Hidden Smartphone Features You Never Use But Should Try Today
Published: 03 Sep 2025
Your smartphone is smarter than you think. Hidden inside are tools that can save time, protect your privacy, and even make daily tasks easier. Yet most people never use them. Why? Because these features are buried deep in settings or hidden behind shortcuts. In this guide, we’ll reveal the powerful smartphone features you’ve been missing—so you can unlock the full potential of your device.
Feature Categories & Structure
Smartphones hide many features. To make it simple, we can group them into five main categories.
Each category focuses on a different way your phone can help you—whether it’s keeping you safe, saving time, or giving you more control.
A. Privacy & Security Enhancements
Your phone is not just for calls and apps. It also protects you. These hidden tools can keep your data safe and your mind at ease:
- Emergency Medical Info (iOS/Android): Store health details so doctors or helpers can see them without unlocking your phone.
- App Pinning: Lock your screen to one app. Useful if you hand your phone to kids or friends.
- Block Spam: Stop unknown numbers and unwanted messages.
- Secret Diagnostics: Use special codes to check if your phone’s hardware is working fine.
- Work Profile: Keep your job apps and personal apps separate for better privacy.
B. Productivity & Multitasking
Your phone can help you work faster if you know where to look. These tools make multitasking simple:
- Split Screen (Android): Use two apps side by side, like YouTube and Notes.
- Back Tap Shortcuts (iOS): Double or triple tap the back of your iPhone to open apps or take screenshots.
- Work Profile Toggle: Switch between personal and work mode with one tap.
- Developer Options: Unlock hidden tools for speed, animation control, and advanced testing.
C. Communication & Accessibility
Smartphones are designed for everyone, including people with special needs. These features improve the way you connect:
- Live Transcribe (Android): Converts speech into text instantly—great in noisy places.
- Live Translate (iOS/Android): Translate speech or text in real time when traveling.
- One-Handed Mode: Shrink your screen for easier use with one hand.
- Voice Control Gestures: Use your voice instead of touch to navigate your phone.
D. Personalization & Shortcuts
Make your phone truly yours. Small hidden tricks can change how your device feels:
- Chrome Dinosaur Widget: Play the offline Dino game directly from your home screen.
- Back Tap (iOS): Create quick actions like opening the camera or flashlight.
- Custom Gestures (Android/iOS): Set up swipes or taps for faster access to apps.
- Smart Lock (Android): Keep your phone unlocked in trusted places, like home.
- Night Light: Reduce blue light at night for better sleep.
E. System Insights & Power Tools
These are advanced tools that give you more control and hidden system knowledge:
- Developer Options: Change hidden settings like animation speed and background process limits.
- Secret Codes (iOS/Android): Access network info, signal strength, and test features.
- View Saved Wi-Fi Networks: Find, share, or delete old Wi-Fi details.
- Force Peak Refresh Rate (Android): Get smoother performance on high-refresh displays.
- Data Limits: Set usage caps to avoid extra charges.
Feature Breakdown (Numbered Highlights)
Here are some of the most useful hidden smartphone features you probably never use. Each one can save time, add comfort, or keep you safer.
1. Set Up Emergency Medical ID / Info
Why it matters: In an emergency, rescuers or doctors can see your health details without unlocking your phone. It could save your life.
How to set up:
- iPhone: Open the Health app → Medical ID → Edit. Add allergies, blood type, and emergency contacts.
- Android: Go to Settings → Safety & Emergency → Medical info. Enter your details.
2. Use App Pinning & Guided Access
Why it matters: Keep your private data safe when you lend your phone. It locks the screen to one app.
How to set up:
- Android: Go to Settings → Security → App Pinning. Turn it on, then pin any open app.
- iPhone: Open Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access. Enable it, then triple-click the side button inside an app.
3. Quick Access via Back Tap (iOS)
Why it matters: A hidden trick that makes actions faster. Double or triple tap the back of your iPhone to do things instantly.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
- Choose actions like opening the camera, flashlight, or taking a screenshot.
4. Live Transcribe (Android) & Live Text Translation (iOS)
Why it matters: Makes communication easier—whether you’re in a noisy place or traveling abroad.
How to set up:
- Android (Live Transcribe): Download from the Play Store, then open the app to turn speech into text.
- iPhone (Live Text): Point your camera at text in another language → tap Translate.
5. Work Profile Toggle (Android)
Why it matters: Keep your work apps separate from personal life. Saves battery when turned off.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Work Profile.
- Switch it on or off with one tap in Quick Settings.
6. Secret Codes & Diagnostics Menu (iOS & Android)
Why it matters: Check hidden phone details, like signal strength or battery health.
How to set up:
- Android: Dial codes like *#*#4636#*#* to see phone info.
- iPhone: Dial *3001#12345#* to open Field Test Mode.
7. Developer Options & Force Peak Refresh Rate (Android)
Why it matters: Unlock hidden settings for faster animations or smoother display.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → About phone → Tap “Build number” 7 times.
- Open Developer Options in Settings.
- Enable Force peak refresh rate for smooth scrolling. ( May use more battery.)
8. Chrome Dino Widget (Android)
Why it matters: Fun little trick when you’re offline. Play the classic Dino game directly from your home screen.
How to set up:
- Long-press on your home screen → choose Widgets → find Chrome Dino.
- Add it to your screen and tap to play.
9. Smart Lock & Trusted Settings (Android)
Why it matters: No need to unlock your phone every time at home or in your car.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Security → Smart Lock.
- Choose Trusted places or Trusted devices like your smartwatch or car Bluetooth.
10. Night Light / Blue Light Filter
Why it matters: Reduces eye strain and helps you sleep better at night.
How to set up:
- Android: Go to Settings → Display → Night Light. Set a schedule.
- iPhone: Open Settings → Display & Brightness → Night Shift.
11. View Saved Wi-Fi Networks
Why it matters: Useful if you forget a password or want to clean old connections.
How to set up:
- Android: Go to Settings → Network → Saved networks. View or share as QR code.
- iPhone: Open Settings → Wi-Fi → tap “i” next to network. Passwords can be seen with Face ID.
12. Set Data Limits or Share Wi-Fi via QR (Android)
Why it matters: Helps control internet use and makes sharing Wi-Fi quick.
How to set up:
- Data Limit: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage. Set a limit.
- Share Wi-Fi: Go to Wi-Fi settings → Tap network → Share via QR.
These hidden gems show how much more your smartphone can do. Try at least one today—you might be surprised how useful it is.
Tips for Discovering More Hidden Features
You’ve seen some of the best hidden smartphone features, but the truth is—there are still many more waiting to be found. Here are a few simple ways to discover them yourself:
1. Explore Settings Deeply
Most hidden tools are inside the Settings app. We often open it only for Wi-Fi or brightness, but if you take a few minutes to scroll through, you’ll be surprised.
- Check sections like Accessibility, Security, Developer Options, and Display.
- Try tapping small menus or “Advanced” options—this is where many useful features hide.
2. Use Siri Shortcut Gallery (iPhone)
If you use an iPhone, the Shortcuts app has a Gallery filled with smart actions.
- You can create shortcuts for things like sending your ETA, opening favorite apps, or turning settings on and off.
- Many of these are pre-built by Apple, so you don’t need to be a tech expert.
3. Try Good Lock (Samsung Users)
Samsung phones have their own secret weapon: Good Lock. It’s a free app from the Galaxy Store.
- It lets you customize your phone—change how notifications look, control multitasking, and even design your lock screen.
- Think of it as an extra settings app with advanced tricks.
4. Search for Hidden Codes (But Be Careful)
Both iPhone and Android have “secret codes” you can dial on the phone app to unlock menus. These can show network info, test hardware, or display signal strength.
- Example: *#*#4636#*#* on Android shows phone info.
- Example: *3001#12345#* on iPhone opens Field Test Mode.
Be careful—not all codes work on every phone, and some can change settings. Use them only for reading information, not making changes.
Conclusion
Your smartphone is far more powerful than most people realize. From hidden shortcuts to advanced safety tools, these features are designed to make life simpler, safer, and more enjoyable. The best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert to use them—just a little curiosity to explore your settings and try something new. Start with one feature today, and you’ll quickly see how much more your phone can do for you.
Hidden smartphone features are tools that most users don’t notice. They are inside settings or unlocked with small tricks. These features can improve safety, save time, or add fun. You just need to explore to find them.
Many features are buried deep in menus, so users miss them. Phone makers don’t always highlight every tool. People usually use only basic apps and shortcuts. That’s why many smart functions stay hidden.
Not all features work the same on every phone. Some are Android-only, and some are iPhone-only. Certain tools also depend on the phone brand, like Samsung or Google. Always check your device’s settings first.
Yes, most hidden features are completely safe. They are built into your phone by the manufacturer. But be careful with secret dial codes—some can change settings. Use them for reading info, not altering data.
Open your phone’s Settings and explore menus carefully. Look under sections like Accessibility, Display, and Security. iPhone users can also try the Shortcuts app. Samsung users can download Good Lock for extra tools.
The Emergency Medical ID is one of the most important. It stores your health details for first responders. Anyone can see it without unlocking your phone. This feature could even save your life in an emergency.
Yes, some features help save battery. For example, Android’s Work Profile toggle turns off work apps when not needed. Night Light reduces screen strain. Turning off unused background processes in Developer Options also helps
Some do. On Android, Developer Options let you reduce animation speed. This makes your phone feel quicker. Clearing old Wi-Fi networks also improves connectivity. Small changes can boost daily performance.
Yes! Phones also hide playful tricks. For example, Android has the Chrome Dino widget to play offline. iPhones have Back Tap to trigger fun shortcuts. These features add a little entertainment to your day.
No, try them one by one. Start with simple ones like Night Light or Back Tap. Then explore advanced tools like Developer Options. This way, you won’t feel confused and you’ll enjoy learning step by step.
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
