The iPhone is often praised for its sleek design, intuitive interface, and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem. Yet, despite the hundreds of millions of users worldwide, many people don’t realize that one of the most powerful and underused iPhone features is sitting right in their pocket—Back Tap.
Introduced in iOS 14 and available on iPhone 8 and later, Back Tap is an accessibility feature that lets you tap the back of your phone—literally—to trigger a range of customizable actions. Whether you want to take a screenshot, launch an app, or control smart home devices, this hidden gem can transform how you use your iPhone daily.
Let’s explore this feature in depth and see why you should enable it right now.
What Is Back Tap?
Back Tap is an iOS feature found under the Accessibility settings, designed initially to improve the iPhone’s usability for people with physical limitations. But it has evolved into a versatile tool for power users and casual users alike.
By simply double-tapping or triple-tapping the back of your device, you can trigger actions such as:
- Taking a screenshot
- Opening Control Center
- Activating Magnifier
- Launching Siri Shortcuts
- Controlling media playback
- Adjusting volume
- And much more…
🔍 Where to Find It:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap
- Assign the action you want from a list of available options
Note: This feature works even if your iPhone is in a case, as long as it’s not overly thick or obstructive.
Why Is It So Underrated?
Despite being introduced in 2020, many iPhone users have never heard of Back Tap. Why?
- It’s not enabled by default
- It’s hidden within Accessibility settings, which many associate only with disability-related functions
- Apple has not actively promoted it in marketing or user onboarding
But in reality, Back Tap is a productivity booster and usability enhancer that deserves more attention.
Back Tap Use Cases: Practical Examples
📸 Take Screenshots Instantly
Say goodbye to the awkward volume + power button combo. Assigning Double Tap to screenshot saves time and ensures consistency, especially when you need to capture information quickly, like directions, QR codes, or error messages.
🎙️ Launch Voice Memos or Siri Shortcuts
Use Back Tap to launch a custom Shortcut that:
- Starts a voice memo
- Calls a loved one
- Opens a favorite playlist
- Turns on Do Not Disturb
- Activates a smart light or thermostat
With Shortcuts, your iPhone becomes context-aware—and Back Tap is your instant trigger.
🚗 Driving Mode Activation
Many users create a Shortcut to enable Do Not Disturb While Driving, launch Apple Maps, and send an “On my way” message with just a triple tap before they start their trip.
The Power of Shortcuts + Back Tap
The magic of Back Tap is truly unlocked when paired with Apple’s Shortcuts app. This automation tool allows you to create multi-step workflows that Back Tap can trigger instantly.
🔧 What Can You Automate?
- Send a pre-written message (e.g., “Running late!”)
- Start a workout in the Fitness app
- Open the camera in selfie mode
- Enable Low Power Mode + turn on Focus mode
- Play a relaxing sound for sleep or study
According to Apple, over 500 million Shortcuts are run every month, showing a rising trend in iOS automation.
Accessibility Beyond Convenience
While power users love Back Tap for productivity, its original purpose is just as important. For users with limited mobility, tapping the phone instead of navigating menus can offer greater independence and ease of access.
Back Tap can:
- Control the AssistiveTouch menu
- Enable VoiceOver
- Launch Magnifier for users with low vision
- Trigger Switch Control commands
Apple’s commitment to accessibility has earned it top ratings from advocacy groups like the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).
Is It Secure and Private?
Yes. Back Tap does not transmit any data—it’s purely a local device feature. You can assign sensitive actions (like launching a banking app or triggering an SOS shortcut), but ensure your phone is locked with Face ID or passcode to prevent unauthorized access.
Apple’s broader privacy policy ensures that user actions and automations are not tracked, stored, or shared unless you explicitly opt-in.
Troubleshooting: When Back Tap Doesn’t Work
Some users report inconsistency with Back Tap. Here’s how to improve performance:
✅ Tips:
- Remove bulky or metallic cases
- Ensure your iPhone model is iPhone 8 or newer
- Tap near the center-upper portion of the back—not too low
- Update to the latest iOS version to benefit from bug fixes
Apple acknowledged some early glitches in iOS 14.2, which were mostly resolved by iOS 15.
Device Compatibility
Back Tap is available on the following iPhones:
- iPhone 8, 8 Plus
- iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
- iPhone 12 series and newer
You must be running iOS 14 or later to access this feature. As of 2024, over 90% of active iPhones meet this requirement, according to Apple’s developer metrics.
What the Experts Say
Apple insiders and tech experts have praised Back Tap as an example of innovative accessibility design that benefits everyone.
🗣️ Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering:
“Back Tap is a great example of how accessibility features can enhance the experience for all users.”
📰 The Verge (Review, 2020):
“Back Tap is one of those small but genius features that you didn’t know you needed.”
Final Thoughts: A Feature Worth Using
Back Tap is the kind of feature that exemplifies Apple’s design philosophy—subtle, powerful, and quietly transformative. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for speed, a student juggling tasks, or someone seeking better accessibility, this feature can change how you interact with your iPhone.
Don’t overlook it just because it’s buried in the settings menu. Take 30 seconds to set it up and unlock a new dimension of iPhone functionality that most people will never discover.
Your iPhone can do more—if you just give it a little tap.