Season 2, Episode 238 · Hands-On Apple (Video)

HOA 238: Using Back Tap on iPhone

2 Jul 2026 · 12 min

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Episode notes

Transform your iPhone interaction with a neat double-tap feature that most users have never noticed in the settings menu. Find out how to program the back of your phone for quick actions like taking a screenshot, launching your favorite app, or automating nighttime routines. Finding and enabling Back Tap in Accessibility settings Double tap and triple tap back actions explained How Back Tap uses sensors, not physical buttons Assigning system, accessibility, and device actions to Back Tap Using Back Tap to trigger shortcuts for custom automations Practical uses and avoiding accidental…

Transcript

Read the transcript · about 380 words

Jul 2nd 2026

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

The Back Tap accessibility feature on iPhone allows you to instantly trigger shortcuts, take screenshots, and control system features—all by tapping the back of your device. On Hands-On Apple , Mikah Sargent demonstrated how this powerful tool can quickly make your iPhone more personalized and efficient.

Back Tap is an accessibility setting available on iPhones running iOS 14 or newer (iPhone 8 and up) that transforms the back of your phone into a smart, programmable button. By double or triple tapping the back, you can launch apps, automate routines, or trigger system functions—no need to press physical buttons or swipe through menus.

This feature isn’t widely known, yet it’s incredibly practical whether you want quicker access to features or hands-free controls. It gives every iPhone user—regardless of model—new ways to interact with their device.

You’ll see a variety of built-in actions to choose from, such as:

And, most powerfully, you can assign a Shortcut —letting you do just about anything the Shortcuts app supports.

On Hands-On Apple , Mikah Sargent highlighted how Back Tap is more than a hidden trick—it’s a game-changing accessibility tool that can benefit every user.

The feature uses the iPhone’s sensors (not a physical button) and is generally reliable, though Mikah Sargent noted that it works best when you tap deliberately and may be affected by thick phone cases.

What makes Back Tap unique is how it democratizes quick actions, letting even older iPhone models (as old as iPhone 8) enjoy features similar to the new Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro models—without any hardware upgrade.

Back Tap’s flexibility is in what you assign to each gesture. Some practical ideas:

The feature supports nearly any Shortcut , so your workflow is only limited by your imagination.

Anyone can use Back Tap to save time, reduce friction, and tailor their iPhone experience—no additional apps or accessories needed. It’s one of iOS’s best underused tools, whether you’re looking to improve accessibility or simply want faster shortcuts.

If you haven’t yet explored Back Tap, head to Settings and assign a function you’ll actually use—screenshot, flashlight, or an automation from Shortcuts. Start with something simple, use it for a week, and discover a new level of convenience on your iPhone.

Want more hands-on Apple tips? Subscribe at: https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple/episodes/238

Transcript supplied by the publisher with the episode.

Podcast

Hands-On Apple (Video)

TWiT · Tech & Science · English

Hands-On Apple explores and explains the Mac — and beyond! From clever Terminal commands to little-known iOS settings, Mikah Sargent shares all the best tips and tricks for your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. You'll get all the details on Apple's apps and the best apps in the App Store, you'll

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