I'll show you how to get the most out of it beyond Apple's settings

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I'll show you how to get the most out of it beyond Apple's settings

Apple39s, I39ll, settings, Show

I have more than one year with the action button instead of the previous mute slider. First with the iPhone 15 Pro and now with my iPhone 16 Pro If I've learned anything in all this time, it's that its potential goes way beyond the basic features that Apple offers us. Although There are some very interesting functions that we can configure With a simple tap of the settings, there is a whole world of possibilities that few people know about.

The action button beyond default settings

The basic settings that Apple offers us (silent mode, flashlight, camera, etc.) are good, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. It's good that they look anyway so as not to stay on the typical mute button. However, the true potential of the action button is unlocked when we enter the shortcuts section. This is where this little button becomes a tool really powerful.

Creating an additional application menu

The first step (and this is something few users know about) is to create a specific folder in the Shortcuts app. SO, When you press the action button, several options will appear. In my case, open the Notes app and create a reminder. You can add up to eight different shortcuts. Here are the steps you need to follow to achieve this:

  1. And alas Application shortcuts and create a new one. In my case: Notes > Create a new note.
  2. Create as many shortcuts as you want, and when you're done, return to Shortcuts to create a new folder.
  3. Click the Create Folder button and call it “Action”.
  4. Go back to shortcuts and drag the ones you created to the section (or folder) new.
  5. Once done, go to ASettings > Action button > Shortcuts and select Show Folder > Action.
Create shortcuts for the action button
Create shortcuts for the action button

By clicking on the action button, shortcuts to the different shortcuts will open. Here you can be the most creative in the world. I put Notes and Reminders, but there are some very useful shortcuts. You can even create one to talk to ChatGPT thanks to iOS 18 integration.

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Harness the power of direction

Here's something a little crazy, but if you use the free Actions app you can configure different actions depending on how you hold the iPhone. It's like having several buttons in one:

  • Vertical: a quick selfie.
  • Horizontal right: record video.
  • Horizontal left: photo with rear camera.

If you have an iPhone 16, this may not make as much sense because you already have camera control. But pyou can configure many other options depending on how you positioned the iPhone using its internal gyroscope and compass.

Acts

Power your shortcuts in new ways.

Don't lose sight of the control center

While this is an Apple-specific tweak (and that's why I left it for last), we can assume things that actually go much further. When we think of the control center, we think of increasing or decreasing the brightness, rotation of the lock…be careful, this can be very useful if you watch a lot of videos. But the Control Center options include third-party apps and functions that can be very useful to you. Whether it's opening Instagram, adding a task, or composing an email.

Control center on action button
Control center on action button

Technology is here to make our lives easier, and the action button is a clear example of this. With these tweaks, you'll make this little button one of the most useful features on your iPhone. And if you have questions about a specific configuration, remember that The key is to experiment until you find the combination the one that best suits your daily use.

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