Hidden Features And Safety Tips For Used IPhones

Selling or passing on your old iPhone? Don't forget to protect your privacy! Many people forget to fully erase data or use hidden features properly, leading to risks like hacked accounts or stolen information. Here's a simple guide to unlocking cool tricks and staying safe with a used iPhone.

 

Part 1: Protect Your Privacy & Hide Data

 

Hide Apps Like a Pro

Hide apps from the Home Screen: Press and hold an app icon, tap Remove App, then choose Remove from Home Screen. The app stays in your App Library but disappears from view.

Lock hidden apps: In the App Library, scroll to the bottom and tap the Hidden folder. You'll need Face ID to open it!

Important: Before selling your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. This wipes all data, including saved accounts (like Apple ID, PayPal, etc.).

 

Lock Private Photos & Files

Hide photos: Select photos in your gallery, tap the share button (📤), and choose Hide. Then go to Settings > Photos and turn off Hidden Album to make them invisible.

Lock notes: Use the Notes app to scan important documents (like IDs). Tap the lock icon on a note to protect it with a password or Face ID.

 

Stop Apps from Spying

Check which apps track you: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report to see what apps are accessing your camera, location, etc.

Turn off Precise Location for apps that don't need it (like weather apps). They'll only see your general area.

 

Part 2: Cool Hidden Features You'll Love

 

Time-Saving Shortcuts

Double-tap to screenshot: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Set it to take a screenshot when you tap the back of your iPhone twice.

Scientific calculator: Turn your phone sideways in the Calculator app-it turns into a science calculator with advanced math tools!

Full-page screenshots: Take a screenshot in Safari, then tap Full Page to save the entire webpage as a PDF.

 

Audio & Recording Tricks

Live Listen: Add the Hearing button to Control Center. Connect AirPods, and your iPhone can act like a microphone to listen to distant sounds (great for lectures or monitoring a room).

Record your voice with screen recordings: Hold the screen record button, turn on the microphone, and record your voice while capturing the screen.

 

Make Your iPhone Easier to Use

One-handed keyboard: Press and hold the 🌐 icon on the keyboard. Choose a left or right side mini-keyboard for easier typing.

Hide home screen pages: Press and hold the Home Screen, tap the dots at the bottom, and uncheck pages you don't use daily.

 

Part 3: Selling Your iPhone? Do This First!

 

Wipe Everything Completely

Sign out of Apple ID, iCloud, and apps like banking or social media.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

Don't just delete apps or photos-use the official erase tool!

 

Double-Check Safety

Make sure Find My iPhone is turned off. If it's still on, the new owner can't use the phone.

Restart the iPhone after erasing to confirm no accounts are logged in.

 

Choose a Safe Selling Platform

Use platforms that check if data is fully erased (some sites might skip this step!).

Keep proof of sale (screenshots, emails) in case of problems.

 

Final Tips

Used iPhones are great, but safety comes first! Always erase data properly to avoid stories like "someone lost money because they didn't unlink their account." For more details, check these sources: Source 1, Source 2.

 

Enjoy your iPhone's hidden tricks, and stay safe!