8 iPhone Features You Might Not Know About

Think you know everything about your iPhone? From its sleek design and powerful camera to its user-friendly interface, there's a lot to love about Apple's iconic device. But even the most loyal iPhone users could still be unaware of lesser-known features.

From a touchscreen pioneer to a pocket-sized powerhouse, the iPhone's evolution has continually pushed the boundaries of mobile tech that it could be easy to overlook some of its really cool capabilities over the years. Whether it's hidden iPhone features, clever hacks, or customizations, your device is iPhonemenally packed with tools that can make everyday life easier, more efficient, and a lot more fun.

Read on for iPhone tips and tricks that will help you unlock its full potential.

For a unique and quick way to share new contact information with a nearby iPhone user, try NameDrop! Just hold your devices close together, and a contact card will appear on both screens. Just tap the card to share your contact information or receive the other person's. You can also customize the fields you want to include by selecting "Edit."

iOS needed: iOS 17.1 or later

Not sure what the icons on your clothing tags stand for? Just point your iPhone camera at the label and take a picture. Then, go to the photo in your library and tap the information symbol—a lowercase "i" with sparkles. Next, click on "Look Up Laundry Care" to get instant care instructions. No more guesswork or accidentally shrinking your favorite sweater!

iOS needed: iOS 17 or later

Digitize your receipts, recipes, and more with this nifty trick—on the Notes app, open a new note, tap the camera icon, and choose "Scan Documents” to take a photo. Make sure to place your document on a flat, well-lit surface, so it’s easily readable. You can also share it after saving when you tap the “Share” icon at the top-right corner and select how you want to send the document.

iOS needed: iOS 11 or later

Use the built-in Measure app on your phone for DIY projects. Using augmented reality (AR) for accuracy, you only need to point your camera at the object you want to measure and it will automatically identify the dimensions of rectangular objects. You can also manually select the start and end points for a custom measurement.

iOS needed: iOS 12 or later

Want time away from your device? You can block apps and notifications for periods with this feature. In Settings, open “Screen Time” to set app limits, schedule downtime, and even get the scoop on your phone habits. This trick can also help parents manage their kids' screen time by setting restrictions and monitoring usage, promoting healthier digital habits for the family.

iOS needed: iOS 13 or later

Make sure you never miss critical alerts with Sound Recognition. With this, you're alerted when your iPhone detects specific sounds you’ve set it to listen for, like a baby crying or a fire alarm. It can also assist those with hearing impairments by providing visual or haptic notifications for crucial sounds.

To enable Sound Recognition, go to “Sound Recognition” in Accessibility and toggle the switch to turn it on. Then, tap on "Sounds" to choose which sounds you want your iPhone to detect.

iOS needed: iOS 14 or later

Perfect for creating aesthetic social media posts or just having fun with your pics, your iPhone allows you to isolate subjects in your photos or videos without the need for additional apps.

Simply open a photo in full screen or pause a video on the frame you want to capture, then touch and hold the subject until an outline appears around it. You can drag the subject into a document in another app, or copy and paste it into an email, text message, or note. Additionally, you can look up more information about the subject, save it as a sticker, or share it via AirDrop, Messages, Mail, and other options.

iOS needed: iOS 16 or later

Another convenient tip is to try assigning custom actions to taps on the back of your device, making tasks like taking screenshots, activating Siri, or opening your favorite app more efficient. You can also use Back Tap to access features such as the Control Center, Notification Center, or even trigger specific shortcuts.

Simply choose the actions you want to assign to double or triple taps by modifying Touch within Accessibility. This feature boosts accessibility by allowing you to set up gestures for routine tasks, offering a new way to interact with your device and perform commands quickly.

iOS needed: iOS 14 or later

With all these handy hacks at your fingertips, managing your digital life has never been easier. Ready to give them a go? Dive into "Settings" and your different apps to explore how you can further optimize and personalize your iPhone.