Smartphones have become essential tools in our daily lives. We use them for communication, productivity, entertainment, and even health tracking. Yet, most users only scratch the surface of what their devices can do. Beneath the surface lie features that are powerful, well-designed, and highly useful—but often underutilized or completely unknown to the average user.
In this extensive guide, we uncover the most valuable hidden features in modern smartphones, with examples from iOS and Android platforms. These tools can increase your efficiency, enhance privacy, and improve your overall smartphone experience.
Hidden Features That Enhance Productivity
1. Back Tap Gestures (iOS)
Since iOS 14, Apple has introduced a clever feature called Back Tap. By tapping the back of your iPhone two or three times, you can trigger actions like opening apps, taking screenshots, or activating accessibility tools.
How to Enable: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap
Usage: Set it to launch the camera, enable flashlight, or even run custom shortcuts.
2. Quick Tap (Android)
Google’s equivalent is Quick Tap on Pixel devices. Found under Settings > System > Gestures, this feature lets users double-tap the back of their phone to perform tasks like playing music or opening a selected app.
Note: Available on Pixel 4a (5G) and newer models with Android 12 and above.
3. Built-In Document Scanner
Forget third-party apps—both Android and iOS come with scanning tools:
- iOS: Open the Notes app, tap the camera icon, and select “Scan Documents.”
- Android (Google Drive): Tap the + button, select “Scan,” and snap a photo.
These scans are often automatically cropped, optimized for readability, and can be saved as PDFs.
Security and Privacy Features You Might Not Know
4. App Privacy Report (iOS)
Introduced in iOS 15.2, this tool shows which apps accessed your camera, microphone, location, and more.
How to Access: Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report
Fact: According to Apple, over 80% of apps track user data. This report allows users to catch apps behaving suspiciously.
5. Android’s Permission Auto-Reset
Android 11 introduced Auto-Reset for App Permissions. If you haven’t used an app in a while, Android will automatically revoke its access to sensitive data.
How to Enable: Settings > Apps > Unused Apps > Permission Auto-Reset
Impact: Reduces risk of data leakage from dormant apps.
6. Secure Folder (Samsung Devices)
Samsung Galaxy users can hide apps, photos, and documents behind a Secure Folder protected by biometric or PIN authentication.
How to Use: Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure Folder
It creates a sandboxed version of your apps for private use.
Features to Save Battery and Performance
7. Adaptive Battery and Brightness (Android)
Many users overlook Android’s AI-powered adaptive settings, which learn your habits to optimize power usage.
- Adaptive Battery: Limits background activity of infrequently used apps.
- Adaptive Brightness: Learns your preferred brightness levels in different environments.
Fact: Google claims this can extend battery life by up to 15% on supported devices.
8. Low Power Mode vs. Background App Refresh (iOS)
Most iPhone users toggle Low Power Mode when the battery is low. But did you know you can manually disable background refresh for specific apps to save even more energy?
How: Settings > General > Background App Refresh
Turn it off for apps like social media that constantly update in the background.
Accessibility Tools That Help Everyone
9. Voice Access (Android)
Designed for users with mobility challenges, Voice Access lets you control your entire phone with just your voice.
How to Enable: Settings > Accessibility > Voice Access
Functionality: You can say “Tap Search,” “Scroll Down,” or even input text by voice. Great for hands-free use.
10. Live Caption (Android)
This powerful tool generates real-time captions for any media playing on your device, even without internet.
How to Use: Volume Button > Live Caption toggle
Fact: As of 2023, this feature supports multiple languages and works in real-time with YouTube, podcasts, and video calls.
11. Magnifier (iOS)
With this, your iPhone becomes a digital magnifying glass using the camera.
Enable via: Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier
Includes zoom, flashlight, filters, and freeze-frame functionality.
Advanced Shortcuts and Automation
12. Shortcuts App (iOS)
The Shortcuts app lets users automate daily tasks. Examples include:
- Text your ETA when leaving work
- Change settings when connecting to Wi-Fi
- Batch rename files and screenshots
Pro Tip: Explore the Shortcuts Gallery for ideas or build custom automations with Siri.
13. Routines in Google Assistant (Android)
Google Assistant supports routines, which are sequences of actions triggered by a command or event.
Example: Say “Good Morning” and it:
- Reads the weather
- Turns on lights
- Starts your coffee machine (if smart-enabled)
Customize via Google Assistant Settings > Routines.
Hidden Camera and Media Tools
14. Burst Mode & Quick Take (iOS)
You can take multiple photos in seconds with Burst Mode by dragging the shutter button to the left. QuickTake lets you record video while in photo mode.
Why it matters: Capture fast-moving subjects or spontaneous moments more reliably.
15. Google Lens Integration (Android and iOS)
Many Android phones have Google Lens built into the camera app. iPhones can access it via the Google or Photos app.
Features include:
- Real-time translation of text
- Identifying objects, animals, or landmarks
- Scanning QR codes and Wi-Fi networks
Features You Should Start Using Today
16. Wi-Fi Sharing with QR Codes
Tired of reading long passwords? Both Android and iOS let you share Wi-Fi credentials with a QR code:
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Share
- iOS: Bring a second device near a connected iPhone and follow the auto prompt
17. Digital Wellbeing Tools
Track screen time, app usage, and set limits using:
- iOS: Settings > Screen Time
- Android: Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
Tip: Set “Focus Modes” to mute distracting apps during work or sleep hours.
Conclusion: Your Phone Is Smarter Than You Think
Despite using our smartphones for hours every day, we often ignore built-in tools that can drastically improve our experience. Whether it’s through better productivity, enhanced privacy, or accessibility, these hidden features are powerful, reliable, and worth exploring.
Start by testing one or two of the features above. You might discover your phone is capable of much more than you ever imagined.
Unlock the full potential of your smartphone—because smart users use smart features.