I'm an iPhone Nerd: Here Are 12 Secret Features That Are Wildly Helpful
By Ben F. | 01/16/2025
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Last updated July 17, 2025
I've spent more hours than I'd like to admit testing every new iOS update.
You'd be shocked at how many powerful hidden features there are in every iPhone.
For example, did you know you can block webpage ads before they even load? (Details are below).
Here are 12 game-changing features that have changed how I use my phone day to day.
1. Time saving tips to set and forget
Use text shortcuts for repetitive info: Set shortcuts like @@ or addr that instantly expand into your full email, address, or phone number. Huge time saver if you fill out forms a lot.
Turn the back of your phone into a button: Double-tap or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to take screenshots, open apps, or run shortcuts without touching the screen.
Swipe the Home Screen dots: Instead of swiping page by page, drag across the dots at the bottom to jump through Home Screens fast.
2. Use your iPhone to block ads
If you’re still browsing the internet without an ad blocker, you’re working way harder than you need to.
A good ad blocker quietly removes most of the junk you deal with every day - banner ads, pop-ups, autoplay videos, and those endless YouTube interruptions that somehow always hit at the worst moment.
Once it’s installed, it just runs in the background. Pages load faster, sites feel cleaner, and you’re not constantly being tracked by random ad pixels following you around the internet.
Most people I know use something like Total Adblock. It’s cheap, takes about a minute to set up, and you immediately forget it’s there - except everything suddenly works better.
If you spend any real amount of time online, this is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner” fixes.
Get Total Adblock here
3. Quick iPhone settings tricks you'll use everyday
Set call-back reminders: Swipe left on a missed call to set a reminder so it doesn’t disappear into your brain forever.
Reduce sudden loud sounds: Your iPhone can limit volume spikes while keeping quieter audio clear.
Use the timer slider: Adjust timers directly from Control Center without opening the Clock app.
4. Use this site to compare auto insurance quotes for free
Believe it or not, the average American family still overspends by $461/year on car insurance.
(Sometimes it’s significantly more: I saved $1,300/year when I switched)
Here’s how to quickly see how much you’re being overcharged (takes maybe a couple of minutes):
Pull up StopOverpaying.org – it’s a free site that will compare prices for you
Answer the questions on the page
It’ll spit out a bunch of insurance options for you
That’s literally it. You’ll likely save yourself a bunch of money.
Here’s a link to StopOverpaying.org
5. Learn how to tap into your equity
If you own your home but are low on funds, you might want to look into a HELOC (home equity line of credit). Instead of borrowing from your bank, you can essentially borrow from yourself (by tapping into your home's equity).
They may have lower interest rates and more flexible terms that a typical loan would.
Here’s a free page you can use to see how much you could access: link.
6. Automation features that sound complicated (but aren’t)
Shortcuts app basics: Use pre-made shortcuts to send messages, open apps, turn on low power mode, or run daily routines with one tap.
Home Screen shortcuts: Add shortcuts directly to your Home Screen like regular apps.
Back Tap + Shortcuts combo: Assign a shortcut to Back Tap and suddenly your phone does things automatically.
7. Get a free quote for roof replacement online
Roof issues are one of those things most homeowners put off - usually because the timing never feels right and the cost is hard to predict. It’s easy to tell yourself it can wait another season.
The problem is that small roof issues don’t really stay small. Leaks, moisture, mold, and even pest damage tend to show up later, when repairs are more expensive and harder to deal with.
There’s now a simple way to get a better sense of your options without committing to anything.
This site connects homeowners with local roofing contractors so you can see what repairs or replacements might actually cost in your area.
You just enter your ZIP code and review available services near you - useful if you want to avoid surprises down the line.
Check local roof services here
8. Find a financial advisor
Most people don’t have one, and it’s typically a huge mistake.
Sure, you can manage things on your own if you want to, but most people don’t have the time to actually do things right. There are huge benefits to having somebody pay attention to your money all the time.
People with financial advisors tend to beat the market by ~3%/year (according to a 2019 Vanguard Study). That can make a huge difference over time.
But more important: a good advisor will handle ALL of the annoying retirement stuff & bizarro tax implications you would have never thought of
If you don’t know a financial advisor personally, and you have $500k+ in assets, use a comparison site (like FinanceAdvisors.com) and find somebody near you that has good reviews.
9. Camera & photo tricks that make your iPhone way more powerful
Lock focus and exposure: Press and hold on a subject in the Camera app to stop the lighting from constantly changing mid-shot.
Blur faces without extra apps: Use the built-in photo editor to blur faces or sensitive info before sharing.
Access hidden camera controls: Swipe up in the Camera app to quickly adjust exposure, filters, aspect ratio, and more.
10. See if this company will pay off your credit card debt for you
If you’ve got $10k+ in unsecured debt (think credit cards, medical bills, etc), you could use a debt relief program and potentially reduce it by around 23% (on average).
Here’s how to quickly see if you qualify for debt relief:
Head to National Debt Relief’s site here
Answer the questions on the page
They’ll give you an estimate on how much they could save you.
Simple as that. You’ll likely end up paying less than you owed and could be debt free in 24-48 months.
Here’s a link to National Debt Relief
11. Sign-up and get restaurant and meal delivery discounts
If you’re over 50 and not an AARP member, you may be missing out on discounts and benefits that are easy to use.
They offer discounts on a ton of stuff - dining, travel, gas, groceries, entertainment, etc. So if you like saving money (who doesn’t?), it’s worth checking out.
Membership is ~$16/year, but if you make the most of their offers, it pretty much pays for itself.
Plus, they have some solid resources and tools that can come in handy for things like managing finances or planning for the future.
Not saying it’s for everyone, but if you like getting a good deal, it might be worth a look.
Head to their site here
12. See if you can pay less for home insurance
Switching home/renter’s insurance will often save you more than switching auto policies (I’ve heard of people saving $1k per year by switching).
Here’s the insurance comparison site I typically use.
13. Turn your browsing time into cash
If you already spend a lot of time on your iPhone, there are a couple of ways it can quietly make you some extra money.
Sounds nuts, obviously, but skill-based cash games have been around on iOS for years.
One example is Solitaire Cash, which lets you play quick, head-to-head solitaire matches against another real person. Whoever finishes their deck faster wins the cash. Each game only takes a couple of minutes, and if you’re actually good at it, the payouts can add up more than you’d expect.
Download the game here.
Another option is using your iPhone to test new games. Apps like Freecash pay users to download and play iOS games, hit certain milestones, and give basic feedback.
Some offers are small, others pay quite a bit more - it really depends on the game and how much time you put in. Sign-up here.
You’re not going to quit your job over this, but these are a couple of ways your iPhone can do more than just burn time.
LendingTree
- Tap into your home equity for quick access to cash
- Get lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms
- Use it like a credit card (for anything you want/need)
