How to Use iPhone Back Tap to Automate Shortcuts and Actions
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The Back Tap accessibility feature on iPhone allows you to instantly trigger shortcuts, take screenshots, and control system features—all by tapping the back of your device. On Hands-On Apple, Mikah Sargent demonstrated how this powerful tool can quickly make your iPhone more personalized and efficient.
What is iPhone Back Tap and Why Use It?
Back Tap is an accessibility setting available on iPhones running iOS 14 or newer (iPhone 8 and up) that transforms the back of your phone into a smart, programmable button. By double or triple tapping the back, you can launch apps, automate routines, or trigger system functions—no need to press physical buttons or swipe through menus.
This feature isn’t widely known, yet it’s incredibly practical whether you want quicker access to features or hands-free controls. It gives every iPhone user—regardless of model—new ways to interact with their device.
Quick Summary
- Back Tap is found in: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Supports two custom gestures: Double Tap and Triple Tap.
- Compatible with iPhone 8 or newer, and requires iOS 14+.
- No special hardware—the phone senses taps via its accelerometer and gyroscope.
How to Set Up Back Tap on Your iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Accessibility.
- Tap Touch.
- Scroll down and choose Back Tap.
- Assign actions to Double Tap and Triple Tap.
You’ll see a variety of built-in actions to choose from, such as:
- Screenshot
- Flashlight
- Camera
- App Switcher
- Volume Up/Down
- Scroll Up/Down
And, most powerfully, you can assign a Shortcut—letting you do just about anything the Shortcuts app supports.
Why Back Tap Stands Out
On Hands-On Apple, Mikah Sargent highlighted how Back Tap is more than a hidden trick—it’s a game-changing accessibility tool that can benefit every user.
The feature uses the iPhone’s sensors (not a physical button) and is generally reliable, though Mikah Sargent noted that it works best when you tap deliberately and may be affected by thick phone cases.
What makes Back Tap unique is how it democratizes quick actions, letting even older iPhone models (as old as iPhone 8) enjoy features similar to the new Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro models—without any hardware upgrade.
Practical Ways to Use Back Tap
Back Tap’s flexibility is in what you assign to each gesture. Some practical ideas:
- Double Tap for Screenshot: Capture your screen without fiddling with side buttons.
- Triple Tap for Flashlight: Instantly turn on your flashlight when you need it.
- Shortcut for Sleep Timer: Like Mikah Sargent, automate starting a sleep timer for audiobooks without unlocking your iPhone.
- Control Smart Home Devices: Trigger a HomeKit scene with a tap.
- Start Voice Memos or Shazam: Begin recording or music identification in seconds.
- Accessibility Actions: Quickly zoom, open Magnifier, or run accessibility shortcuts if you need them.
The feature supports nearly any Shortcut, so your workflow is only limited by your imagination.
Key Takeaways
- Back Tap transforms your iPhone’s back into two programmable buttons.
- You can use it for built-in actions or launch powerful custom Shortcuts.
- It’s available on all iPhones 8 and newer—making advanced gestures accessible to most users.
- While accidental taps were more common early on, recent iOS updates require more deliberate actions, reducing unwanted triggers.
- Double tap is great for frequent actions like screenshots, while triple tap suits more niche or secure functions.
What This Means for You
Anyone can use Back Tap to save time, reduce friction, and tailor their iPhone experience—no additional apps or accessories needed. It’s one of iOS’s best underused tools, whether you’re looking to improve accessibility or simply want faster shortcuts.
The Bottom Line
If you haven’t yet explored Back Tap, head to Settings and assign a function you’ll actually use—screenshot, flashlight, or an automation from Shortcuts. Start with something simple, use it for a week, and discover a new level of convenience on your iPhone.
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