Unlocking the Power of Back Tap on Your iPhone
The latest updates to the iPhone lineup might have highlighted the shiny new Camera Control button, but there’s a hidden gem that users have been able to enjoy for some time now: the Back Tap feature. This brilliant tool allows you to open your camera app or perform various actions without needing to unlock your device or touch the screen.
Available since iOS 14, Back Tap can be activated on models as old as the iPhone 8. By simply tapping the back of your device, you can perform tasks like launching the flashlight, activating Shazam, or accessing your Control Center. Even if you’ve got a thicker case, this feature remains responsive, adding convenience to your everyday use.
What is the iPhone Back Tap Feature?
Back Tap enables users to execute shortcuts by double or triple tapping the back of their iPhones. This feature is especially beneficial for those with larger phones, eliminating the need for awkward finger maneuvers to swipe down from the top of the screen. You can have different functionalities for Double Tap and Triple Tap, maximizing the potential for seamless interaction.
For instance, set Double Tap to access your Notification Center and Triple Tap to take a screenshot or launch an app of your choice. With a bit of creativity, you can tailor these taps to your needs. Thanks to the Shortcuts app, you’re not limited to the default options; you can customize Back Tap to launch specific applications or perform tailored functions, offering almost limitless possibilities.
How Do I Set Up Back Tap on My iPhone?
To enable Back Tap, navigate to your Settings app. Select Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap to access the configuration options for Double Tap and Triple Tap.
Within the settings, you’ll find a variety of functions available for mapping:
- None
- Accessibility Shortcut
- System
- App Switcher
- Camera
- Control Center
- Flashlight
- Home
- Lock Rotation
- Lock Screen
- Mute
- Notification Center
- Reachability
- Screenshot
- Shake
- Spotlight
- Volume Down
- Volume Up
Accessibility
- AssistiveTouch
- Background Sounds
- Classic Invert
- Color Filters
- Control Nearby Devices
- Dim Flashing Lights
- Live Captions
- Live Speech
- Magnifier
- Smart Invert
- Speak Screen
- VoiceOver
- Zoom
- Zoom Controller
Remember, the one caveat is that you won’t receive any tactile feedback when using Back Tap, which may lead to accidental triggers. For example, you might find yourself activating your flashlight unintentionally. If this happens, consider remapping your Double Tap to a function you use less frequently, or simply rely on Triple Tap for a more deliberate action.
How to Use Back Tap for Quick Photos
A fun application of Back Tap is using it to take quick photos. Set Double Tap to launch the Camera app and Triple Tap to trigger Volume Up or Volume Down. By doing this, you can capture images with just a few taps on the back of your iPhone. This even works when your device is locked, allowing for quick access to your camera without fumbling through your apps.
Experimenting with different combinations of taps and functions will help you find the setup that works best for your workflow, enhancing the utility of your iPhone in everyday situations.