10 Underrated Phone Functions You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Your smartphone is far more capable than the handful of features you use each day. Beyond calls, texts, and social scrolling lies a toolkit of underrated functions designed to save time, improve safety, and make everyday tasks easier. Most of these are built in—you just need to know where to look.

In this guide, we highlight 10 hidden features you’re probably not using (but should). From Back Tap or gesture shortcuts that let you snap screenshots instantly, to Focus Modes that filter notifications without missing the important ones, these small touches add up to big convenience. You’ll also discover tools like Live Text/Google Lens for instant copy-and-translate, Wi-Fi Calling for clear connections in low-signal areas, and Emergency SOS for peace of mind.

Add in clever extras such as custom vibrations, Do Not Disturb exceptions, and faster file sharing with AirDrop/Quick Share, and you’ll see your phone in a whole new light—an everyday device with untapped potential waiting to be unlocked.

Back Tap / Gesture Shortcuts

Map quick actions to a double or triple tap (iPhone) or edge/gesture shortcuts (Android). Ideal for screenshots, torch, or launching the camera without menu-diving.

Focus Modes / Do Not Disturb

Create profiles for work, driving, or sleep. Silence the noise while allowing VIP contacts and critical apps through. Schedule them or trigger by location.

Live Text (iPhone) / Google Lens (Android)

Point the camera at signs, documents, or menus to copy, translate, or search instantly. Perfect for Wi-Fi passwords on the fridge or ingredients on a packet.

One-Handed Mode

Shrink the interface so your thumb can reach everything. Helpful on larger phones or while juggling coffee and race programmes.

Magnifier & Accessibility Shortcuts

Turn your phone into a loupe with adjustable zoom, contrast, and torch. Add it to the side-button triple-click (iPhone) or accessibility menu (Android) for instant access.

Emergency SOS & Medical Info

Set up rapid emergency calling and share medical details from the lock screen. Configure trusted contacts and test the sequence so you know it before you need it.

Wi-Fi Calling & Call Filtering

Make clear calls in coverage black spots using your home or office Wi-Fi. Pair with built-in spam filtering/silence unknown callers to keep interruptions down.

Custom Vibration & Ringtones

Assign unique patterns to family or key clients so you can “read” your phone from a pocket. Subtle, practical, and brilliant in meetings or noisy venues.

Do Not Disturb Exceptions & Notification Summaries

Let alarms, calendar alerts, or a chosen app break through quiet hours. Bundle the rest into scheduled summaries so notifications arrive when you’re ready.

Quick Sharing: AirDrop / Quick Share / Nearby Share

Send photos, files, and links to nearby devices without cables, compression, or email faff. Rename your device sensibly and limit discoverability for privacy.

Text Replacement & Clipboard Tools

Create short codes that expand into frequent phrases (addresses, replies, URLs). Use the built-in clipboard history (many Android models) to paste previous items.

QR Scanning from the Camera

Open the camera and point—no separate app required. Great for menus, tickets, and payments. Add a Control Centre/Quick Settings tile for torch + scan in one motion.

Files App / File Manager

Browse downloads, cloud folders, and attachments in one place. Tag important documents, and share as links instead of bulky email attachments.

Battery Optimisation & Optimised/Adaptive Charging

Enable features that learn your routine and reduce time spent at 100%. Review per-app battery use to spot hogs and rein them in.

Safety Check / Permission Review

Regularly audit which apps can access location, microphone, camera, photos, and contacts. Revoke what you don’t need; your battery and privacy will thank you.

Unlock More from the Phone You Already Own

Small tweaks make a big difference. Turn on the right features, set sensible notification rules, and use trusted accessories—and your handset suddenly feels smarter, calmer, and quicker. If you’d like help tailoring shortcuts, Focus Modes, or safety settings to your routine, Phone Repair NZ can give your device a tidy tune-up and recommend quality screen protectors and chargers that preserve clarity and touch sensitivity. Make an informed choice today, enjoy a smoother everyday experience tomorrow, and let your phone work a little harder—so you don’t have to. For friendly guidance or a quick check-up, contact Phone Repair NZ.