How to use Back Tap on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Back Tap turns the back of the iPhone into a hidden button. Two or three firm taps can take a screenshot, switch the torch on, open the camera or run a shortcut. It works through most cases.

Step by step

1. 

   Open Settings and tap Accessibility

   Accessibility is near the top of the Settings list.

   Done

2. Tap Touch

   It is under Physical and Motor.

   Done

3. Scroll down and tap Back Tap

   It is at the bottom of the Touch page.

   Done

4. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap

   You can set a different action for each.

   Done

5. Pick an action

   System actions include Screenshot, Torch, Lock Screen, Mute and Control Centre. Further down are accessibility features and any shortcuts you have made in the Shortcuts app.

   Done

Good to know

Tap firmly near the middle of the back. Gentle taps are ignored on purpose.

If it triggers by accident in your pocket or on a table, use Triple Tap or switch it off.

With a shortcut you can do almost anything, for example open a specific app or start a timer.

It works on iPhone 8 and later.

In short: Settings, Accessibility, Touch, Back Tap, choose an action.