Most iPhone guides assume you’re a tech expert or a teenager. This one doesn’t.
If you’re over 40 and feel like you’ve missed some of the subtle tricks younger people do without thinking — from swiping shortcuts to typing faster — you’re not alone. Here are ten simple, practical iPhone skills that make everyday use smoother, more intuitive, and just more fun.
The 10 iPhone Tricks
1. Swipe Down to Search Anything
You don’t need to hunt for apps or contacts manually.
Just swipe down on the home screen (not from the very top) and start typing — it’ll search your apps, contacts, messages, emails, settings, and even the web.
2. Use the Spacebar to Move the Cursor
Tapping to place the cursor in a long text message can be frustrating.
Just press and hold the spacebar, and the keyboard becomes a touchpad. Slide your finger to move the cursor precisely.
3. Pinch to Zoom in Photos and Websites
Want to see more detail in a photo or read small text?
Use two fingers to pinch outward to zoom in. Pinch inward to zoom out. This works in photos, Safari, Notes, Maps, and more.
4. Swipe to Delete Digits in Calculator
Made a mistake while typing a number?
You don’t need to hit C and start over. Just swipe left or right across the number to delete the last digit.
5. Back Tap to Trigger Shortcuts
Go to:
Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap
You can set a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone to do things like take a screenshot, open the camera, or turn on the flashlight. No fumbling with buttons.
6. Quickly Access the Camera from the Lock Screen
No need to unlock your phone.
Just swipe left on the lock screen — it opens the camera instantly. Perfect for capturing moments quickly.
7. Reply to Messages From Notifications
When a message comes in, press and hold on the notification, and you can reply right there — no need to open the app.
8. Use Dictation to Speak Your Messages
Hate typing?
Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard and just speak. Your iPhone will turn your words into text in Messages, Mail, Notes, and anywhere else you can type.
9. Control Centre Shortcuts
Swipe down from the top right corner (on newer iPhones) or up from the bottom (older models) to access:
- Flashlight
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Screen recording
- Music controls
You can customise this in Settings → Control Centre.
10. Silence Unknown Callers
If you’re tired of spam and cold calls:
Go to Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers.
Your phone will only ring for people in your contacts. Unknown numbers go straight to voicemail.