Let’s be honest: your smartphone does more than just ping you with memes and keep track of your weekly screen time shame spiral. Underneath its glossy surface hides a toolbox of features—most of which are tucked away like a well-kept secret. Whether you’re using an Android or an iPhone, you might be surprised by how many clever, time-saving phone tips you’ve never stumbled upon. Or maybe you’re just too busy scrolling to notice. Either way, it’s time to change that.
This guide? It’s built for the phone-wielding pros who want to dig deeper, optimize smarter, and maybe impress a friend or two with “that thing your phone can do.” Below, you’ll find mobile tips that often go overlooked—even by the geekiest among us. Plus, we’re weaving in a few phone tricks that can make your digital life smoother. So buckle up.
1. Secret Codes That Unlock Diagnostics and Menus
You might not know this, but there’s a numeric gateway to your phone’s underbelly. Both iPhones and Android devices come loaded with diagnostic menus—hidden behind codes you type into your dialer.
On Android, try dialing *#*#4636#*#*. This opens up a testing menu showing details like your phone’s battery health, usage stats, and even real-time network info. iPhones are a bit less generous with codes, but dialing *3001#12345#* followed by a press of the call button brings up Field Test Mode. Signal strength in decibels, anyone?
Not game-changing, but definitely nerd-approved.
2. Tap Back on iPhones – A Button You Didn’t Know Existed
No button, no problem. With iOS 14 and up, your iPhone lets you double or triple-tap the back of your device to perform custom actions. Want a screenshot? Tap. Need to open the Control Center? Tap-tap again.
Here’s how:
Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap and assign actions to double or triple taps. Simple, but overlooked.
Want to prank a friend? Make the back tap launch an unexpected app and watch their confusion. Fun for you. Strange magic for them.
3. Android Guest Mode – Hide Your Secrets in Plain Sight
Ever hand your phone to someone and immediately regret it? Android’s Guest Mode is your escape hatch. It creates a separate, limited-use environment so others can use your phone without diving into your photos, messages, or browser tabs (we don’t judge).
Activate it via Settings → System → Multiple Users → Guest. Boom—instant privacy without the drama.
And it’s easy to switch back, like flipping off the lights. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
4. Record Calls (Yes, You Can)
Here’s a reality: Android users can record phone calls natively, depending on the device and region. Some brands like Xiaomi or Samsung have the feature baked into the dialer app.
For iPhone users, though, it’s a different story. Apple places restrictions on call recording due to privacy laws in various regions. But you’re not out of luck. You just need a solid app like Call Recorder for iPhone. That’s the easiest, cleanest way to get started with the app and capture your conversations when you need them—legally, of course. Moreover, a phone recording app will be useful both in your personal life and in a professional environment. If you know how to record calls, you can protect yourself from many problems, disagreements, and simply analyze important conversations in more detail.
One stat that might surprise you? According to Pew Research, nearly 26% of smartphone users say they’ve needed to record a call for business or legal purposes. It’s not just something podcasters or journalists do.
5. Shake to Undo – No Joke
On the iPhone, you can literally shake your phone to undo typing, says Mashable. Delete that paragraph by mistake? Shake the device. A prompt pops up asking if you want to undo the action.
It’s not enabled by default on all models, so make sure it’s turned on:
Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Shake to Undo.
It’s clunky at first, sure. But you’ll soon wonder why keyboards don’t work the same way.
6. Android Split Screen – Workhorse Multitasking
Typing a message while watching a video? Sure. Editing a Google Doc while referencing your email? Yep. Android’s split screen mode is the kind of multitasking powerhouse you didn’t realize you needed.
Tap the app switcher, then press and hold the app icon. Choose “Split screen,” and open your second app. Done.
It’s weirdly satisfying. Almost addictive. Like having dual monitors, but in your pocket.
7. Hidden QR Scanner in the Control Center
Stop downloading shady QR apps, which can harm your phone, says the Washington Post. Both iPhones and Androids now include built-in scanners. On iPhones, just pull down the Control Center and tap the QR icon. Or open the camera—it’s baked in there too.
Android users? Some brands like Pixel have it in the camera. Others might hide it in quick settings. Pro tip: add it manually to your pull-down toggles if it’s not visible.
QR codes aren’t going anywhere—especially with 86% of restaurant menus now using them, according to Square’s 2023 data. Might as well make scanning as painless as possible.
8. Text Replacement – Become a Keyboard Wizard
Do you type your email address a dozen times a week? Turn it into a shortcut. On iPhone, go to:
Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement. Add something like “@@@” to auto-expand to your full email.
On Android, you’ll find a similar trick in Gboard settings:
Settings → Dictionary → Personal Dictionary. Add phrases, assign triggers.
Now your keyboard doesn’t just type—it obeys.
Final Thought: Efficiency is the New Flex
We’re glued to our phones, averaging 3 hours and 15 minutes per day on mobile devices, according to RescueTime. Why not use that time smarter? These phone tricks aren’t gimmicks—they’re tools. Quietly powerful ones.
So next time someone asks you if you know any cool mobile tips, go ahead and share one of these gems. Maybe even toss in the back tap. Just for flair.
