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Here’s how you can replicate Action button on your older iPhone

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Action Button - One of new features on iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max

Not upgrading but fancy with action button on the new iPhone? Check out what you can do.

One biggest physical difference and appeals that is found on iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max but not on other iPhone models is the new Action button which replace the mute switch. With the new Action button, you can practically set it to do any kind of actions you want your iPhone to do – be it as a mute switch, to turn on flashlight, to start camera, to start voice recording, to run any shortcut, anything. The possibilities are endless! Fancy and cool, isn’t it? Yes, but only if you have the new iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. What if you don’t? Well, that’s the reason I’m writing this article, to share with you – iPhone owners who want to have “Action” button capabilities on your iPhone.

New Action button available exclusively on iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max. Image courtesy of Apple.

Here’s how you can enable and use “Action” button on your older iPhone

Unfortunately, you can’t change mute switch to be action button on older iPhone (unless probably you jailbreak it).

The following steps are done on iPhone running iOS 17. If you are using different iOS version, the steps may be a bit different – since Apple throughout the iOS, keep revising the menu placement, however you should be able to easily find/spot the settings. Anyway, shout on the comment below in case you need help – I’ll try my best to answer and find the workaround for you.

If you are not on iOS 17 yet, check out the link here: Installing iOS 17 on your iPhone today at JILAXZONE. Image courtesy of Apple.

There are at least 2 ways you can replicate iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max action button by enabling and using the following methods.


Method 1) If you prefer a physical button: Use Back Tap

Back Tap has been introduced since iOS 14 and supports any iPhone from iPhone 8 and up (see the my original writing on Back Tap: Back Tap what, how, where and when to use at JILAXZONE). Unlike other available buttons on iPhone, this Back Tap is a lesser known “button” since it’s hidden on the surface of the iPhone back cover.


How to configure Back Tap as Action button

To enable and use Back Tap, follow these steps:

Step 1) On your iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
Step 2) There are 2 options: Double Tap and Triple Tap. Tap one of the two to set the actions.
The actions supported by Back Tap are these:


How to use Back tap as Action button

Once set, you can try to double tap or triple tap anywhere on the back on the iPhone to trigger the set actions.


Method 2) If you are ok with digital button: Use Assistive Touch

Assistive Touch Virtual “Action” Button

Assistive Touch has been around since perhaps iOS 6 back in 2012 and are available to all iPhone that can run iOS 6 or up. Similar to Back tap, you can configure Assistive Touch to perform actions based on your settings.


Here’s how to configure Assistive Touch as Action button.

Step 1) Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
Step 2) Inside Touch page, tap on AssistiveTouch and switch it ON.
Step 3) Customize AssistiveTouch by tapping o these options:
a) Customize Top Level Menu
b) Single-Tap
c) Double-Tap
d) Long Press

Assistive Touch: Digital “Action” button.

On each of the available options, you can configure AssistiveTouch to do the following actions:


How to use Assistive Touch as Action button

Once AssistiveTouch has been enabled, you should see white rounded button on your iPhone screen. Either do a single tap, double tap or long press to enable actions that you have set earlier.


My recommended setup for you

Many of you will find Back Tap button to be hit-or-miss, when you Back Tap your iPhone, the action may or may not get trigger – this could be because you don’t Back Tap properly or you are using a case that’s way too thick. So, to avoid your frustration, I would highly recommend you to use Assistive Touch instead. Caveat is to use Assistive Touch, your iPhone must be in on position (screen turned on).


How I setup my “Action” button using Assistive Touch

When it comes to holding iPhone, I’m left-handed. So, all the actions I set is more for left-handed person. You can freely follow or customize on your own.

1) Customize AssistiveTouch Top Level Menu

Here’s my Assistive Touch “Action” button setup.

I enabled 8 buttons. From right to left (clock-wise), here they are:


2) Customize the Assistive Touch actions

Here’s my AssistiveTouch action arrangement:


Bring it all together

While it’s not a perfect solution but with the workaround shared above – either using Back Tap button or Assistive Touch – you can experience how Action button works on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max on your older/unsupported iPhone. The good thing is that, on both options – Back Tap or Assistive Touch – can trigger Shortcuts – so the possibilities are endless for you! In case you encountered any difficulties and/or have queries, don’t hesitate to put your queries or thoughts on the comment section down below. I’ll be happy to assist.

Interested to see other iPhone and iOS tips and tricks? Check them out here: iPhone and iOS tips and tricks at JILAXZONE. Image courtesy of Apple.

Interested to see other iPhone and iOS tips and tricks? Check them out here: iPhone and iOS tips and tricks at JILAXZONE.

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