How To Right Click On iPhone: Quick Tap Using Built-In Tools

I spent years watching people struggle with this on their iPhones. The solution is simpler than most realize—iOS hides this feature in plain sight.

Using a two-finger tap or long-press triggers the context menu that works like a right-click. No extra apps, no jailbreaking, just the tools Apple already built in.

Works on any iPhone running iOS 13 or later, from the SE to the latest Pro models. The gesture takes less than a second once you get the hang of it.

Between you and me, I still catch myself trying to right-click the old way. This method’s saved me from countless frustration spirals.

What Youll Need

Instructions

Here’s the simple process I use to access right-click functions on any iPhone.

Open the Settings app and navigate to Accessibility. Scroll down and select Touch, then choose Back Tap. This feature lets you trigger actions by tapping the back of your iPhone.

Here’s the thing—it works on iPhone 8 and later. If you have an older model, this method won’t be available. For those with compatible devices, select Double Tap or Triple Tap to assign a function.

Under Back Tap, you’ll see options for Double Tap and Triple Tap. Tap one and scroll through the list to find Screenshots or Shortcuts. I like to use Double Tap for right-click actions.

If you want a true right-click experience, create a Shortcut that mimics the behavior. Open the Shortcuts app, create a new automation, and set it to trigger on Back Tap. This gives you more control over the function.

Once enabled, test the Back Tap feature. Gently tap the back of your iPhone twice or three times, depending on what you assigned. You should see the action execute immediately—whether it’s a screenshot, a menu, or a custom shortcut.

If it doesn’t work, double-check that Back Tap is enabled and that you’ve assigned the correct action. Sometimes, a firm tap is needed for the sensor to register the input. Adjust your grip if the feature feels unresponsive.

If Back Tap isn’t your style, try AssistiveTouch. Go back to Accessibility in Settings, select Touch, and toggle on AssistiveTouch. A floating button appears on your screen.

Tap the AssistiveTouch button, then select Device followed by More. Here, you’ll find options like Screenshot or Open Menu, which can simulate right-click actions. It’s not as seamless as Back Tap, but it’s a solid alternative for older devices.

Once your preferred method is working, test it in different apps. Some apps, like Files or Notes, support right-click menus natively. Others may require a workaround, like using the Share button for similar functionality.

For a quicker experience, customize your Shortcuts to include app-specific right-click actions. For example, create a shortcut that opens a context menu in Safari or copies text in Notes. This ensures the setup works exactly how you need it.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls with this setup.

Device Compatibility: Remember that Back Tap only works on iPhone 8 and later models. If you’re using an older device, skip straight to AssistiveTouch in Step 4. I learned this the hard way after spending 20 minutes troubleshooting on my old iPhone 7.

Tap Sensitivity: In Step 3, if the feature isn’t responding, try adjusting your grip. The sensor needs a firm but gentle tap—too light and it won’t register, too hard and you might drop your phone. Test different finger positions until you find what works.

App Limitations: As mentioned in Step 5, not all apps support right-click menus natively. For those, the Share button often provides similar functionality. Don’t waste time trying to force it in apps that don’t support this feature.

Shortcut Customization: For the most seamless experience, take the extra time in Step 2 to create custom Shortcuts. I set up app-specific right-click actions for Safari and Files—it’s saved me countless taps over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now you know how to right-click on your iPhone with ease! Long-press or use AssistiveTouch for quick access to context menus. Try it out today and streamline your iPhone experience. 💡 Happy tapping!