Your iPhone has several useful features you might never have noticed. From editing sent messages to copying text from photos, these built-in tools can save time without requiring additional apps.
Quick Answer
Some of the most practical iPhone hacks include turning your keyboard into a trackpad, creating text shortcuts, scheduling iMessages, using Back Tap, and scanning documents. Most are built into iOS, although availability depends on your iPhone model and software version.
1. Turn Your Keyboard Into a Trackpad
Correcting a typo in the middle of a sentence doesn't require tapping between tiny letters.
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Open any app with a text field.
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Press and hold the space bar.
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Move your finger to position the cursor.
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Release to continue typing.
This trick makes editing longer messages and notes much easier.
2. Create Text Shortcuts for Things You Type Often
Text Replacement automatically expands abbreviations into frequently used phrases.
Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, tap +, and enter your phrase and shortcut.
For example, typing @@ could insert your email address. These iPhone text tricks work in many apps, including Messages, Mail, and WhatsApp when using the standard iOS keyboard.
3. Undo Typing Mistakes With Three Fingers
iOS supports several editing gestures:
- Swipe left with three fingers to undo an action.
- Swipe right with three fingers to redo it.
- Tap with three fingers to open the editing toolbar.
These gestures are particularly useful when you accidentally delete text or make changes you want to reverse.
4. Schedule an iMessage to Send Later
With iOS 18 or newer, you can schedule an iMessage up to 14 days in advance.
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Open an iMessage conversation.
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Tap + and select Send Later.
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Choose a date and time.
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Type your message and tap Send.
This feature works with iMessage, not standard SMS or RCS messages.
5. Edit or Unsend an iMessage After Sending It
Sent a message with a mistake? Press and hold the message bubble.
- Select Edit to change an iMessage within 15 minutes of sending it. You can make up to five edits.
- Select Undo Send to remove an iMessage within two minutes.
Recipients can view edit history. Unsent messages may remain visible on devices running older operating systems.
6. Add Hidden Effects to Your Messages
You can add animations to your iMessages without downloading anything.
Type a message, press and hold the blue Send arrow, and choose a Bubble or Screen effect.
Options include Invisible Ink, balloons, confetti, and fireworks. Certain phrases, such as "Happy Birthday," also trigger automatic animations.
These iPhone message tricks work in iMessage conversations.
7. Turn the Back of Your iPhone Into a Shortcut Button
Back Tap lets you perform actions by tapping the back of your phone twice or three times.
Open Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign an action, such as taking a screenshot, opening Control Center, or running a shortcut.
Back Tap is available on iPhone 8 and newer models running iOS 14 or later.
8. Copy Text From Photos and Screenshots
Live Text lets you extract information directly from images.
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Open a photo or screenshot containing text.
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Touch and hold a word or tap the Live Text icon.
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Select the text and tap Copy.
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Paste it wherever needed.
You can also interact with recognized phone numbers and addresses.
Live Text requires a supported iPhone, generally iPhone XS, XR, or newer, running iOS 15 or later.
9. Scan Documents Without Downloading an App
Your iPhone can scan receipts, contracts, and other documents using Notes or Files.
In Notes:
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Open a note and tap the attachment button.
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Select Scan Documents.
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Position the document inside the camera frame.
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Capture the page and save it.
You can scan multiple pages into a single document. The Files app also allows you to scan directly into a folder as a PDF.
10. Identify Songs Without Opening an App
Your iPhone includes built-in Shazam music recognition.
Open Control Center, select Add a Control, and add Recognize Music. Tap the control whenever you hear a song you want to identify.
You can also ask Siri, "What song is this?"
The feature can recognize music playing nearby and some audio playing through your iPhone.
Hidden Features vs. Hardware Problems
Not every unavailable iPhone feature indicates a hardware problem. Some functions require newer iOS versions or specific models.
When evaluating a used iPhone, it's important to distinguish software limitations from actual hardware defects.
For businesses processing used smartphones, NSYS Group provides professional diagnostic software that checks components such as cameras, touchscreens, speakers, microphones, and sensors. These tests help verify device functionality before resale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I schedule a text message on my iPhone?
Send Later requires iOS 18 or newer and an iMessage conversation. It doesn't work with SMS or RCS messages.
Can someone still see an iMessage after I unsend it?
Yes. The recipient may have already read the message, seen a notification, or be using an older operating system where the original remains visible.
Do iPhone text shortcuts work in WhatsApp?
Yes. Text Replacement generally works in WhatsApp when using the standard iOS keyboard.
Why can't I find some of these features on my iPhone?
Certain iPhone tips and tricks depend on your device model, iOS version, and settings. Check Settings → General → About to see which software version you're running.
