How to enable and use Back Tap on iPhone

Want a faster way to open your camera, turn on the flashlight, or launch your favorite app—just by tapping the back of your iPhone®? That’s what Back Tap is for.

At Asurion, we help people take advantage of the features that make their tech easier to use. Whether you're exploring iOS® accessibility tools or just want quicker access to your daily apps, here’s how to enable and use Back Tap on iPhone.

What is Back Tap on iPhone?

Back Tap is a feature that lets you double- or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to trigger actions. You can use it to:

• Open Control Center.
• Launch your camera.
• Take a screenshot.
• Turn on the flashlight.
• Run a Shortcut.
• Enable accessibility tools like VoiceOver or Magnifier.

It’s part of Apple’s accessibility settings but helpful for anyone who wants a faster way to use their iPhone.

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Which iPhones support Back Tap?

Back Tap works on iPhone 8 and newer running iOS® 14 or later.

How to enable Back Tap on iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Accessibility.
3. Select Touch.
4. Scroll down and tap Back Tap.
5. Choose either Double Tap or Triple Tap.
6. Pick the action you want to assign from the list.

Now when you tap the back of your iPhone, it will perform the action you selected.

How to use Back Tap for Shortcuts

You can assign custom Shortcuts to Back Tap for even more control.

1. Create a Shortcut in the Shortcuts app.
2. Go back to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
3. Select a tap type and scroll to the Shortcuts section.
4. Choose your custom Shortcut.

You can use this to launch apps, send a quick message, or start a routine with a simple tap.

Can you use Back Tap with a case?

Yes. Most slim and standard iPhone cases don’t affect Back Tap. If you’re using a thick or rugged case, you may need to tap more firmly or adjust your tapping style.

How to turn off Back Tap

If this is a feature you prefer not to use, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and change both Double Tap and Triple Tap to None.