Hidden Smartphone Features You Probably Don’t Know About

Introduction: Unlock the Full Power of Your Phone

You use your smartphone every day — for calls, messages, photos, and scrolling through social media.
But what if I told you your phone can do a lot more than you think?

From secret codes and gestures to hidden tools and shortcuts, most modern phones come packed with features that are rarely advertised. These hidden gems can boost performance, improve security, and save you time — if you know where to find them.

In this article, we’ll uncover the most useful hidden smartphone features that both Android and iPhone users can start using right now.

1. Hidden Android Developer Options

Android phones have a secret Developer Mode that unlocks advanced settings.

How to Access:

1. Go to Settings > About phone.
2. Tap Build number seven times.
3. Enter your PIN when prompted.

You’ll now see Developer options in Settings → System.

What You Can Do:

• Speed up animations (make your phone feel faster).
• Enable USB debugging.
• Limit background processes.
• Simulate color spaces for app testing.

💡 Pro Tip: Change “Animation scale” from 1x to 0.5x for a noticeably snappier experience.

2. iPhone’s Hidden Back Tap Shortcut

Available on iPhones running iOS 14 and later, this feature turns the Apple logo on the back into a functional button.

How to Enable:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
2. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
3. Assign an action — like taking a screenshot, opening the camera, or launching Siri.

It’s a hidden shortcut that makes everyday tasks super convenient.

3. Screen Pinning (Android)

Ever hand your phone to someone and worry they might peek into other apps?
Screen Pinning locks your screen to one app until you unlock it.

How to Use:

1. Go to Settings > Security > Advanced > Screen pinning.
2. Turn it on and open any app.
3. Swipe up → Tap the app icon → Choose Pin.

Now, that person can’t exit the app until you enter your PIN or fingerprint.

💡 Pro Tip: Great for lending your phone to kids or friends safely.

4. iPhone’s Hidden Code Shortcuts

Your iPhone supports secret dialer codes that reveal extra information.

Try These:

• *#06# → View your IMEI number.
• *3001#12345#* → Opens Field Test Mode (check signal strength).
• *#31# → Hide your number before making a call.

💡 Pro Tip: Use these codes with care — they access deep system info.

5. Android’s Hidden Safe Mode

If your phone starts acting weird or freezes, booting into Safe Mode helps you find the problem.

How to Activate:

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. Tap and hold Power Off until you see “Reboot to Safe Mode.”
3. Tap OK.

Now your phone runs only essential apps — perfect for diagnosing issues.

💡 Pro Tip: Restart your phone normally to exit Safe Mode.

6. Built-In QR Code Scanner

Both Android and iPhones can scan QR codes without downloading any app.

How to Use:

• iPhone: Open the Camera app → Point at the QR code → Tap the pop-up link.
• Android: Open the Camera or Google Lens → Scan the code.

💡 Pro Tip: You can also find QR history in Google Lens.

7. Google Lens — The Smart Assistant You Forgot About

Google Lens is one of Android’s most underrated features. It uses your camera to identify objects, translate text, and copy notes from paper to digital.

What You Can Do:

• Translate signs or documents instantly.
• Identify plants, products, or landmarks.
• Copy handwritten text into your notes.

💡 Pro Tip: Long-press any image in Chrome → Tap “Search image with Lens.”

8. iPhone Hidden Feature: Measure Anything with AR

Your iPhone’s Measure app turns your camera into a virtual measuring tape.

How to Use:

1. Open the Measure app.
2. Point your camera at any object.
3. Move your phone around — it will calculate the length or height automatically.

Perfect for quick DIY projects or interior design.

💡 Pro Tip: Tap the “+” icon to add multiple measurements in one go.

9. Digital Wellbeing Dashboard

Android’s Digital Wellbeing and iPhone’s Screen Time are hidden gems for productivity.

What You Can Do:

• Track how long you use each app.
• Set daily limits.
• Schedule “Do Not Disturb” or bedtime mode.

💡 Pro Tip: Enable Focus Mode during work or study hours to mute distractions automatically.

10. One-Handed Mode (iPhone & Android)

Struggling to use your phone with one hand? There’s a built-in solution!

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Reachability.
2. Swipe down on the bottom edge to bring the screen closer.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced features > One-handed mode.
2. Enable it for easier navigation.

💡 Pro Tip: Great for large-screen phones or multitasking with one hand.

Bonus: Hidden Tricks You’ll Love

✨ Android: Use “Split Screen” mode → Long press the app icon → Tap Split top.
✨ iPhone: Swipe three fingers left or right to undo or redo text.
✨ Android: Long-press the home button to activate Google Assistant shortcuts.
✨ iPhone: Use Notes app scanner → Tap camera → Scan Documents for quick PDFs.

Conclusion: Your Smartphone Is Smarter Than You Think

Your phone isn’t just a communication tool — it’s a mini computer full of hidden powers.
Whether you’re using Android or iPhone, exploring these secret settings and tools can make your daily life faster, easier, and more fun.

So, take a few minutes, explore your phone’s settings, and try out some of these tricks today — you’ll be amazed at what your device can really do!

FAQs

1. Are these hidden smartphone features safe to use?
Yes, all the features listed here are official system functions — just avoid changing settings you don’t understand.

2. Do all Android phones have the same hidden features?
Not exactly — some may vary depending on the brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.).

3. Will using these features affect my phone’s performance?
Most won’t. In fact, features like Developer Mode tweaks or Digital Wellbeing can improve performance and productivity.