Back Tap: How to find this function

Since iOS 14 was introduced, there has been a simpler alternative to execute commands. With the Back Tap feature, you can trigger an Accessibility shortcut by double or triple-tapping the back of the phone. Here’s how you can find the function on the iPhone:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select Accessibility.
  3. Choose Touch.
  4. At the bottom, you can find the Back Tap option.
This function is hidden so far down a bunch of menus.
Now you understand why we say it is a hidden function. / © nextpit Image source: nextpit

Back Tap: How to activate it

This is how you activate Back Tap:

  1. Select Back Tap.
  2. Tap on Double Tap or Triple Tap.
  3. Select from one of the many available commands.
There is a bunch of commands to choose from which you can associate with the Back Tap feature.
You have an almost infinite list of commands at your disposal. / © nextpit Image source: nextpit

The choice of actions is virtually limitless. This means you can launch the camera app if you have spontaneously found a great subject or want to capture a screenshot without even having to press a button. The selected function can be enabled from the home screen, within an app, or directly from the lock screen. Note that your iPhone must be unlocked before you can access this function from the lock screen.

Did you already know about the Back Tap function? If so, how do you use the feature? Please let us know in the comments.

This article was updated in August 2024 with a revision to the process.

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