Turning off the back tap feature on an iPhone is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Navigate to the Settings app, select Accessibility, then Touch, and scroll down to Back Tap. Here you can choose to turn off the feature by selecting ‘Off’ for both Double Tap and Triple Tap.
After completing this action, the back tap gestures you previously set up will no longer function. This means that you won’t be able to accidentally trigger any shortcuts or features by tapping the back of your iPhone.
You can also watch this video about how to turn off back tap on iPhone for more on this subject.
Introduction
Back tap is a nifty feature that Apple introduced with iOS 14, allowing users to perform certain actions by double or triple tapping on the back of their iPhone. It’s a convenient shortcut for taking screenshots, launching apps, or even triggering accessibility features. But what if you find yourself accidentally activating it or just not needing it anymore? Maybe you’ve got a case that doesn’t play well with back tap, or you simply prefer the old-fashioned way of doing things.
If that’s the case, turning off back tap on your iPhone might just be the solution you’re looking for. It’s a quick and easy process that can save you from unwanted frustration. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned Apple aficionado, this guide is relevant to anyone looking to customize their iPhone experience.
Related: How to Disable the iPhone 14 Lock Sound
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Turn Off Back Tap on iPhone
Before we get into the steps, it’s important to note that turning off the back tap feature will not affect the overall functionality of your iPhone. It will simply disable the ability to perform actions by tapping the back of your phone.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Select the Settings app on your iPhone home screen to begin the process.
The Settings app is your gateway to customizing your iPhone. It’s where you can tweak everything from your wallpaper to your privacy settings.
Step 2: Scroll to Accessibility
In the Settings menu, scroll down and select the Accessibility option.
Accessibility features on the iPhone are designed to help users with disabilities, but they also include useful shortcuts like back tap for all users.
Step 3: Select Touch
Under Accessibility, you’ll find the Touch option. Tap on it to proceed.
The Touch settings control how your iPhone responds to your touch. This includes everything from touch accommodations to the back tap feature.
Step 4: Scroll Down to Back Tap
Once in the Touch settings, scroll down until you see the Back Tap option. Select it to view the back tap settings.
The Back Tap option is usually near the bottom of the Touch settings, so you might need to scroll a bit to find it.
Step 5: Turn Off Double Tap and Triple Tap
You will see two options: Double Tap and Triple Tap. Tap on each one and set them to ‘Off’ to disable the back tap feature.
Each option corresponds to the number of taps on the back of your iPhone. You can choose to disable one or both, depending on your preference.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prevents Accidental Triggers | Turning off back tap can prevent accidental triggers, which can be annoying and disruptive. |
| Saves Battery Life | Although minimal, disabling back tap can save a bit of battery life as it’s one less sensor feature running in the background. |
| Reduces Wear and Tear | Continually tapping the back of your phone could potentially lead to wear and tear over time, so turning off the feature could preserve your phone’s condition. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Less Convenience | Disabling back tap means losing a quick and convenient way to perform actions on your iPhone without having to navigate through menus. |
| Might Forget it Exists | If you turn off back tap and forget about it, you could be missing out on a useful feature that could enhance your iPhone experience. |
| Reduced Accessibility | For users who rely on back tap for accessibility purposes, turning it off could make their device less user-friendly and harder to navigate. |
Video About Turning Off iPhone Back Tap
Additional Information
While turning off back tap on your iPhone is a straightforward process, it’s worth noting that this feature can be customized to a wide array of actions, from opening the Control Center to muting your phone. So before you decide to turn it off completely, consider exploring the different actions you can assign to double and triple taps to see if there’s a combo that works for you. Additionally, if you have a protective case on your iPhone, it might interfere with the back tap’s sensitivity, so turning it off could be more practical. Remember, iOS is all about personalizing your user experience, and the beauty of back tap is that it’s entirely optional.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select Accessibility.
- Choose Touch under Accessibility.
- Scroll to find and select Back Tap.
- Set Double Tap and Triple Tap to ‘Off’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the back tap feature on iPhone?
Back tap is a feature introduced in iOS 14 that allows you to perform specific actions by double or triple tapping the back of your iPhone.
Can I customize the back tap actions?
Yes, you can customize back tap actions to a variety of shortcuts and features within the Back Tap settings in the Touch menu under Accessibility.
Will turning off back tap affect other touch settings?
No, turning off back tap will only disable the back tap feature and won’t affect other touch settings on your iPhone.
Can I turn back tap on again after disabling it?
Absolutely! You can re-enable back tap at any time by following the same steps and choosing actions for Double Tap and Triple Tap.
Is back tap available on all iPhone models?
Back tap is available on iPhone 8 and later models running iOS 14 or newer.
Conclusion
In essence, knowing how to turn off back tap on your iPhone is just one piece of the customization puzzle that iOS offers. Whether you find the feature helpful or hindering, it’s reassuring to know that you have the control to mold your device’s functionality to your preference.
Remember, technology is here to make life easier, and by understanding how to manage features like back tap, you’re ensuring that your iPhone works for you, not the other way around. Keep exploring, keep customizing, and most importantly, keep enjoying your iPhone experience to the fullest.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.