Your iPhone has a secret button on the back - here's how to unlock it

## Summary
Close Home Tech Smartphones iPhone Your iPhone has a secret button on the back - here's how to unlock it With a double or triple tap, you can control system features, launch apps, trigger custom shortcuts, and more. Also: 12+ iPhone settings you can change to improve battery life Show more Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET 3. Assign an action There should be a long list of actions available under Double Tap and Triple Tap, including system controls, accessibility features, and even some apps. Go back to the Back Tap menu in Settings and set both Double Tap and Triple Tap to "None." Show more Featured My top six Windows 12 predictions - including its most likely release date I was glued to my phone all day - these 7 tricks helped me break the habit Traditional Wi-Fi router vs. mesh: How to decide between the 2 popular networking options The best business desktops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed My top six Windows 12 predictions - including its most likely release date I was glued to my phone all day - these 7 tricks helped me break the habit Traditional Wi-Fi router vs. mesh: How to decide between the 2 popular networking options The best business desktops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed Editorial standards Show Comments Log In to Comment Community Guidelines Related This one iPhone setting immediately stops all apps from tracking you - turn it off today Own a Samsung phone?

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Your iPhone has a secret button on the back - here's how to unlock it
With a double or triple tap, you can control system features, launch apps, trigger custom shortcuts, and more.
Written by
Elyse Betters Picaro,
Senior Contributing Editor
Senior Contributing Editor
March 23, 2026 at 11:01 a.m. PT
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
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ZDNET's key takeaways
Back Tap lets you trigger actions with double or triple taps.
You can customize it to open apps, controls, or shortcuts.
It works on most iPhones and even through many cases.
The iPhone has a button on its back. You can't see it, but with a double or triple tap on the Apple logo, you can open an app, access a system menu, or launch a shortcut. This feature is called
Back Tap
, and it's actually been available
since iOS 14
. The best part is it's completely customizable. You can set it to do whatever you want, and change it at any time.
I first tried Back Tap years ago, and it quickly became one of those features I use every day. Instead of swiping through menus or hunting for apps, I just tap the back of my phone. It's one of the fastest ways to get things done.
How to use Back Tap on iPhone
What you'll need:
An
iPhone 8 or newer
running the latest version of iOS.
1. Go to Accessibility in Settings
Start by opening the Settings app, then scroll down and tap Accessibility. This is where Apple hides Back Tap, because it was originally designed as an assistive feature, though it's useful for anyone.
Also:
How to clear your iPhone cache (and why it's critical)
Show more
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
2. Open the Touch menu
Once inside Accessibility, find and open Touch. This menu controls how your iPhone responds to taps, gestures, and physical interactions. It's also where you will find other features, like AssistiveTouch and vibration settings.
Also:
12+ iPhone settings you can change to improve battery life
Show more
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
3. Select Back Tap
Scroll to the bottom and select Back Tap. Now you can start customizing the back button on your iPhone.
Show more
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
4. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap
You'll see two options: Double Tap and Triple Tap. You can use one or both, and assign different actions to them.
Show more
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
5. Assign an action
There should be a long list of actions available under Double Tap and Triple Tap, including system controls, accessibility features, and even some apps. Pick one, and it'll instantly be active. Just tap the back of your phone to trigger it.
Tip: Tap directly on the Apple logo (or near the center of the back of your phone if you're using a case), and be quick and deliberate with your taps.
Show more
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
What can I do with Back Tap?
Back Tap supports a wide range of actions, but the best setup really depends on how you use your phone.
At a basic level, you can control system features, like opening Control Center and Notification Center. You can also trigger a screenshot, lock rotation, or adjust volume. Accessibility features are available as well, including VoiceOver, Zoom, AssistiveTouch, and Background Sounds. Popular apps are supported, too, including
ChatGPT
, Snapchat, Amazon, and more.
Also:
Your iPhone's USB-C port is so versatile - 14 features beyond charging
The most powerful option

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## Expert Analysis

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### Expert Commentary
This article covers tap, zdnet, iphone topics. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1291.