Unlock hidden iPhone features with these must-try apps
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It’s well-known that iPhones come with a range of built-in apps but did you know that there are some hidden gems that come pre-installed on your Apple device? But some of these apps are tucked away and can be difficult to find if you don’t know where to look.
If you’re an iPhone user, here are three useful apps and features available on your phone that you might not have heard of:
App #1: QR Code Scanner
You can only find this app by searching for it since it does not appear on your iPhone’s home screen.
To find it, swipe down from the top of your screen and search for the app in the top bar.
The app should then appear as ‘Scan QR Code’. You can now scan QR codes by holding up your phone to a QR code, and then the app will instantly scan the code and redirect you to the corresponding website or product and service.
If you think the code scanner app is something you’ll use frequently, then you can also add it to your Control Centre so you don’t have to search for it each time.
Open your settings, scroll a bit down and you’ll see ‘Control Centre’ under the ‘General’ app. Next, choose the ‘Control Center’ option and scroll down.
Tap the ‘+’ icon next to the ‘Code Scanner’ option. Now, the Code Scanner control will be added to the bottom of the Control Center.
However, this function is only available if your phone is updated to iOS 14 or the latest version of iOS. When opened, the QR code scanner will open the Safari app (iPhone’s own search engine) in a specific app browser and not in the usual Safari app. This simply means you won’t lose access to the scanned page once you close your phone.
Additionally, you won’t clog your internet history or tabs in your Safari browser because of this feature.
App #2: Signal Test
This app helps users find the best possible mobile signal – perfect for those who like to travel all the time!
To find it, first you need to turn off your WiFi or cellular data. Then, you need to open the ‘Phone’ app. From there, dial *3001#12345#* and hit the call button.
A dashboard should appear along with some technical information about your phone. This information should show ‘LTE RSRP’ which stands for Reference Signal Received Power. This is what reveals your exact signal strength.
The closer the number is to zero, the better your signal.
However, if you have an updated iOS (15 or higher), you need to follow different steps. After calling the number stated above, you might see this menu:
Click on the highlighted part to get to ‘LTE RSRP’, and once you open it you might see this:
The highlighted part determines your signal strength.
App #3: Magnifier
This app provides a decent zoom so you can read small texts (aka pesky menu fine print) via your device. Aside from that, you can use this to examine smaller objects via the app.
To find it, swipe down on your home screen and search ‘Magnifier’ in the search bar. This should uncover the app. For added convenience, you can add this app as a shortcut.
Simply go to Settings and enter Accessibility, and then go to Accessibility Shortcuts. Enable Magnifier for the ‘Triple Click the Side Button’ setting, and this lets you use the app through the side button on your phone.
Aside from these apps, your iPhone has built-in security features designed to protect your phone from hackers. Some of these features include Face ID, Touch ID, and encryption. The Face ID and Touch ID are only available in select models, but they are a convenient (and safer) way of authorising purchases because they use your biometrics instead of a password.
You can also enable the Find My iPhone function to find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. This prevents anyone from using your phone if it’s missing. To find this app, simply open Settings and then search ‘Find My iPhone’ in the search bar at the top.
Do you know any other handy tips and tricks to get the most out of your iPhone? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
If you’re an iPhone user, here are three useful apps and features available on your phone that you might not have heard of:
App #1: QR Code Scanner
You can only find this app by searching for it since it does not appear on your iPhone’s home screen.
To find it, swipe down from the top of your screen and search for the app in the top bar.
Swipe down and type ‘QR’. Credit: SDC
The app should then appear as ‘Scan QR Code’. You can now scan QR codes by holding up your phone to a QR code, and then the app will instantly scan the code and redirect you to the corresponding website or product and service.
If you think the code scanner app is something you’ll use frequently, then you can also add it to your Control Centre so you don’t have to search for it each time.
Open your settings, scroll a bit down and you’ll see ‘Control Centre’ under the ‘General’ app. Next, choose the ‘Control Center’ option and scroll down.
Tap the ‘+’ icon next to the ‘Code Scanner’ option. Now, the Code Scanner control will be added to the bottom of the Control Center.
This is the control centre. Credit: Shutterstock
However, this function is only available if your phone is updated to iOS 14 or the latest version of iOS. When opened, the QR code scanner will open the Safari app (iPhone’s own search engine) in a specific app browser and not in the usual Safari app. This simply means you won’t lose access to the scanned page once you close your phone.
Additionally, you won’t clog your internet history or tabs in your Safari browser because of this feature.
App #2: Signal Test
This app helps users find the best possible mobile signal – perfect for those who like to travel all the time!
To find it, first you need to turn off your WiFi or cellular data. Then, you need to open the ‘Phone’ app. From there, dial *3001#12345#* and hit the call button.
Open the phone call option to find the hidden app. Credit: Torsten Dettlaff/Pexels
A dashboard should appear along with some technical information about your phone. This information should show ‘LTE RSRP’ which stands for Reference Signal Received Power. This is what reveals your exact signal strength.
The closer the number is to zero, the better your signal.
However, if you have an updated iOS (15 or higher), you need to follow different steps. After calling the number stated above, you might see this menu:
The menu for the signal test. Credit: SDC
Click on the highlighted part to get to ‘LTE RSRP’, and once you open it you might see this:
The RSRP is what you should look at. Credit: SDC
The highlighted part determines your signal strength.
App #3: Magnifier
This app provides a decent zoom so you can read small texts (aka pesky menu fine print) via your device. Aside from that, you can use this to examine smaller objects via the app.
To find it, swipe down on your home screen and search ‘Magnifier’ in the search bar. This should uncover the app. For added convenience, you can add this app as a shortcut.
Simply go to Settings and enter Accessibility, and then go to Accessibility Shortcuts. Enable Magnifier for the ‘Triple Click the Side Button’ setting, and this lets you use the app through the side button on your phone.
Aside from these apps, your iPhone has built-in security features designed to protect your phone from hackers. Some of these features include Face ID, Touch ID, and encryption. The Face ID and Touch ID are only available in select models, but they are a convenient (and safer) way of authorising purchases because they use your biometrics instead of a password.
You can also enable the Find My iPhone function to find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. This prevents anyone from using your phone if it’s missing. To find this app, simply open Settings and then search ‘Find My iPhone’ in the search bar at the top.
