Your iPhone has a lot of hidden apps and features, some of which are more useful than others.
There’s also the often-overlooked TV remote control and a clever app that unlocks when you enter a secret code.
Apple TV remote control
The iPhone has a hidden TV remote control.
This is especially useful if you don’t have a regular TV remote nearby or have lost it behind the couch.
The only downside is that it’s built specifically for Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, so if you don’t have one, you’re out of luck.
To find this, visit your Control Center.
On an iPhone with Face ID, that means swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.
On an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
Next, look for the Apple TV Remote button, which looks like a remote control.
If it’s not there, edit Control Center and add it using the Settings app.
Once you tap the icon, select Apple TV or smart TV and follow the onscreen instructions.
Then you’ll be able to use your iPhone app just like you would a regular TV remote.
code scanner
The second is an app that comes preinstalled on every iPhone.
It’s called a code scanner, and it’s designed to quickly scan QR codes in the real world.
Simply swipe down from the center of your home screen to reveal the search bar.
Next, type “Code Scanner” and tap the app that appears.
Just hold your iPhone over the QR code to scan it.
Tap the flashlight symbol to add more light.
Practical test
The third secret app is called Field Test.
First, you need to turn off your iPhone’s WiFi connection.
Next, open the Phone app and go to the dialpad.
Now enter “*3001#12345#*” and press the call button.
This will take you directly to the Field Test app where you can see various measurements on your iPhone.
The most interesting one is the signal strength, usually referred to as RSRP 0.
This shows your iPhone’s signal strength in decibels and milliwatts, which is much more detailed than just looking at the signal bar.
This appears as a negative number, and the closer it gets to zero, the stronger it becomes.