Back Tap lets a supported iPhone run an action when you double-tap or triple-tap the back of the phone. It can take a screenshot, open Control Center, lock the screen, scroll, trigger accessibility tools, or run a Shortcut.
Back Tap works on iPhone 8 and later with iOS 14 or newer. It is not available on older models such as iPhone 7 or first-generation iPhone SE.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want a faster physical gesture for common actions without adding another Home Screen button.
Turn On Back Tap
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Tap Touch.
- Scroll down and choose Back Tap.
- Tap Double Tap.
- Choose an action such as Screenshot, Control Center, Home, Lock Screen, Mute, Notification Center, Scroll Up, Scroll Down, or a Shortcut.
- Test by tapping twice near the center of the back of the iPhone.
Set a Triple Tap Action
- Return to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Tap Triple Tap.
- Choose a different action from Double Tap.
- Test with three deliberate taps on the back panel.
Back Tap Tips
Use Shortcuts
Any Shortcut you have created can appear in the Back Tap list. This lets a tap send a preset message, start a timer, toggle a smart-home scene, or open a specific workflow.
Tap Placement
A firm tap near the center of the back works better than a light edge tap. Back Tap uses motion sensing, not pressure sensitivity.
Cases Can Interfere
Thick or rugged cases can dampen the tap enough that the iPhone misses it. Test without the case if Back Tap is inconsistent.
Choose Distinct Actions
Put your most common action on Double Tap and something less frequent on Triple Tap so you do not trigger the wrong one by habit.
Sources
- Apple Support: Set up Back Tap on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use accessibility features in Shortcuts on iPhone
- Apple Support: Create shortcuts with the Shortcuts app on iPhone