iPhone users are discovering that volume buttons have hidden features beyond sound control

vt-author-image

By Nasima Khatun

Article saved!Article saved!

iPhones are one of the most popular options for phones out there and for good reason too.

Not only are they a stylish choice, but the handheld device is also filled with cool little tricks that make navigating it that one step easier.

So let's count down some of the best "hidden" features that iPhones have that you probably didn't know about, including the one related to the volume buttons.

First up, we have the ability to scan documents.

wp-image-1263223868 size-full
Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty

That's right, iPhones are equipped with the programming to scan documents. All you have to do is head over to your Notes app and then tap the camera icon and point at the document you want to scan and that should save it for future reference.

Next up we have the copying text feature - and no, I'm not just talking about just basic copy and paste.

If you have text that you want to copy and paste, whether it be from the back of an ingredient list or a photo saved in your gallery, all you have to do is open it up and hold down on the image or click the Live Text button on the bottom right-hand side so it can highlight all the text for you to do as you please!

It's super handy when you need to share the Wi-Fi password!

The next trick is the one hidden in the space bar of the keyboard...

For those of you that didn't know, if you hold down on the button, you can actually use it as a trackpad, even if you're in the middle of typing something!

Up next is a nifty little trick that turns your Apple logo at the back of your phone into another bonus button.

For this one, you'll need an iPhone 8 or newer. If you go into your device's Accessibility settings, you can enable a feature called Back Tap which which can be used for opening Control Center, muting the phone, or enabling the flashlight.

Pro tip: It won't work if you've got a big case!

And the final tip I have for you before I tell you about the volume control button is one that has been around a while, but still people forget to use - Shazam.

wp-image-1263223869 size-full
Credit: Ali Balikci/Anadolu Agency/Getty

The cool app that helps you recognise a catchy tune has been embedded within iOS now so you can easily activate it using Siri or by just adding it directly to your Control Centre.

Amazing, right?

And now for the main event - the volume buttons.

Did you know that if you held down the the buttons together for about two seconds, an option will pop up to call emergency services? It can also double up as a way of contacting your saved emergency contacts.

It also helps when you need to snooze your alarm and can't seem to locate the button on the screen. If you just press the volume control button, it should give you that extra 10 minutes of relaxation before you have to drag yourself out of bed.

And finally, another nifty tip is when you want to take a group selfie, but you don't want to have to click the screen to take the shot, just simply just click the volume button and it'll do it for you.

Let us know if you'll be using any of these tips going forward!

Featured Image Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty