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Your iPhone Lock Button is Hiding a Secret Feature

iPhone lock button can do more than just turn your phone off

by William Linden

The iPhone lock button, also known as the power button or sleep/wake button, is an incredibly versatile tool that offers more functionality than meets the eye. While its primary purpose is to switch the device on and off and lock the screen, it has the potential to do so much more with just a few simple settings.

Unlocking the full potential of the iPhone lock button is a quick and easy process. By enabling a single setting, you can expand its capabilities and use it to perform a wide range of tasks. Among these functions, you can activate your smartphone’s zoom feature, allowing you to magnify the screen for better visibility. Additionally, you can utilize Voice Control, which enables you to navigate your iPhone using voice commands alone. These examples represent just a fraction of the more than 15 different functions that can be mapped to the lock button.

One of the hidden features that enhances the functionality of the lock button is called Accessibility Shortcut. Once activated, this feature can be triggered by performing a triple-click on the iPhone’s lock button. It serves as a convenient shortcut to various accessibility options, making it easier for users with specific needs to customize their iPhone experience. Accessibility Shortcut is just one of the many hidden features that Apple has incorporated into its iPhones, and becoming familiar with these features can greatly enhance your overall smartphone experience.

If you’re unsure about how to access the Accessibility Shortcut setting, fear not, as we’re here to guide you through the process. Below, you’ll find a simple step-by-step guide that will assist you in enabling this incredibly useful hidden feature on your iPhone. Additionally, be sure to explore our iOS 17 guide to discover all the exciting new features that await you on your Apple smartphone.

By leveraging the capabilities of the iPhone lock button and uncovering hidden features like Accessibility Shortcut, you can make the most out of your Apple device and enjoy a more personalized and efficient user experience.

How to turn on Accessibility Shortcut on iPhone

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll down to Accessibility
  3. Select Accessibility Shortcut
  4. Choose your desired feature(s)
  5. Triple-click the lock button to activate

Read on to see detailed instructions for each step.


1. Open Settings

From your iPhone home screen, open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down to Accessibility

Within the Settings menu, scroll down to Accessibility. It’s located in the third block of submenus

3. Select Accessibility Shortcut

In the Accessibility submenu, select Accessibility Shortcut. You will find this option right down at the bottom so you’ll need to scroll down first.

4. Choose your desired feature(s)

(Image: © Tom’s Guide)

Choose your desired accessibility feature that will activate when you triple-click your iPhone’s lock button. You’ll know when an accessibility feature has been selected as a small blue tick will appear to the right. You can select multiple features at this stage.

5. Triple-click the lock button to activate

(Image: © Tom’s Guide)

Now just triple-click the lock button to activate your selected feature. If you opted to enable multiple accessibility features, a small pop-up menu will appear where you can select which feature you want to use.

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