What is the purpose of shaking your phone? Discover its uses and risks

Last update: 28/01/2025

  • Shaking your phone can activate functions such as undoing text or opening the camera.
  • On Xiaomi devices, this gesture automatically organizes apps.
  • Excessive use can damage components such as the camera's optical stabilizer.
  • Instagram has a hidden "rage shake" feature for reporting bugs.

Did you know that your mobile phone has functions that are activated by shaking the device itself? Well, yes, it turns out that with this simple gesture that is present in many devices, you can activate different functions depending on the operating system, the brand of your phone or the application you have open. In this article, I'm going to explain to you what shaking your phone is for. and why have you ever seen people shaking their phones? Rest assured that soon, you will do it too. Let's get to it.

Practical functions when shaking the mobile

Why shake your phone?

One of the most notable uses of shaking your phone is the Possibility of undoing actions, especially on devices iPhone. This feature, known as “Shake to Undo,” allows you to correct mistakes when writing text in applications such as Notes, email or even WhatsApp. Simply by moving your phone, A pop-up window appears with options to undo or redo the written text, which speeds up everyday tasks.

On the other hand, some smartphones Android, especially those of the Xiaomi brand with the MIUI customization layer, include Options for arranging apps on the home screen by this gesture. By shaking the device, all the apps are organized, eliminating gaps left by previously uninstalled applications. This tool not only saves time, but also improves the appearance of the device.

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There is also the possibility of Activate functions such as the flashlight or camera by shaking your phone. This is especially useful in situations where we need to use these tools quickly and we don't have the time to unlock the device or search for the specific app.

The unknown "rage shake". What is it for?

what is rage shake

He "rage shake» is a function that allows us allows you to report problems or send feedback by simply physically shaking your phoneIt is called "rage shake" because it is associated, in a humorous tone, with the action of shaking the phone with a certain frustration when something does not work as it should. That is, when we make that gesture it is because Something is wrong with the app we are using..

To help you understand better, here are some Examples of use in different apps.

  • Instagram: Allows users to report bugs or issues in the app by shaking the phone. A menu appears to describe the issue.
  • Slack and other similar apps: They use shaking the device to access support or debug menus.
  • Development applications: In test environments, rage shake can open debugging tools or allow crash reports to be submitted.
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What happens when you shake a mobile phone with an advanced camera?

OnePlus 13 with OIS optical image stabilization

If your smartphone has Optical image stabilization (OIS) in the camera, it is possible that When you shake it you hear a sound coming from inside. This is because the stabilizer contains small moving parts that compensate for device movements to ensure sharper photos and videos. This noise is normal and does not represent damage to the device, but It is important not to abuse this action.

The repeated and abrupt movement could wear out the stabilizer over time, compromising the quality of the photos. For mobile photography lovers, It is advisable to limit this gesture to exclusively necessary situations., avoiding possible damage to one of the most sensitive and expensive components of the device.

In the iPhone, the function «Shake to dissolve» is enabled by default. However, if it is not working, you can enable it by accessing «Settings» > «Accessibility» > «Touch» and make sure the corresponding option is checked. In case you prefer not to use this tool, you can also disable it from the same menu.

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI, the gesture to organize apps also usually comes pre-installed. To use it, simply Pinch the home screen with your fingers to zoom out, then shake your phoneIf this feature does not appear, your device may not be supported or may require a software update.

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Should we shake our phones frequently?

It is advisable not to do it too much, although the answer depends on how we use this gesture. On devices with an advanced camera, for example, Continued use of the shaker could compromise the functionality of the optical stabilizer. In addition, the repetitive movement may affect the integrity of other internal components from the mobile phone.

Therefore, it is always important to be aware of the limitations of our devices and use these features only when they are really necessary. While these tools can be useful at times, It is better to take care of the general health of our smartphone to extend its life and performance.

Now, how many hits has your phone taken? I hope not, but If there has been any, it will have been more harmful to the health of the device than shaking it..

Like everything in technology, it is It is essential to find a balance between taking advantage of these tools and taking care of the hardware of our devices.. The gesture of shaking your phone, although simple, has important implications and from now on it will not be strange to see someone do this gesture. Or you, have you tried shaking it using Instagram?