At the time of the arrival of 3D Touch, Apple also introduced Quick Actions. But while 3D Touch has long been replaced by Haptic Touch, you can still use the Quick Actions as originally intended. It is a shortcut to a certain function in an app. You can also see it as a kind of right-click on the iPhone.
- Explanation
- To use
- Examples
What are Quick Actions on iPhone and iPad?
The Quick Actions, as the function is also called in Dutch, are quick tasks that you can perform immediately from the home screen. But in addition to app icons on the home screen, it also works from the app library, Spotlight, and even buttons in the Control Center. This allows you to quickly use a certain function, without having to first open the app to manually go to the function.
The Quick Actions are also used to use certain functions within apps. For example, you can view a preview of a photo or video in the Photos app, with buttons below it to share the photo or mark it as a favorite, for example.
The Quick Actions and quick task menus on the iPhone and iPad are therefore very useful for performing everyday actions faster. Sometimes the quick tasks also provide options that are otherwise unavailable. It is therefore worthwhile to try it in apps to see what exactly it does in those specific apps.
Use Quick Actions on iPhone and iPad
The way you use the Quick Actions differs per device and model. Sometimes there are even multiple ways you can use it.
iPhone
On the iPhone you use Haptic Touch (or 3D Touch on older models) to activate the quick tasks. With Haptic Touch you press and hold an app icon for longer, while with 3D Touch you press firmly on an app icon. 3D Touch therefore works slightly faster. You can also use Haptic Touch on devices with 3D Touch. 3D Touch only works on the iPhone 6s through the iPhone XS (Max). You use Haptic Touch on all other models. This also applies to the latest iPhones.
To activate a Quick Action, do the following:
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the Home Screen, App Library, or Spotlight.
- Press and hold an app icon for longer (or press it firmly if you still have 3D Touch).
- You feel a short vibration. A menu will appear.
- Now tap one of the options in the menu to use the quick action.
You can also do it in one motion by holding your finger on the screen and swiping down when the menu appears. Then let go of the option you want to use.
iPad
On the iPad you can also use the Quick Actions in two ways. The first way is via Haptic Touch, but if you use a mouse or trackpad there is also a second way:
- Unlock iPad and go to the Home screen or app library.
- Press and hold an app icon longer. If you use a mouse, use the right mouse button. On a trackpad you click with two fingers.
- Now choose one of the options in the menu that appears on the screen.
What can I use with the quick tasks?
To use the quick tasks, an app must support them. Almost all standard apps offer this, although the number of options varies per app. These are some examples of standard apps that work with Quick Actions:
- Calendar: Add new appointment
- Photos: View recent photos, your favorites, photos from a year ago or search.
- Camera: Take a selfie, record video, take a portrait photo or take a portrait selfie.
- Mail: Create a new message, search for emails, view VIP contacts, or go to all incoming.
- Notes: Create a new note, a new checklist, a new photo or scan a document.
- App Store: Search for an app, redeem an Apple gift card or code, check your purchases, or go straight to the Updates screen.
- Home: Immediately activate one of your favorite scenes (maximum three) or create a new scene.
Popular third-party apps that support Quick Actions on iPhone and iPad include:
- WhatsApp: Start a new chat, go to the camera, view your QR code or search for a contact.
- Instagram: Open the camera, create a new post, view your activities, or go to your DMs.
- YouTube: Search, go to your channel subscriptions, or upload your own video.
- Telegram: Search for chats, create a new message, take a photo or video, or view saved messages.
- PostNL: Find a PostNL point or send something.
- Flitsmeister: View the map, start a route to work or home or search for another location.
- ING: Transfer money, make a payment request or open the scanner.
- iCulture: Tip the editors, open your favorites or search for an article.
In the Control Center you can also use Quick Actions, like this:
- Flashlight: Adjust the brightness of your flashlight.
- Timer: Start a timer and adjust the time.
- Calculator: Copy the last result.
- Home accessories: Adjust the brightness of lights or go to the playback screen of speakers.
- Do Not Disturb: Set Do Not Disturb for an hour, until tonight, or until you leave your location.
- Brightness: Turn Dark Mode, Night Shift, or True Tone on or off.
- Audio: Adjust noise cancellation settings (only when suitable accessory is connected).
- Wi-Fi: View nearby Wi-Fi networks and connect.
Well-known examples of Quick Actions within apps can be found in Safari (for showing a preview of a link), WhatsApp (for viewing the content of a chat) and Instagram (for quickly liking a post). There are a lot of functions hidden behind pressing and holding buttons and links, so it’s just a matter of trying.
It is best to check for yourself what your favorite app does with Quick Actions. Apps are not required to support the feature, so not all apps use it. In that case, you will only find a button for an app to delete it and change the home screen. You also use the Quick Actions to delete apps or move apps.
