The iPhone, since we met it back in 2007, has always stood out for maintaining a minimalist design and the iconic Apple logo on its back. For many, this emblem is nothing more than an aesthetic detail, but what you may not know is that it can become a useful tool thanks to a somewhat unknown functionality.
Thanks to a function that for many users may remain hidden, the logo can act as a “secret button”, opening a range of possibilities that will surprise you.
Tap Back Feature on iPhone
The function we are talking about is «Touch back»with which you can perform assigned actions by tapping two or three times on the back of the iPhone. This option, which arrived in iOS 14, is found within the Accessibility section and, although it was designed mainly to facilitate the use of the iPhone for people with disabilities, it is a tool that any user can customize and take advantage of.
The concept is simple: by tapping two or three times on the back of the iPhone, you can perform specific actions, such as taking a screenshot, opening the camera, or activating Siri. This feature uses the device’s motion sensors to detect touches, meaning the Apple logo has no physical components that act as a button, but its central position makes it the ideal point for interaction.
Personally, I used it to take a screenshot although I won’t lie to you, I have accidentally captured it several times.
Activating Touch Back is very simple:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll to Accessibility and select Tap.
- Scroll down to option Touch back.
- Choose between “Double Tap” or “Triple Tap”.
- Select the action you want to assign to each gesture.
You can configure everything from quick actions such as locking the device to custom shortcuts created with the Shortcuts app, the possibilities are endless.
Best Uses of Tap Back
The versatility of this function allows it to be adapted to the needs of each user. Some of the most popular actions include:
- Screenshots: Forget about pressing physical buttons, since with two rear taps you can capture the screen.
- Camera access: Set up one touch to open the camera in seconds, ideal for not missing spontaneous moments.
- Mute notifications: If you’re in a meeting or a quiet place, a simple touch can activate silent mode without unlocking the phone or pressing the action button or the silent button on older iPhones.
- Activate Siri: Calling the virtual assistant is as easy as tapping the logo a couple of times.
- Playback control: Change songs or adjust the volume without having to open the Music or Spotify app.
- Accessibility features: Users with specific needs can assign actions such as Zoom or magnifying glass.
Plus, if you’re a fan of automation, you can use Shortcuts to link Tap Back to more complex tasks. For example, turning on the lights in your smart home or sending predefined messages.
It is true that the touch not only works on the apple logo, but on practically any part of the rear surface of the iPhone.
The best thing about this feature is that you don’t need a recent iPhone model to use it. It is available on devices compatible with iOS 14 or higher, from iPhone 8 onwards.
