Use Back Tap Gestures to Trigger Shortcuts on iPhone (iOS 18 Guide)

 Back Tap is one of iOS 18’s hidden gems—it lets you double-tap or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to perform actions instantly, like opening Camera, taking a Screenshot, or running any Shortcut. Here’s how to enable and customize Back Tap for faster, hands-free control.

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1. Enable Back Tap in Accessibility Settings

Back Tap lives under the Accessibility section.
To turn it on:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch.

2. Scroll to the bottom and tap Back Tap.

3. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.

4. Pick the action you want (e.g., Screenshot, Mute, Control Center, or Camera).

You can assign two different actions—one for double-tap and one for triple-tap.

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2. Assign Useful System Actions

Common built-in options include:

• Screenshot → for quick captures.

• App Switcher → for multitasking.

• Lock Screen → when the Side button is hard to reach.

• Volume Down / Up → ideal if physical buttons are worn.

• Mute / Control Center → one-tap access to daily functions.

Select any of these from the Back Tap menu. The changes apply immediately—no restart needed.

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3. Trigger iPhone Shortcuts with Back Tap

The real power of Back Tap is automation.
You can run any Shortcut you’ve built in the Shortcuts app:

1. Open the Shortcuts app → tap + to create a new shortcut.

2. Add your desired actions (for example: Turn on Low Power Mode, Open YouTube, or Run Google Maps Directions).

3. Name your shortcut (e.g., “Navigate Home”).

4. Go back to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.

5. Choose your shortcut from the list.

Now, each tap on the back of your iPhone runs your automation instantly.

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4. Fine-Tune Sensitivity and Testing

Back Tap works best on bare phones or thin cases.
If it misses taps:

• Remove heavy or rugged cases.

• Tap near the Apple logo for best accuracy.

• Restart iPhone once after setup for calibration.

There’s no manual sensitivity control, but iOS 18 automatically adjusts recognition based on your tap strength.

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5. Disable or Change Back Tap Quickly

If you trigger actions accidentally:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.

2. Select None for either Double Tap or Triple Tap.

3. Or reassign them to less frequent actions (e.g., App Switcher instead of Screenshot).

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OnePlus Tip 💡

For power users, combine Back Tap with automation triggers like Focus Modes or Shortcuts.
Example: set Double Tap → Run Shortcut → Enable Do Not Disturb, and Triple Tap → Run Shortcut → Open Maps.
It’s the simplest way to turn your iPhone into a smart control hub—no extra apps or accessories needed.