likely to be activated unintentionally.
* Shortcuts App: To truly unlock the potential of Back Tap, explore the Shortcuts app. You can create almost any action you can imagine and assign it to a Back Tap gesture.
* Availability: Back Tap is available on iPhone 8 and later models running iOS 14 or a newer version.
Back Tap is a very useful and customizable feature that can significantly improve your iPhone experience, especially for quick access to frequently used functions or accessibility features.