Apple iPhone owners have a powerful but often overlooked tool right at their fingertips—or more accurately, at the back of their phone. A little-known accessibility feature, when paired with Apple's own Shortcuts app, can transform a simple tap on your device's rear casing into a command to control smart lights, capture screenshots, or launch favourite apps.
What is the iPhone Back Tap Feature?
Officially called Back Tap, this function is baked directly into iOS but is not activated by default. It allows users to assign specific actions to either a double-tap or a triple-tap on the back of their iPhone. This gesture can then trigger a wide array of commands, moving beyond simple phone functions to interact with connected devices in your home.
The feature works seamlessly with the pre-installed Shortcuts app, which lets you build personalised automated sequences. By linking a custom shortcut to Back Tap, you can create a one-touch solution for complex tasks.
How to Activate Back Tapping on Your iPhone
Setting up Back Tap is a straightforward process that takes just moments. According to official Apple guidance, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Accessibility, then select Touch.
- Tap on Back Tap.
- Choose either Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Select the action you wish to assign from the list. For advanced functions, select a shortcut you've created.
It's important to note that this feature is available on iPhone 8 and all later models. Apple also advises ensuring your device is updated to the latest version of iOS, which at the time of writing is iOS 26.2.
What Can You Control With a Back Tap?
The immediate uses for Back Tap include convenient phone controls like taking a screenshot, locking rotation, or opening the camera. However, its true potential is unlocked through the Shortcuts app.
Users can create shortcuts for almost anything, such as sending a pre-written message, playing a specific playlist, or—as highlighted—controlling smart home devices. With a configured shortcut, a quick double-tap on the back of your iPhone could turn on the living room lights, activate a scene, or even start your robot vacuum.
This hidden feature exemplifies how a small setting can significantly streamline daily routines, offering a faster, more intuitive way to interact with both your phone and your connected environment.
