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A hidden menu

Access useful but lesser-known features that are available on your smartphone

by MARC SALTZMAN

Even if you’re a seasoned smartphone user, chances are you’re not using your device to its full potential. If you’re like most users, you stick to what you know rather than venture out of your comfort zone. The following tips can help you break free and try a few of the lesser-known features embedded in your iPhone or Android device.

Secrets of the iPhone

Lost and found. Can’t find your iPhone in the dark? Say, “Hey, Siri, turn on flashlight.”

Story time. Do you want to have an article or e-book read to you? No problem. Activate Speak Screen by going to Settings. Select “Accessibility,” then “Spoken Content,” then “Speak Screen.” After that, in any app you’re in, swipe down with two fingers from the very top of the iPhone screen to hear the contents of the screen read to you.

Shake and erase. When typing words in any app (such as Messages or Notes), you can shake the iPhone to undo your typing. This is much faster than pressing the back button to delete unwanted text. If this shake feature accidentally happens too often, deactivate it in Settings by selecting “Accessibility,” then “Touch,” and then turn the “Shake to Undo” feature off.

Back Tap. Did you know you can double- or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to quickly perform an action, such as launching the camera or muting your phone during a meeting? You can set this up in Settings by selecting “Accessibility,” then “Touch,” then “Back Tap.”

Hacks for Android

Run apps side by side. Would you like to watch a cooking show and jot down a shopping list at the same time? Swipe up from the bottom of your Android screen and you’ll see recently opened apps in a carousel. Press and hold the small circle at the top of the app you want to open and select “Open in Split Screen View.” Now select another app near the bottom of your phone to access both simultaneously.

Access Quick Settings faster. You might know that you can swipe a finger down from the top of the screen to access some of the more popular settings, but a two-finger swipe opens up even more.

Once you’re familiar with them, these lesser-known features can make using your smartphone an even more powerful experience.

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Getting smarter

There are a few smart accessories every smartphone owner should have: a protective case and screen protector, for when (not if) you drop your device, and wireless earbuds for music, podcasts and calls.

And if you don’t feel like lugging a laptop to a coffee shop, classroom or business trip, consider getting a portable Bluetooth keyboard to link to your smartphone for when you have a lot of text to type, such as a work or school report or lengthy emails.—MS

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Costco Connection: You’ll find all a selection of iPhone and Android smartphones at the kiosks in Costco warehouses and at Costco.ca.

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