In recent months, there has been a significant rumor circulating about the redesign of the side button, commonly known as the power or lock button, on the iPhone 15. This button, present on all iPhone models, serves a primary purpose that we are all familiar with – locking and unlocking the device. However, it also performs numerous other functions that you may find surprisingly useful in your day-to-day use of the iPhone. Let’s explore some of the lesser-known functionalities it offers.
General functions
Whether you’re a new iPhone user or have been using it for a while, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with both the basic and advanced features. While you may already be familiar with some of the generic functions, there are also some lesser-known features that can greatly enhance your iPhone experience. Let’s explore a few of these features:
Apple Pay on the lock screen: If you use Apple Pay for payments, accessing it from the lock screen is quick and convenient. Simply double-tap the side button to access Apple Pay without needing to unlock your iPhone.
Activate Siri: Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, can be easily activated by pressing and holding the side button. Once activated, you can ask Siri for assistance or information on various topics, and it will provide you with relevant answers and help.
Force Restart: In case your iPhone becomes unresponsive or experiences issues, you can perform a force restart by using the side button in combination with the volume buttons. This can help resolve certain software glitches and restore smooth functioning to your device.
Screenshot: Capturing a screenshot is a common need for many users. To take a screenshot, simply press and hold the side button along with the volume up or volume down button. You’ll see a quick animation confirming that the screenshot has been successfully captured.
By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can make the most of your iPhone’s capabilities and simplify your daily interactions with the device.
Advanced features
Now, let’s delve into some lesser-known advanced functions that many users may not be aware of. Discovering these features will give you a fresh perspective on the versatility of the side button on your iPhone.
DFU Mode and Emergency SOS: The side button plays a crucial role in entering recovery mode or DFU mode (Device Firmware Update). This feature can be immensely helpful if you encounter severe issues with your iPhone and need to restore it using iTunes. Additionally, you can activate Emergency SOS by holding down the side button along with one of the volume buttons, allowing you to quickly call emergency services when needed.
Accessibility Shortcuts: Apple has incorporated a wide range of accessibility features into the iPhone, and accessing them is made simple. By going to the accessibility settings on your iPhone, you can configure certain accessibility shortcuts that can be activated from the side button. For example, you can set it to activate VoiceOver, zoom, switch control, and more with just a triple press.
Temporarily Disable Face ID: In situations where you want to temporarily disable the Face ID feature, you can achieve this by quickly pressing the side button five times. This action will take you to the lock screen, where you’ll be prompted to enter your password to unlock the device.
Activate Siri and Apple Pay: Pressing and holding the side button will activate Siri, Apple’s intelligent assistant. From there, you can utilize Siri for various tasks such as making calls, sending messages, playing music, answering questions, and more. Additionally, if you have Apple Pay set up, double-tapping the side button allows for quick access, making contactless payments a breeze.
By becoming familiar with these advanced functions, you can fully leverage the capabilities of your iPhone’s side button and enhance your overall iPhone experience.
