Though you can perform specific actions on your iPhone by pressing the physical buttons or tapping on the screen, with iOS14 or later, this system has changed as Apple has introduced an innovative way to trigger any action. It is a new shortcut in iOS14 and later to trigger action through backtap of iPhone that is by tapping your phone’s back. Isn’t it amazing?
What features can be controlled by tapping the back of the iPhone?
You can launch a specific app or invoke the control center using this shortcut. For instance, you can tap the back of your iPhone to turn off or on the rotation feature, turn on the camera, trigger a shortcut, connect to Siri, or go back to the home screen.
(Note- For using this feature, you need to have an iPhone 8 or newer model that runs on iOS 14 or later.)
If you are wondering how it is done, here we have explained how you can trigger action by tapping your iPhone’s back.
First, ensure that your iPhone is running on iOS 14 or later for using this feature. For this, you have to go to the settings menu and go to general and software update. If it shows you that your iPhone is up to date and no update is required, then you are good to go. But if there is any update due, do it to access this feature.
Steps to trigger action through backtap of iPhone
First, launch the settings app on your iPhone
Now, navigate to the accessibility options
Under the “physical and Motor” option, you will find “touch”. Tap on that.
Scroll down to tap on the back tap option
Within this option, you will find two other options, one is double-tap, and another one is triple tap. You can tap on any of these options to set an action to trigger.
Setting action for double tap
To set an action for double tap, you have to swipe down to review the options. Here you will be provided with a list, and you have to choose an action from there. From the system section, you can set a double tap to trigger anyone from:
- Control Center
- Lock Screen
- Mute
- Take a Screenshot
- Siri
- Lockscreen
- Spotlight
- App switcher etc.
You’ll also be able to see an accessibility section where you can choose from
- Magnifier
- VoiceOver
- Zoom
- Speak screen etc.
You can also select one from scroll gestures such as scroll down or scroll up.
From the shortcut section, you will be able to select any Siri shortcut.
From all the lists mentioned on the page, tap on the action you wish to connect with a double tap on your iPhone’s back.
Setting action for triple tap
To select an option for triple-tap, you first have to tap on the back tap option at the top left side of your phone’s screen to go back to the previous window. Tap on the triple tap option, and you will be provided with the same options. Now, select one from them.
Once it is done, save it and open any window on your phone to check your settings.
How to disable backtap?
Sometimes, this feature can go wrong if you place your iPhone on an uneven surface. Though it is an amazing feature to use, you can follow the steps mentioned below if you feel that you don’t need it:
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone
Navigate to the accessibility options
Under the “physical and Motor” option, you will find “touch”. Tap on that.
Scroll down to tap on the back tap option
First, tap on the double-tap option, and from the list, select none.
Next, go back to the previous window and tap on the triple tap option. From the list, select none.
Save the changes
Now, the feature is disabled on your iPhone
Conclusion
It is an amazing shortcut to trigger certain actions. If you have iOS 14 or later and still have not used this feature, you can try it once.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
