It’s just two buttons but they have a range of uses beyond sound control – and one could be a lifesaver.

1

Make an SOS call – or text

If you hold down the power button and either one of the volume buttons, your phone will send an SOS call or text to emergency services.

You also have the option to send this alert to the police or ambulance services.

You can also access your medical ID this way, which is helpful for first responders to know your name, age, emergency contact, medical history and whether you’re an organ donor or not.

If you have tried making an emergency call and don’t have signal on your iPhone (running iOS 16.4 and above), then Apple will give you the option to text the emergency number.

Turn off your alarm

It’s the perfect trick for those Saturday morning’s when you’ve forgotten to turn you’re weekday alarm off and have been rudely awakened.

Instead of going into the alarm app to switch it off, and waking yourself up in the process – simply press the volume buttons and the alarm will go into Snooze for nine minutes.

Scanning documents

Not only can you take pictures or start recording a video with the volume button while inside the camera app, but you can also scan documents.

It works in exactly the same way as using the camera.

But instead you have the option of tapping the Shutter button then dragging the corners until they fit the photograph you’ve taken of the page.

Simply tap ‘Keep scan’ and you’re done.

Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

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