For those who want to master their iOS devices, tapping into advanced features and hidden settings can significantly boost productivity and enhance your overall experience. Here’s a collection of iOS power user hacks that will help you get the most out of your iPhone or iPad.

Master Multitasking with App Switcher

iOS makes multitasking seamless with its App Switcher feature. To access it, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause for a moment, or double-tap the Home button on older devices. This view shows all open apps, allowing you to quickly switch between them. Swipe left or right to find the app you want, or swipe up on an app card to close it. Use this feature to efficiently manage your workflow and keep multiple tasks at your fingertips.

Siri Shortcuts can automate repetitive tasks and streamline your daily routines. Open the Shortcuts app to explore pre-built shortcuts or create your own. You can set up shortcuts to handle tasks like sending texts, adjusting settings, or running complex workflows with just a voice command. For example, create a shortcut that turns off Wi-Fi, enables Do Not Disturb, and launches your favorite relaxation playlist all with a single phrase.

Utilize the Hidden Trackpad

Editing text on an iOS device is easier with the hidden trackpad feature. Press and hold the space bar on the keyboard to turn it into a trackpad. This allows you to move the cursor with precision and select text without the usual tap-and-drag method. This feature is particularly useful for detailed text editing and typing long documents.

Control Center offers quick access to essential features, and you can customize it to fit your needs. Go to Settings, then Control Center, and tap Customize Controls. Here, you can add or remove shortcuts for features like Screen Recording, Low Power Mode, and more. Tailoring Control Center helps you access your most-used features with a swipe and a tap.

Focus Modes help you stay concentrated by managing notifications and app access during specific times or activities. Go to Settings, then Focus, to set up different Focus modes such as Work, Personal, or Sleep. Customize each mode to allow notifications from certain people or apps and schedule when they activate. This feature helps you minimize distractions and stay focused on the task at hand.

Use the Back Tap Feature

The Back Tap feature lets you perform actions by tapping the back of your device. To enable this, go to Settings, then Accessibility, select Touch, and tap Back Tap. Choose actions for double-tap and triple-tap gestures, such as taking a screenshot, launching a specific app, or opening the Control Center. This feature offers a convenient way to trigger common actions without navigating through menus.

Safari on iOS includes several hidden features that can enhance your browsing experience. For example, you can enable Reader View to simplify article pages by removing ads and distractions. Tap the Reader icon in the address bar to activate it. You can also use Private Browsing mode by opening a new private tab through the Tabs button to keep your browsing history confidential.

iOS allows you to control app permissions with great detail. Go to Settings, then Privacy, and select categories like Location Services or Camera to see which apps have requested access. Adjust permissions based on your privacy preferences and app usage, ensuring that only trusted apps have access to sensitive data.

Take Advantage of Hidden Emoji Shortcuts

iOS supports emoji shortcuts that can help you quickly insert frequently used emojis. Type keywords related to an emoji, such as “smile” or “heart,” and iOS will suggest matching emojis in the text suggestions bar. You can also use the Emoji Keyboard to search for specific emojis by typing related keywords.

The Files app on iOS provides a robust way to manage and organize your documents and files. Access it from the Home Screen or the App Library, and use it to view, move, and share files stored locally or in cloud services like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Utilize the Search feature to quickly find files, and use Tags to categorize and organize your documents for easier access.

iOS supports widgets that can provide at-a-glance information and quick access to your favorite apps. To add widgets, swipe right on the Home Screen to access the Today View, then scroll down and tap Edit. From there, you can add widgets for apps like Weather, Calendar, and Notes. Arrange them to prioritize the information you find most useful.

Mastering these iOS power user hacks will help you unlock advanced features and optimize your device’s performance. By leveraging multitasking, Siri Shortcuts, and Focus Modes, and utilizing hidden features in Control Center, Safari, and the Files app, you can enhance your productivity and make your iPhone or iPad work more efficiently for you. Explore these features to fully realize the potential of your iOS device and tailor it to your personal and professional needs.