How to log an expense by tapping the back of your iPhone

Published August 23, 2026

Back Tap is a built-in iOS accessibility feature that triggers a shortcut whenever you double- or triple-tap the back of your iPhone. Pairing Back Tap with CashJot's Open Log shortcut brings you directly to the entry keypad with a single gesture, eliminating the friction of searching for an app on your home screen. The same shortcut can also be assigned to the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and later, or invoked with Siri.

What you'll end up with#

Double-tapping the back of your iPhone immediately opens CashJot with the logging keypad focused and ready: type the amount, tap a category tag, and save. Bypassing the home screen removes the primary point of friction in manual tracking, letting you complete an entry in just two seconds.

Note that this shortcut launches the entry form; it does not read payment cards automatically. Point-of-sale card taps can log themselves via an Apple Pay Shortcuts automation; Back Tap handles everything else, including cash, peer-to-peer QR transfers, and online purchases.

Before you start#

• Back Tap requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 14 or later (Apple Back Tap documentation).
• CashJot 2.4.2 or later installed.
• Action button functionality requires an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, or later.

Set up Back Tap#

1. Save the Open Log shortcut#

While CashJot provides the Open Log action natively, iOS Back Tap settings only display saved custom shortcuts. Creating one takes thirty seconds:

1. Open Apple's Shortcuts app and ensure the Shortcuts tab is selected at the bottom.
2. Tap the + button in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut.
3. In the bottom search bar, search for CashJot, then select Open Log.
4. Tap Done in the top corner to save it as Open Log.

2. Assign the shortcut to Back Tap#

1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Touch.
2. Scroll to the bottom and select Back Tap.
3. Choose Double Tap (or Triple Tap), scroll down to the Shortcuts section, and select Open Log.

Double-tap the back of your iPhone to test: CashJot opens directly to the logging keypad.

Use the Action button instead#

On iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and newer models, the physical Action button can launch the same shortcut:

1. Open Settings → Action Button.
2. Swipe across to the Shortcut option.
3. Tap Choose a Shortcut, scroll down to Shortcuts, and select Open Log (Apple Action button guide).

Pressing and holding the Action button now opens the entry keypad instantly. You can keep both Back Tap and the Action button active simultaneously without conflict.

Launch using Siri voice commands#

You can also trigger the keypad hands-free using natural Siri commands:

• "Siri, open log in CashJot"
• "Siri, log an expense in CashJot"
• "Siri, jot an expense"

This is especially convenient when your hands are full or while cooking.

Using Back Tap with other expense apps#

Back Tap works with any saved iOS shortcut. If you use a different expense tracking tool that provides Shortcuts actions, save that action as a shortcut and map it to Back Tap using the same steps. For Notion users, building a quick entry shortcut requires a few extra input variables; our tracking medium guide covers the setup.

Troubleshooting#

Taps do not register consistently#

Back Tap works through most phone cases, though heavy or rugged cases may dampen the vibration sensor. Try tapping firmly near the center of the phone's rear glass, or switch from Double Tap to Triple Tap to prevent false triggers from accidental bumps.

Accidental triggers#

An accidental tap simply opens CashJot to the blank keypad without saving anything. Any unsubmitted values remain on screen until you tap save or clear the form.

Back Tap option is missing in Settings#

Back Tap requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 14+. Ensure your iOS version is updated under Settings → General → Software Update.

Open Log does not appear in the Shortcuts list#

Back Tap only displays shortcuts saved in your Shortcuts library. Make sure you completed Step 1 to create and save the Open Log shortcut in the Shortcuts app before assigning it in Accessibility settings.

Frequently asked questions#

Does Back Tap automatically record the expense?#

No. Back Tap opens the logging form so the keypad is immediately accessible. You still enter the amount and category tag. For automated entry on card payments, configure automated Apple Pay capture.

Can I assign Back Tap and the Action button to different functions?#

Yes. Back Tap and the Action button are configured independently. You can assign the Action button to the Camera or Flashlight while keeping Back Tap dedicated to expense logging.

Does this work with any expense tracker?#

Yes. Back Tap can launch any iOS application or trigger any app that integrates with Apple's Shortcuts framework.

Know what today cost you

CashJot is an iPhone expense tracker. Jot each expense in a couple of taps, then see today's total straight from the home-screen widget. Free on the App Store.