What Is Back Tap on iPhone?
Back Tap is a built-in iPhone accessibility feature that lets you trigger any action by tapping the back of your phone two or three times. You can assign a different action to a double tap and a triple tap — options include the flashlight, screenshot, scroll, lock screen, Siri, and any shortcut. To set it up, go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
Where Is Back Tap on iPhone?
Back Tap lives inside the Accessibility settings, which is why most people never find it. It is not a new feature — it has been on iPhone since iOS 14 — but it is one of the most useful things buried in Settings.
In this J's Tech Corner video, I show you the exact path to find it and how to assign your first action in under a minute.
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How to Set Up Back Tap on iPhone (Step by Step)
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap Accessibility, then tap Touch. Scroll down to the bottom of the Touch screen and tap Back Tap.
You will see two options: Double Tap and Triple Tap. Tap either one to open the list of available actions. The list is long — it includes system actions like Flashlight, Screenshot, Lock Screen, Mute, Siri, Scroll Up, Scroll Down, and Notification Center, as well as any Shortcuts you have set up.
Select the action you want, then go back and set up the other tap option if you want. There is no Save button — your selection is saved automatically.
Now give it a try: double tap (or triple tap) on the back of your iPhone with your finger and your action fires.
I set mine to the flashlight. It works even when your phone is locked.
What Can You Assign to Back Tap?
Back Tap supports a wide range of actions. System options include: Flashlight, Screenshot, Lock Screen, Mute, Scroll Up, Scroll Down, Zoom, Siri, Spotlight Search, Notification Center, Control Center, and more. You can also assign any Shortcut from the Shortcuts app, which makes Back Tap one of the most flexible features on iPhone — you can set it to open an app, run an automation, or trigger almost any action on your phone.
Double Tap and Triple Tap are independent, so you can have two completely different actions assigned at once.
Does Back Tap Work Through a Phone Case?
Back Tap works through most phone cases, though very thick or heavy cases may reduce sensitivity. If it is not triggering reliably, try removing your case and testing first — if it works without the case, the case may be interfering.
More Tips from J's Tech Corner
J's Tech Corner is a tip series from NorthWoods Wireless — your local cell phone dealer near me serving Suring WI and Oconto County. If you want help finding and setting up features on your iPhone, stop in and we will walk you through it.
Find more tips on our YouTube channel or visit nthwds.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Back Tap work on all iPhones? Back Tap is available on iPhone 8 and later, running iOS 14 or later. If your iPhone model or iOS version is older than that, Back Tap may not be available.
Will Back Tap trigger by accident if I set my phone on the table? It is designed to recognize intentional taps, so accidental triggers are uncommon. If you find it firing when you do not intend it to, you can go back to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap and set it to None.
Can I set Back Tap to open an app? Yes — select a Shortcut in the Back Tap action list. In the Shortcuts app, create a shortcut that opens any app, then it will appear as an option. This is one of the more creative ways to use Back Tap.
Where can I find a cell phone store near me open to get help with my iPhone? NorthWoods Wireless is located at 827 E Main St., Suring WI and is open Monday through Friday 9–5 and Saturday 9–12. We are a Cellcom authorized cell phone dealer serving Oconto County and the surrounding Northwoods Wisconsin area.
Questions? Stop in or call (920) 590-1110 — we're happy to help.
