10 Useful Smartphone Features You Might Not Know About

Your phone can do more than just make calls and send texts. Hidden in your settings and apps are tools that can save time, reduce frustration, and help you get more out of your device — even if you consider yourself a beginner.

At TechPals, we work with people every day who are new to smartphones, and we love showing off the features that make a real difference. This guide highlights 10 helpful tools built into most iPhones and Androids, plus quick how-tos for using them.

Ready to unlock more from your phone? Let’s dive in.

Need help setting up any of these features? Visit techpals.org for personal support and step-by-step guides.

1. Use Your Voice to Type Messages

Instead of tapping every letter, you can use your voice to dictate texts, emails, and more.

iPhone:

• Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard

• Start speaking — your words appear as text

Android:

• Look for the microphone icon on your keyboard (usually near the spacebar)

• Speak clearly and naturally

Related: How Do I Use Voice-to-Text?

2. Double Tap the Back of Your iPhone

This hidden feature lets you assign actions to a double or triple tap on the back of your phone.

To Set It Up:

• Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap

• Choose an action (like turning on the flashlight)

Why It's Great: You can access key tools — like screenshots or Siri — without navigating menus.

Related: How to Use Your Phone as a Flashlight

3. Pin Important Text Messages

Never lose track of a message from family, doctors, or service providers again.

iPhone:

• Swipe right on a message thread and tap the pin icon

Android (in Google Messages):

• Press and hold a message thread, then tap the pin icon at the top

Why It’s Helpful: Keeps important conversations easy to find.

4. Use Low Power Mode to Extend Battery Life

Battery running low? Your phone has a built-in setting that helps it last longer.

iPhone:

• Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode

Android:

• Settings → Battery → Battery Saver

Pro Tip: Turn this on manually before long days or travel.

Related: How to Tell If Your Phone Is Charging Properly

5. Share Your Location in a Text

Let loved ones know where you are with a tap.

iPhone:

• In a message thread, tap the contact name → Share My Location

Android:

• Use Google Maps → Tap your profile icon → Location sharing

When to Use It: Meeting someone, traveling, or for safety purposes.

Related: How to Turn Off Location Tracking in Your Photos

6. Copy and Paste Made Easy

Learn how to move text between messages, browsers, and apps.

How-To:

• Press and hold on a word or sentence

• Adjust the blue sliders to select more text

• Tap "Copy"

• Press and hold in a new spot → Tap "Paste"

Related: How to Use Copy and Paste on a Smartphone

7. Turn On Do Not Disturb

Stop your phone from buzzing while you're sleeping, reading, or at an appointment.

iPhone:

• Swipe down to open Control Center

• Tap the crescent moon icon

Android:

• Swipe down twice → Tap the Do Not Disturb icon

Why Use It: Keeps you focused and reduces stress.

8. Quickly Silence Incoming Calls

Someone calling at a bad time? You don’t need to answer or decline.

Try This:

• Press the power or volume button once to silence the ringer

• The call keeps going, but your phone goes quiet

Bonus: You can customize this in Settings → Sounds

9. Use Airplane Mode for a Fast Reset

If your phone’s acting weird or not connecting properly, try turning on Airplane Mode for 10 seconds.

iPhone & Android:

• Swipe down → Tap the Airplane icon → Wait 10 seconds → Tap again

Why It Works: It resets all wireless connections without restarting your phone.

Related: What Is Airplane Mode and When Should You Use It?

10. Scan QR Codes Without an App

You no longer need a separate app to scan menus, tickets, or flyers.

Try This:

• Open your Camera app

• Point it at the QR code

• A link will appear — tap it to open

When to Be Cautious: Some QR codes lead to scams. Check that the link looks trustworthy.

Related: What Is a QR Code Menu?

Final Thoughts: Start With One, Build Confidence

These features aren’t just for tech experts — they’re for anyone who wants to make life a little easier. Even using just one or two can save you time and help you feel more confident with your smartphone.

Want help trying them out? Visit techpals.org to book a session or explore our TechPals blog for more beginner-friendly guides.

Tech Pals is here to help your phone feel like a helpful tool — not a source of stress.