Ever feel like there must be quicker ways to get things done on your iPhone? There usually are – and one of the simplest tricks is to long-press. Holding your finger down on buttons, menus, and links often reveals hidden options that can save you time and taps. Here are some of our favorite uses for the long-press across iOS.
Perfect your shapes in Markup
When drawing on a screenshot or photo using the Markup tools, try holding your finger for a second after sketching a shape. Your rough doodle will snap into a perfect version – a circle, rectangle, star, or arc depending on what you drew. It’s a small thing, but it makes annotations look surprisingly professional.
Reopen tabs in Safari
Accidentally closed a tab? In Safari’s tab view, long-press the + button. You’ll see a list of your ten most recently closed tabs – just tap one to reopen it. It’s a handy safety net if you close something too soon or want to revisit a page you finished with earlier.
Use app shortcuts from the Home Screen
Many built-in and third-party apps hide useful shortcuts behind a long-press on their Home Screen icon. These Quick Actions let you jump straight into specific parts of an app. For instance, hold the Safari icon to open a new private tab, tap Clock to start a timer, or press Camera to go straight to selfie portrait mode. Experiment – almost every app offers something.
Preview links without leaving your place
If you’re ever unsure about a link, long-press it before opening. You’ll see a floating preview of the page, complete with a contextual menu for sharing or opening it in a specific app or a new Safari tab. This works from almost any app, by the way – perfect for checking where a link leads before committing to it.
Jump back through Settings instantly
When you’re several layers deep in the Settings app, getting back out can be tedious. Instead of tapping the Back button over and over, press and hold it. A full breadcrumb trail will appear, showing every screen you passed through. Simply lift your finger on the one you want to return to – a fast, elegant way to hop around without all that backtracking.
