The iPhone comes brimming with an array of powerful features designed to upgrade your daily tech experience. From the convenience of swipe typing to the simplicity of three-finger pinch motions for copy and paste functions, iPhones integrate numerous handy tools for effortless usability. While many of these functionalities have come into the limelight and are regularly employed by users, there remains a treasure trove of lesser-known iPhone hacks that can truly revolutionize how you interact with your device. I had a similar revelation upon uncovering these gems. In this guide, I'm excited to unveil obscure iPhone features and clever maneuvers that are poised to enrich your iPhone know-how in 2024. Ready to be surprised? Here's the list!

1. Activity Tracker

If your phone is a constant companion, there's no need to invest in a standalone activity tracker. Your iPhone's built-in Health app diligently counts your steps and measures your daily walking or running distance – mirroring a Fitbit's functions. Simply access the pre-installed Health app on your iPhone to review your daily step count. Plus, if you use an Apple Watch or iPad, it syncs the data to your devices seamlessly. This is just one of the many iPhone tips that maximize your device's value, reducing the necessity for additional expensive gadgets.

2. Fax Directly on Your Smartphone

Another hidden trick for the iPhone is to turn your smartphone into a fax machine. All you need for this is to install the fax app. The application is available for iOS and allows you to perform all stages of faxing: scanning documents, editing, sending, and receiving. Online fax can also send notifications of receipt and offers protection functions for documents stored on the device.

3. Secondary Passcode

Every iPhone enthusiast needs to be in on this essential tip—it could be a lifesaver in the unfortunate event your device is snatched. Imagine the scenario: a thief cracks your iPhone passcode; they now have the keys to your digital kingdom. They could wreak havoc, resetting passwords and skirting around FaceID like it's nothing. But don't lose hope. Your iPhone harbors a secret feature that acts as an ace up your sleeve, effectively thwarting any attempts by the thief to alter your passcode and cause irreparable harm.

Here's what you need to do:

Launch the Settings application on your iPhone and navigate to the Screen Time segment.
Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle the Content & Privacy Restrictions slider to the ON position.
Next, establish a unique Screen Time Passcode that differs from your iPhone's main Passcode.
After setting the passcode, scroll to locate and access options for Passcode Changes and Account Changes.

4. Important Contacts Over Silent Mode

On your iPhone, there's a helpful feature that lets specific contacts reach you even when your phone is set to silent. This function is particularly useful for individuals who frequently miss important calls due to their phone being on silent mode. With this feature activated, calls or notifications from chosen emergency contacts will trigger an audible alert, regardless of the silent mode setting.

To activate this feature, begin by going to your Contacts app to select the desired contact. Once the contact is open, tap on 'Edit', followed by 'Ringtone'. Here, you will find the option to enable the 'Emergency Bypass' feature. Toggle it to the ON position, and you'll never have to worry about missing critical calls from that contact again, even when your phone is on silent.

5. White-Noise

Slip into the arms of Morpheus with ease, or sharpen your concentration on your current task, no matter the cacophony around you. Your iPhone transforms into an oasis of calm with just a simple touch—becoming your personal white-noise sanctuary that drowns out the irritating and disruptive noises of the world. Initiate this tranquil experience by navigating to Settings, selecting Accessibility, and then choosing Audio/Visual. Here, find the Background Sounds option and switch it on. Your haven of peace is just a few taps away!

6. Disable Control Center when iPhone is Locked

Here's a nifty security tip for iPhone users you'll definitely appreciate. Should you wish to prevent unauthorized access to your Control Center from the lock screen—where they might disable Wi-Fi or Mobile Data and tweak additional settings—there's a simple solution. Navigate to Settings > Face ID and Passcode and toggle the Control Center switch to OFF. This ensures your connection stays intact and settings remain unaltered when your iPhone is locked.

7. Measure

If you own an iPhone 6s or later, it doubles as a convenient measuring tool. Simply open the Measure app, and you'll be prompted with steps to activate the feature. Position your iPhone and scan the area, watching for a circle with a dot in the center to display. Direct that dot to where you wish to initiate the measurement and tap the "Add point" button (indicated by a plus symbol). Next, guide your iPhone to the termination point of your measurement and tap the plus again. You should now see the measurement displayed on your screen. Keep in mind though, this innovative iPhone feature may not match the precision of a traditional tape measure.

What iPhone tips do you use and which of the listed tricks do you find most useful? We welcome feedback and your ideas.

7 Hidden iPhone Tips and Tricks You Never Knew About