Unlock the Secret Button: How to Build Custom iPhone Back Tap Automations | Tech Info

Have you ever wished your iPhone had a physical "magic button" that you could program to do absolutely anything? Maybe you want to instantly mute your phone, turn on your smart living room lights, or start recording a voice memo without digging through a dozen menus. Well, guess what? Your iPhone already has this button—you just didn't know it was there!

It’s called Back Tap, and it is easily one of iOS’s best-kept secrets. By physically tapping the back of your iPhone, you can trigger a wide array of system functions. But today, we are going to supercharge this feature by linking it with the Apple Shortcuts app to build truly custom automation routines. Let's dive in and unlock your iPhone's hidden superpower!

Photo by FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫ on Pexels

Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels

What Exactly is Back Tap?

Back Tap is an iOS accessibility feature that detects vibration when you tap the back of your phone. Your iPhone can distinguish between a Double Tap and a Triple Tap, giving you two distinct, highly customizable physical triggers. While Apple offers default actions like taking a screenshot or opening the Control Center, the real fun begins when we link these taps to custom Shortcuts.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Custom Back Tap Automations

To get started, we need to create a custom shortcut first, and then assign it to your Back Tap. Here is how you do it, step-by-step:

Step 1: Create Your Custom Shortcut

First, we need to design the action we want to trigger. For this example, let's build a "Heading Home" routine that texts a loved one your ETA and starts your favorite driving playlist.

• Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
• Tap the + icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
• Tap Add Action.
• Search for "Get Travel Time" and configure it from your current location to your home address.
• Tap the search bar at the bottom again, find "Send Message", and write something like: "Heading home! I'll be there in [Travel Time]." Select your recipient.
• Search for "Play Music" (or your preferred music app action) and select your favorite playlist.
• Name your shortcut something easy to remember, like "Heading Home," and tap Done.

Step 2: Map the Shortcut to Back Tap

Now that your custom shortcut is built, it's time to link it to the physical tap on your phone.

• Open your iPhone's Settings app.
• Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
• Under the "Physical and Motor" section, tap on Touch.
• Scroll all the way to the bottom and select Back Tap.
• Choose either Double Tap or Triple Tap (we recommend Triple Tap for custom routines to prevent accidental triggers).
• Scroll down past the system commands to the "Shortcuts" section, and select your newly created "Heading Home" shortcut.

And that is it! Put your phone in your hand, triple-tap the back with your index finger, and watch your automated routine run flawlessly without you even touching the screen.

Creative Ideas for Your Back Tap Routines

The beauty of this feature is that your imagination is the only limit. Here are a few clever automation routines you can set up today:

• The Coffee Shop Helper: Set a Double Tap to instantly open your favorite loyalty app (like Starbucks) and max out your screen brightness so the barista can scan your barcode easily.
• Quick Voice Memo: Set a Triple Tap to immediately start recording a voice memo when you have a fleeting, brilliant idea while on the go.
• Shazam on Demand: Instantly identify any song playing in your environment by mapping the Shazam shortcut to a quick tap.
• Smart Home Lockdown: Double-tap your phone before bed to turn off all your HomeKit-compatible smart lights and lock the front door.

Quick Tips for Back Tap Success

To make sure you get the absolute most out of this hidden iOS feature, keep these quick tips in mind:

• Mind Your Case: Back Tap works by using your iPhone’s internal accelerometer to detect vibrations. If you have an exceptionally thick, heavy-duty armored case, you might need to tap a little firmer than usual.
• Avoid Accidental Triggers: If you find yourself triggering the Double Tap by simply putting your phone down on a table, switch your custom routine to the Triple Tap option instead. It is much harder to trigger three rapid taps by accident!
• Enable 'Allow Running When Locked': For shortcuts that retrieve data or control smart home devices, make sure your shortcut settings allow them to run even when your phone screen is locked.
• Tap Near the Apple Logo: The sweet spot for registering taps is usually right in the center of the phone's back, right around the Apple logo.

With just a few minutes of setup, you can turn the back of your iPhone into a powerful, invisible control pad. Give it a try, experiment with different Shortcuts, and enjoy your new, highly automated lifestyle!