7 Tech Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier (You’ve Been Doing It Wrong)

Table of Contents

1. Use Your Phone’s Back Tap Feature (iOS & Android)

Did you know you can double or triple-tap the back of your phone to trigger actions like taking a screenshot or launching an app?

The Back Tap feature on smartphones allows you to trigger certain actions simply by tapping the back of your device. It’s a hidden shortcut that most people don’t know exists, but once enabled, it can make using your phone much faster and more convenient. For example, you can set it up so that double-tapping the back of your phone takes a screenshot, opens a specific app, or even activates your voice assistant. This means you don’t need to press buttons or navigate menus—you just tap the back of your phone like a secret switch.

• iPhone: Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap

• Android (on supported devices): Look under Gestures or install apps like Tap, Tap

2. Turn Old Phones into Smart Home Remotes or Security Cams

If you have an old smartphone sitting in a drawer, don’t throw it away just yet—it can still serve a useful purpose. One of the best ways to repurpose an old phone is by turning it into a smart home remote or a security camera. With a stable Wi-Fi connection and the right apps, your outdated device can become a powerful tool in your home setup.

To use it as a smart home remote, simply install apps that control your smart devices—like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or specific apps for lights, plugs, or thermostats. Mount the phone in a convenient location, such as near your bedside or by the front door, and use it to manage your home with just a tap.

Alternatively, you can transform it into a security camera using free apps like AlfredCamera, Manything, or IP Webcam. These apps allow your old phone to stream live video, record motion, and even send alerts to your current device. It’s a cost-effective way to monitor pets, kids, or entrances without buying a new camera.

Don’t throw away your old phone. Turn it into:

• A dedicated smart home remote (control lights, AC, etc.)

• A Wi-Fi security camera using free apps like AlfredCamera

3. Use Google Lens to Copy Text from Real World to Phone

Have you ever needed to copy text from a book, sign, or document, but didn’t want to type it all out manually? With Google Lens, you don’t have to. This powerful tool lets you point your phone’s camera at any printed text—like a paragraph in a magazine, handwritten notes, or even a menu and instantly copy it to your phone with just a tap.

All you need to do is open the Google Lens app or access it through the Google app or Google Photos. Simply aim your camera at the text you want to copy, and Google Lens will automatically detect and highlight it. From there, you can tap “Copy text” to send it directly to your clipboard. You can even choose to send the text to your computer if you’re signed into Chrome with the same Google account.

Point your camera at printed text  and paste it into your phone or computer in seconds.

• Open Google Lens (in Google Photos or Camera app)

• Highlight the text → Copy to clipboard or send to PC

4. Automate Your Life with Free Workflow Tools (n8n, IFTTT)

If you’re tired of doing the same digital tasks over and over like saving attachments or reposting content—automation can be a game-changer. Tools like n8n.io and IFTTT.com let you connect your apps and services so actions happen automatically. For example, you can set up a workflow where new email attachments are instantly saved to Google Drive, or a social media post on Instagram is automatically shared to Twitter and Facebook. With just a bit of setup, you can free up hours of manual work and let your apps handle the boring stuff for you.

Tired of repetitive tasks? Automate them. For example:

• New email → Auto save attachments to Google Drive

• Social media post → Cross-post to all platforms

Try: n8n.io or ifttt.com

5. Type Faster Using Text Replacement Shortcuts

Typing the same phrase, email, or address again and again? Save time by setting up text shortcuts. This feature allows you to create custom triggers that expand into full phrases. For instance, you could type “@@sig” and have it automatically turn into your full email signature. It’s a small tweak that can make a big difference in your daily typing speed.

Speed up your typing by creating your own shortcuts.

• Example: Typing @@sig turns into your full email signature

• iOS: Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement

• Android: Settings → System → Language & input → Personal dictionary

6. Use Split-Screen Mode for Real Multitasking

Your phone or tablet can do more than one thing at a time you just need to unlock its split-screen power. On Android, tap the recent apps button, then tap the app icon and select “Split screen” to choose a second app. On iPads, simply drag a second app from the dock into the screen to activate split view. This is perfect for watching a video while taking notes, replying to messages while browsing, or comparing two documents side-by-side. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you lived without it.

Work smarter with two apps side-by-side on your phone or tablet.

• Android: Open recent apps → Tap app icon → Split screen

• iPad: Drag app from dock into split view

7. Schedule Emails with Gmail (No Add-on Needed)

You don’t always have to hit "Send" right away. With Gmail, you can schedule emails to be sent at a later time—no extra tools or add-ons required. Just write your message as usual, then click the small arrow next to the “Send” button and choose “Schedule send.” It’s perfect for working across time zones, sending birthday wishes in advance, or making sure important emails arrive exactly when they need to.

Need to send an email later? Gmail lets you schedule it easily.

• Compose email → Click arrow beside "Send" → Schedule send

Perfect for:

• Working across time zones

• Pre-scheduling important follow-ups

Technology is meant to make life easier—but only if you know how to use it well. With just a few smart tweaks and hidden features, your devices can become more powerful, more efficient, and even more fun to use. From automating daily tasks to unlocking shortcuts you never knew existed, these simple hacks can save you time, boost your productivity, and help you get the most out of your tech.