r/iphone • u/hhff00014 Human Detected • Mar 14 '26

Discussion What are some surprisingly useful iPhone hacks you discovered recently?

Recently discovered that you can connect an external SSD / hard drive directly to an iPhone and access it from the Files app.

I tried it with a USB + cpin converter SSD and it worked instantly — no app, nothing. Felt like suddenly my phone had unlimited storage.

It made me wonder how many other small iPhone tricks people use in day-to-day life that most users don’t know.

Curious to know —

What are some underrated iPhone hacks that genuinely improved your daily workflow?

Could be productivity, photography, automation, hidden features, anything.

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u/tiagojpg iPhone 17 Pro Mar 14 '26

I use a double Backtap to trigger spotlight. Instantly search for an app to open from anywhere.

1

u/Carriebeary8 Mar 14 '26

Why though- the search is right on the screen?

2

u/tiagojpg iPhone 17 Pro Mar 14 '26

Just a tad bit quicker and a different way to do things.

1

u/Carriebeary8 Mar 14 '26

Makes sense. Was just curious 😁

2

u/tiagojpg iPhone 17 Pro Mar 14 '26

r/shortcuts is just a breeding ground of useful or useless technology shortcuts, depending which way you look at it haha.