How to Enable Back Tap on iPhone?

In iOS 14, there is a new feature called Back Tap that is surprisingly rarely discussed. It is hidden under the accessibility settings, but it is one of the most exciting brand-new features of iOS 14. Using this application, we are able to customize double and triple taps on the back of our iPhone - to automate shortcuts, accessibility features, and iOS functions. If you want to learn how to enable this cool feature, check out this short tutorial and use your iPhone even more conveniently!   

It's been known for years that double-tapping wakes up the screen. Now, our iPhones become even more valuable by adding a second touch panel on their back. As this feature works with any shortcut we have in the Shortcuts app, there are basically no restrictions on how you can use Back Tap. This is because it is only limited by your imagination. You can also choose to limit yourself to simple actions, such as opening the Control Center, taking a screenshot, or enabling accessibility features (AssistiveTouch, VoiceOver, Zoom, etc.).

RECOMMENDED: FIND MY APP: COMMON PROBLEMS
 

Back Tap is a new accessibility feature introduced in iOS 14 that allows users to perform certain actions on their iPhones by simply tapping the back of the device. This feature is especially useful for people with limited mobility, as it provides a new and convenient way to interact with their iPhones.

How to Enable Back Tap on Your iPhone? 

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Accessibility."
3. Select "Touch" from the list of options.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap on "Back Tap."
5. You will now see the "Double Tap" and "Triple Tap" options. Choose the one you want to activate by tapping on it.
6. Select the action you want to perform when you double or triple-tap the back of your iPhone. You can choose from a variety of options, such as "Screenshot," "App Switcher," "Volume Up," "Volume Down," "Lock Screen," "Home," "Control Center," "Mute," "Shake," and "Siri."
7. Once you have selected the action, tap "Back" to save your changes.

That's it! You have now enabled Back Tap on your iPhone.

Now, whenever you double or triple-tap the back of your iPhone, the action you selected will be performed. For example, if you chose "Screenshot" as the action for Double Tap, you can take a screenshot by simply tapping the back of your iPhone twice. Similarly, if you chose "Siri" as the action for Triple Tap, you can activate Siri by tapping the back of your iPhone three times.

The Back Tap feature is especially useful in situations where you have limited mobility or need to perform actions quickly and easily. For example, if you're holding something in one hand and need to take a screenshot, you can do so by simply tapping the back of your iPhone with your other hand. Additionally, Back Tap can also be useful for people with certain disabilities or conditions that make it difficult to use the standard iPhone gestures and buttons. Overall, Back Tap is a versatile and convenient feature that can enhance the accessibility and usability of your iPhone.

Examples of Back Tap usage

• The Back Tap can be very useful when your iPhone is in a case: If you have a bulky case on your iPhone that makes it difficult to press the buttons or use gestures on your iPhone, the Back Tap can be a great alternative for you. By simply tapping the back of your iPhone, you can perform actions without removing the case or struggling with buttons on the device.
   
• During workouts or outdoor activities: If you're wearing gloves or have sweaty hands during a workout or outdoor activity, it can be challenging to use the touch screen or buttons on your iPhone. Back Tap provides a simple and easy way to perform actions without taking off your gloves or cleaning your hands.
   
• While driving: It's critical to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while driving. Back Tap can be a safer way to perform actions on your iPhone while on the road, such as activating Siri. This is without taking your eyes off the road.

Overall, Back Tap is a versatile feature that can be useful in many different situations. Whether you have limited mobility, a disability, or just need a convenient way to interact with your iPhone, Back Tap is a great feature to explore.

It's worth noting that Back Tap works on both the front and back of your iPhone, so you can tap anywhere on the device to trigger the action. Additionally, Back Tap can be used in combination with other accessibility features on your iPhone, such as VoiceOver and Switch Control, to provide a more personalized and intuitive user experience.

To customize the actions available for Back Tap, you can select from a list of predefined actions or create your own custom actions using the Shortcuts app. This allows you to automate complex tasks or perform actions that are not available by default, such as sending a message to a specific contact or controlling your smart home devices.

Customize Back Tap with Shortcuts

1. Open the "Shortcuts" app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the "+" button to create a new shortcut.
3. Choose "Add Action" and select the action you want to perform.
4. Customize the action by adding any necessary parameters or options.
5. Tap "Next" to name your shortcut and choose an icon for it.
6. Go back to the "Accessibility" settings and select "Back Tap."
7. Choose "Double Tap" or "Triple Tap" and select "Custom."
8. Select the shortcut you just created from the list of options.

That's it! Now, when you double or triple-tap the back of your iPhone, your custom action will be performed.

Overall, Back Tap is a powerful and convenient feature that can enhance the accessibility and usability of your iPhone. Whether you have a disability, limited mobility, or just want a faster and more intuitive way to interact with your device, Back Tap is a feature that is definitely worth exploring.