Apple includes numerous hidden features within iOS designed to make the iPhone easier to use. One of the most powerful and underutilized features is “Back Tap.” Buried in the accessibility settings, Back Tap essentially turns the entire back glass panel of your iPhone into a customizable, invisible button, allowing you to trigger actions simply by tapping the back of your phone.
What is Back Tap?
Back Tap uses the iPhone’s internal accelerometer and gyroscope to detect sharp, intentional taps on the rear of the device. It supports two distinct triggers: a Double Tap and a Triple Tap. You can assign a different action to each trigger. For example, you could set a double tap to turn on the flashlight, and a triple tap to open the camera app.
Note: Back Tap requires an iPhone 8 or newer and works perfectly well through most standard smartphone cases.
How to Enable and Configure Back Tap
Because it is classified as an accessibility feature, Back Tap is not located in the standard control settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
- Under the “Physical and Motor” section, tap on Touch.
- Scroll all the way to the very bottom of the page and tap Back Tap.
Assigning Actions to Taps
Once inside the Back Tap menu, you will see two options: Double Tap and Triple Tap. Tap on either one to assign an action. The available actions are divided into categories:
- System Actions: These control core iOS functions. You can set a tap to open the App Switcher, mute the volume, take a screenshot, lock the screen, or activate Siri. (Using Back Tap for screenshots is highly recommended, as it is much easier than awkwardly squeezing the physical side buttons).
- Accessibility Actions: These toggle specific accessibility features like the Magnifier, Zoom, or VoiceOver.
- Scroll Gestures: You can set a tap to simulate a “Scroll Up” or “Scroll Down” gesture, which is incredibly useful for reading long articles one-handed.
Unleashing Back Tap with Apple Shortcuts
While the system actions are useful, the true power of Back Tap lies at the very bottom of the assignment list, under the Shortcuts section.
Back Tap can trigger any custom automation you have built in the Apple Shortcuts app. This means you can use a double tap to:
- Instantly send a pre-written “I’m on my way home” text message to your partner.
- Turn on specific smart lights in your house.
- Log a cup of coffee in your health tracking app.
- Open a specific, deeply buried settings menu.
By linking Back Tap to Apple Shortcuts, you transform the back of your iPhone into a personalized hardware button capable of executing complex workflows in a fraction of a second.