12 Hidden iPhone Settings That Change How You Use Your Phone

2. AssistiveTouch - Create a Floating Control Center

AssistiveTouch represents one of the most powerful yet underutilized features in iOS, originally designed for accessibility but offering tremendous value for all users seeking enhanced device control. This floating virtual button can be customized to provide instant access to virtually any iPhone function, creating a personalized control center that follows you across every app and screen. Located in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, this feature allows you to create custom gestures, access device functions that might otherwise require multiple steps, and even simulate hardware button presses. The magic of AssistiveTouch lies in its customization options—you can configure the top-level menu to include your most frequently used actions, create custom gestures for complex multi-touch operations, and set up shortcuts that would normally require navigating through multiple menus. For users with damaged hardware buttons, AssistiveTouch becomes essential, but even those with fully functional devices discover its convenience for one-handed operation, accessing hard-to-reach controls, or performing actions while the phone is mounted in a car or on a desk. Advanced users can create elaborate custom gestures that automate repetitive tasks, such as specific swipe patterns that open particular apps or perform complex navigation sequences with a single tap.