Modern smartphones can do much more than make calls, send messages, and browse social media. Many useful features are hidden inside menus or are not widely advertised, which means you may be using only a small part of what your phone can actually do.
Whether you use an Android phone or an iPhone, discovering these features can make your device more convenient and productive. Here are 10 useful smartphone features you should know about in 2026.
1. Use Your Phone as a Document Scanner
You don’t always need a dedicated scanner to create a digital copy of a document.
Modern smartphones can scan documents using their camera and built-in or third-party scanning features. You can capture a receipt, contract, handwritten note, or other document and save it digitally.
Some scanning tools can automatically detect the edges of the page, correct perspective, and improve readability.
Why it’s useful: It can save time when you need to quickly digitize paperwork.
2. Search Your Phone With Spotlight or Device Search
If you have hundreds of photos, applications, contacts, or files, finding something manually can be frustrating.
Both Android and iPhone devices provide powerful search functions. You can search for an application, contact, message, file, setting, or other information directly from your phone.
Instead of scrolling through multiple screens, simply search for what you need.
3. Use Split-Screen Apps on Android
Many Android phones support split-screen multitasking.
You can use two compatible applications at the same time—for example, watching a video while taking notes or reading a webpage while writing information in another app.
The exact steps vary between Android manufacturers, but the feature can be extremely useful on larger screens.
4. Back Tap Shortcuts on iPhone
Some iPhones support a feature called Back Tap. It allows you to perform certain actions by tapping the back of the device two or three times.
Depending on your settings, you can use it for actions such as taking a screenshot, opening an accessibility feature, or running a shortcut.
You can find the option under the iPhone’s accessibility settings on supported models.
Why it’s useful: It gives you a quick shortcut without navigating through menus.
5. Use Your Phone as a Personal Hotspot
If your laptop or tablet doesn’t have an internet connection, your smartphone may be able to share its mobile data.
The personal hotspot feature turns your phone into a temporary Wi-Fi connection for other devices.
This can be particularly useful when traveling or working somewhere without reliable Wi-Fi.
6. Find Your Phone Even When It’s Lost
Both Android and iPhone devices offer tools that can help you locate a misplaced phone.
Depending on the device and settings, you may be able to view its location, play a sound, lock it, or take other security actions from another device.
Setting this feature up before your phone goes missing is important.
7. Turn on One-Handed Mode
Large smartphone displays are excellent for watching videos and browsing websites, but they can sometimes be difficult to operate with one hand.
Many Android phones offer a one-handed mode that reduces or shifts the usable screen area. iPhones also provide accessibility options that can make certain parts of the screen easier to reach.
This is especially helpful when you’re walking or carrying something in your other hand.
8. Use Your Camera to Recognize Information
Your smartphone camera can do more than take photographs.
Modern camera and visual-search features can recognize text, objects, places, products, and other information. You may be able to copy text from an image, translate writing, or search for something you see.
This can be useful when dealing with signs, documents, menus, or unfamiliar objects.
9. Customize Quick Settings
Many users never change their phone’s quick settings, even though these shortcuts can make everyday tasks much faster.
You can often customize the quick settings panel to include features you frequently use, such as screen recording, hotspot, flashlight, battery saver, or other controls.
Moving frequently used settings closer to your fingertips can save time.
10. Use Voice Commands
Voice assistants can perform many simple tasks without requiring you to touch the screen.
You can use voice commands to set reminders, send messages, create calendar events, search for information, control compatible devices, or perform other actions.
Voice features are particularly useful when you’re driving, cooking, exercising, or otherwise unable to use your phone normally.
Bonus Tip: Check Your Accessibility Settings
Don’t ignore the accessibility section of your smartphone’s settings. These menus contain useful features that can benefit everyone—not just people with disabilities.
You may find options for larger text, magnification, captions, voice controls, sound recognition, touch adjustments, and other helpful tools.
Some of these features can make everyday smartphone use much easier.
Final Thoughts
Smartphones are packed with features that many people never discover. From document scanning and split-screen multitasking to Back Tap, visual recognition, voice commands, and phone-finding tools, these hidden features can make your device more useful.
Take a few minutes to explore your phone’s settings and search for features you haven’t tried before. You may discover that your smartphone can do far more than you expected.