most of us barely scratch the surface of what our phones can actually do. Sure, we know how to text, scroll Instagram, and play a little too much TikTok. But there are a ton of hidden phone features just sitting there, waiting to make your life way easier—and most people have no idea they even exist.

Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, here are 10 lowkey powerful features your phone already has… you just haven’t been using them yet.



1. Tap the Back of Your iPhone for Magic

This one feels like a secret cheat code.

If you're using iOS 14 or later, you can double or triple tap the back of your iPhone to do things like:

  • Take a screenshot

  • Open your camera

  • Launch apps

  • Turn on the flashlight

You set it up here:
👉 Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap

Seriously, once you start using this, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

2. Lock Any App on Android (No Extra Apps Needed)

Ever let someone borrow your phone and felt nervous they’d open something personal? You can lock specific apps with a password, pattern, or fingerprint—no third-party app needed.

On most Android phones (like Xiaomi, Samsung, or OnePlus), it’s built-in.

Just go to:
👉 Settings > Security > App Lock

Perfect for locking WhatsApp, photos, or anything else that’s your business only.

3. Record Your Screen—With Sound

Need to show someone how to do something? Want to save a Snapchat or Insta story? Both iPhone and Android have built-in screen recording—and yes, you can include audio too.

  • iPhone: Swipe down → Tap the record circle

  • Android: Swipe down → Tap Screen Recorder

📌 Tip: If it’s not showing, hit “Edit” in the quick panel and drag it up!

4. Focus Mode = Goodbye Distractions

If you’re like me and get distracted by 17 notifications in 5 minutes, you need Focus Mode.

  • On iPhone: Use Focus Mode to control which notifications come through

  • On Android: Use Digital Wellbeing > Focus Mode to pause annoying apps

Turn it on while studying, sleeping, working—or whenever you just need a break from the noise.

5. Hide Photos Without Deleting Them

Yes, your phone can hide photos that you don’t want floating in your camera roll—but still want to keep.

  • On iPhone: Select photo > Share > Hide

  • On Samsung/Android: Use Secure Folder or your device’s privacy settings

Bonus: On iPhones, you can lock hidden albums with Face ID or your passcode.

6. Android Shortcuts Are a Time-Saver

Next time you long-press an app icon on your Android phone, you might notice secret options pop up. These are quick shortcuts to things inside the app.

For example:

  • Hold down your Messages app to jump straight into a convo

  • Long-press Camera to choose selfie or video

  • Hold Spotify to launch your last playlist

One tap instead of four? Yes, please.

7. Share Wi-Fi Without Saying the Password

Don’t remember your 27-digit Wi-Fi password? No problem.

  • On Android: Tap your Wi-Fi → Hit “Share” → Show the QR code

  • On iPhone: Just bring the other iPhone nearby and it’ll auto-suggest sharing

Saves you from digging through the back of the router or awkwardly yelling numbers across the house.

8. One-Handed Mode Saves Your Thumb

Some phones are massive now, and if you’ve ever tried to reach the top of the screen with one hand, you know the struggle.

  • iPhone: Swipe down on the bottom bar (Face ID models)

  • Android: Settings > Gestures > One-Handed Mode

Boom—everything shifts lower so your thumb can actually reach.

9. Auto Shazam: ID Songs Without Lifting a Finger

Hear a song you love but don’t know the name? With Auto Shazam, your phone can constantly listen for music in the background—even when you’re not using the app.

  • iPhone & Android: Open Shazam → Tap and hold the Shazam button for Auto Mode

  • Pixel users: Use the Now Playing feature—it listens passively in the background

Music discovery = leveled up.

10. Charging Tips & Hidden Animations

Some phones have fun little charging animations or battery features you’ve probably never seen.

Want your battery to last longer? Try this:

  • Lower your refresh rate

  • Turn off Always-On Display

  • Enable “Optimized Charging” (iPhone) to reduce battery aging

Bonus: On some Androids, go to Developer Settings to activate cool charging visuals 👀

Final Thoughts

Your phone is smarter than you think—it just needs you to unlock its full potential. These hidden features are designed to help you get more done, stay safe, and make life a little smoother.

So go explore your settings. Play around. You’ll be surprised what your phone can do once you dig deeper than just Instagram and texting.

✨ Quick Recap:

  • Tap the back of your iPhone to take a screenshot

  • Lock apps on Android without downloading anything

  • Hide your private pics, record your screen, or share Wi-Fi instantly

  • Use Focus Mode to stay sane

  • And seriously, turn on Auto Shazam—you won’t regret it