Your iPhone has a secret button on the back – here’s how to unlock it
Your iPhone has a secret button on the back – here’s how to unlock it
https://www.zdnet.com/article/iphone-back-tap-hidden-button-how-to-use/
Publish Date: 2026-03-23 15:01:00
Source Domain: www.zdnet.com
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Back Tap lets you trigger actions with double or triple taps.
- You can customize it to open apps, controls, or shortcuts.
- It works on most iPhones and even through many cases.
The iPhone has a button on its back. You can’t see it, but with a double or triple tap on the Apple logo, you can open an app, access a system menu, or launch a shortcut. This feature is called Back Tap, and it’s actually been available since iOS 14. The best part is it’s completely customizable. You can set it to do whatever you want, and change it at any time.
I first tried Back Tap years ago, and it quickly became one of those features I use every day. Instead of swiping through menus or hunting for apps, I just tap the back of my phone. It’s one of the fastest ways to get things done.
How to use Back Tap on iPhone
What you’ll need: An iPhone 8 or newer running the latest version of iOS.
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
Scroll to the bottom and select Back Tap. Now you can start customizing the back button on your iPhone.
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Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
You’ll see two options: Double Tap and Triple Tap. You can use one or both, and assign different actions to them.
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Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
There should be a long list of actions available under Double Tap and Triple Tap, including system controls, accessibility features, and even some apps. Pick one, and it’ll instantly be active. Just tap the back of your phone to trigger it.
Tip: Tap directly on the Apple logo (or near the center of the back of your phone if you’re using a case), and be quick and deliberate with your taps.
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Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
What can I do with Back Tap?
Back Tap supports a wide range of actions, but the best setup really depends on how you use your phone.
At a basic level, you can control…
