When Apple releases iOS updates or new iPhones, the focus tends to be on the big changes and shiny new features. And sometimes, in that hype, people overlook smaller changes, like the iPhone’s Back Tap functionality.
Back Tap was introduced with iOS 14 and transforms the back of your iPhone (provided you’re using anything from an iPhone 8 to Apple’s latest and greatest iPhone) into a kind of button. It’s almost magical how, with a software update, the back of your device suddenly becomes a touch-sensitive surface.
The Back Tap function is versatile. You can perform a number of different actions just by tapping on the back of your iPhone. Back Tap also works while your iPhone is in a case, but it may require a stronger tap. But how do you make it work? This guide will walk you through setting up the Back Tap feature on your iPhone and help you get the most out of it.
How to set back touch
1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Accessibility
From here, you will be able to configure or change your Back Tap functionality. You will see two options: Double tap and Triple tap.
Now, every time you double or triple tap on the back of your phone, it will trigger the action you just set. And speaking of actions, let’s talk a little more about what you can actually do.
How to get the most out of the Back Tap feature
Use shortcuts
While in the Back Tap options, you’ll notice Accessibility Shortcut. When you link this to your touches, you will now be able to quickly see a menu with all your shortcuts enabled. The menu will appear at the bottom of the screen and you can choose what you would like to do next. This is particularly useful because you can include all the shortcuts on your iPhone and show them all without opening an app. You can also organize them in order of importance or just keep the ones you use the most at the top of the list.
fast camera
There are many ways to access your iPhone’s camera. If a photo-worthy moment occurs, most people will grab their iPhones and swipe left from the lock screen to capture the shot. But what if the phone is already unlocked and you are busy inside another app? Accessing the camera will now require multiple swipes and taps…unless you use the Back Tap feature. Linking the camera feature to Back Tap allows you to quickly tap two or three times to start capturing memories.
Also, if you’re someone who always shares the photos you take, you can use the Last Image Text shortcut as a quick way to send the most recent photo you took to your contacts.
Accessibility
If, like me, you have small hands but need the biggest screen Apple can fit into its Pro models, then you’ll love it. With the Back Tap feature, you can double or triple tap to bring down the top half of your iPhone screen. Sure, the typical swipe-down method at the bottom edge of the screen works, but it’s not always easy for some people to activate. Back Tap makes it much more convenient, once you get the hang of it.
screenshots
Screenshots are everywhere. Seriously, admit it, you’re always taking screenshots while scrolling through your social media, why not do it faster and look cool while doing it? The next time you’re capturing a great tweet to send to your group chat or trying to hold an iMessage (for whatever purpose), consider using the Back Tap feature.
And these are just a few uses. There are countless ways you can set up your Back Tap shortcuts and significantly reduce your swipes and taps on your iPhone. Apple really should have highlighted this feature more because it’s incredibly useful and a lot of users don’t even know about it yet.
Back Tap is available on all Apple best iPhones including the new iPhone 14 Y iPhone 14 Pro with iOS 16 and some earlier versions of the software.