The inclusion of the Camera Control button to the most recent iPhones garnered media attention. However, there is already a method for opening the camera app without touching the screen or unlocking your smartphone, and it still works even on older iPhone models.

You can really access any app on your iPhone by just hitting the back of the device if you have a shortcut for it. Setting up the “button” is all that is required.

In addition to launching applications, you can use this function to activate Shazam to find a song before it finishes or to turn on your flashlight. You don’t need to swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Control Center or Notification Center on your iPhone. With a little creativity, you can utilize this functionality to do almost any task on your phone.

Similar to the Action Button on more recent iPhone models, the Back Tap function allows you to interact with your smartphone in another manner without touching the screen. Tapping anyplace on the back of your phone, including the camera module, will activate it. The nicest feature is that it still functions even if your iPhone cover is really thick.

As long as they are running iOS 14 or later, iPhones as ancient as the iPhone 8 may use Back Tap. We’ll walk you through turning it on and using it with your Shortcuts app to access almost limitless options.

What is the Back Tap function on an iPhone?

The iPhone’s Back Tap functionality was first available in iOS 14. Double or triple touching on the rear of your iPhone allows you to use shortcuts.

If your phone is bigger and you are unable to swipe down from the top of the screen without some intricate finger acrobatics, you may personalize Back Tap on your iPhone to quickly do basic tasks like bringing up the Control Center or Notification Center. Even two distinct functions may be activated simultaneously: Back Tap is able to differentiate between a triple tap and a double tap.

You can configure Triple Tap to take a screenshot and Double Tap to activate your Notification Center, depending on how often you tap the rear of your iPhone. Alternatively, you may triple tap to access the Magnifier app then double tap to open the Control Center. Try out different Back Tap combinations to see which tap and function combinations work best for you.

Additionally, you are not restricted to using the normal Back Tap choices. You may configure Back Tap to start any app or carry out certain tasks with the help of the Shortcuts app. For instance, you might make a simple shortcut that, when double-tapped or triple-tapped, activates Shazam or begins a voice recording. Additionally, you may utilize Back Tap to initiate a more complex shortcut, such automatically uploading images and videos to certain picture albums.

How can I configure my iPhone to use back tap?

Open the Settings app and turn on Back Tap. Accessibility > Touch → Back Tap is the next step. A list of configuration options for Double Tap and Triple Tap may be found there.

The complete list of functions that may be mapped to a double or triple tap is as follows:

Not one

Shortcut to Accessibility

System

Switching Apps

The camera

Center of Control

A flashlight

House

Rotating Lock

Lock Screen

Silent

The Notification Center

Accessibility

A screenshot

Give a shake

Highlights

Turn down the volume.

Turn Up the Volume

Accessibility

The Assistive Touch

Ambient Noises

Traditional Invert

Filters for Color

Manage Close by Devices

Lights that flash dimly

Real-time captioning

Live Speech

A magnifying glass

Intelligent Invert

The Speak Screen

Voice-over

Zoom

Controller for Zoom

Scroll Motions

Scroll Down

Scroll Up

A list of shortcuts may also be found at the bottom of the menu. Depending on what is accessible in your Shortcuts app, these selections will change.

Back Tap’s only possible drawback is that it doesn’t provide tactile feedback, so you may inadvertently press it at the incorrect moment and be unaware of it until later. For example, you may unintentionally double tap and accidentally turn on your flashlight. If so, you may choose to remap your Double Tap to a less noticeable feature. Alternatively, you may just utilize Triple Tap, which you presumably won’t use as much, and leave Double Tap off.

How do I snap a fast picture using the Back Tap?

Setting up Back Tap involves mapping Triple Tap to Volume Up or Volume Down and Double Tap to the Camera. If your volume buttons are assigned to Back Tap, you can get the same result as pressing either of the volume buttons to snap a photo right away. By combining these five rapid taps on the back of your iPhone, you can take a picture. However, you will need to wait for a moment between the Double Tap and Triple Tap so that your phone can tell the difference between the two.

Even if your phone is locked, this Back Tap combination will still function. Once again, take your time experimenting with various tap and feature combinations to see which ones work best for you.