Unlock Hidden iPhone Features You Didn’t Know Existed
If you think you know everything about your iPhone, think again. Apple packs its devices with incredible features, but many remain undiscovered by most users. Whether you want to improve performance, customise vibrations, or even block ads in games, your iPhone has secret settings that can make your life easier.
Here’s a collection of the best iPhone tricks you should start using today.
1. Improve Wi-Fi Speed Instantly
Struggling with slow Wi-Fi? Your iPhone has a built-in solution. Wi-Fi Assist automatically switches to mobile data when your Wi-Fi signal is weak. To enable it:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data
- Scroll down and turn on Wi-Fi Assist
This ensures you always have the best possible internet connection.
2. Set a Sleep Timer for Music
Love falling asleep to music or podcasts but hate waking up in the middle of the night with them still playing? Here’s how to set a Sleep Timer:
- Open the Clock app
- Tap Timer, set your desired duration
- Tap When Timer Ends and select Stop Playing
Now, your iPhone will automatically stop the music when the timer runs out.
3. Create Custom Vibration Patterns
Tired of the default vibration alerts? Create your own for different contacts:
- Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics
- Select an alert type (like Ringtone or Text Tone)
- Tap Vibration > Create New Vibration
- Tap on the screen to create a pattern, then save it
Now, you’ll know who’s calling or texting just by feeling the vibration.
4. Clear RAM for a Faster iPhone
If your iPhone feels sluggish, clearing its RAM (Random Access Memory) can speed things up:
- Hold down the Sleep/Wake button until “Slide to Power Off” appears
- Release the button and press the Home button for a few seconds
- The screen will flicker and return to the Home screen—your RAM is now cleared!
This is a quick and effective way to boost performance without restarting your phone.
5. See Exact iMessage Timestamps
Want to check when a message was sent?
- Open the Messages app
- Go to the chat
- Swipe left on the screen to reveal timestamps for each message
Now, you can track when every message was delivered and read.
6. Record Videos Secretly While Your Screen is Locked
If you need to record discreetly, follow this trick:
- Lock your iPhone
- Press the Camera icon and slide it halfway up (without releasing)
- Switch to Video Mode
- Triple-press the Home button
- The screen will go black, but your iPhone will still be recording
To stop recording, simply unlock your phone.
7. Skip Annoying Ads in Games
Hate pop-up ads in mobile games? A simple trick lets you play ad-free:
- Turn on Airplane Mode before launching the game
Since ads require the internet, this will block them completely without needing any third-party apps.
8. Delete Mistyped Digits in the Calculator App
Did you enter the wrong number in the Calculator app? Instead of starting over, just:
- Swipe left or right on the numbers to delete the last digit
This hidden trick saves time and frustration when making quick calculations.
9. Use Google Maps Offline
Need directions but don’t have mobile data? Download maps for offline use:
- Open Google Maps
- Type OK Maps in the search bar
- Download the displayed area
Now, you can navigate without the internet wherever you go.
10. Reduce iPhone Brightness Below the Minimum
If your screen is still too bright in the dark, use this trick:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Zoom
- Enable Show Controller
- Under Accessibility Shortcut, select Zoom
- Triple-click the Home button to bring up the controller
- Adjust the slider to minimum brightness
This is perfect for reading in bed without straining your eyes.
11. Change Panorama Mode Direction
Taking a panoramic photo but want to switch directions? Just tap the arrow on the screen, and your iPhone will reverse the shooting direction.
12. Restore Recently Closed Safari Tabs
Accidentally closed an important tab? Bring it back in seconds:
- Open Safari
- Press and hold the + button at the bottom of the screen
- A list of recently closed tabs will appear
This trick ensures you never lose a webpage by mistake.
13. Dial Extensions Easily
Calling a company that requires an extension? Instead of waiting, do this:
- Dial the main number
- Hold the star (*) button until a comma appears
- Enter the extension and press Call
This saves time when calling customer service or corporate lines.
14. Use Your iPhone as a Spirit Level
Did you know your iPhone has a hidden spirit level?
- Open the Compass app
- Swipe left, and you’ll see a built-in level
Now, you can measure straight surfaces without needing extra tools.
15. Force Restart Your iPhone When It Freezes
If your iPhone ever freezes, force restart it:
- Hold down the Power button + Home button simultaneously
- Wait until the Apple logo appears
This method should only be used if necessary, as frequent force restarts can affect performance.
