Here are some iPhone text input tips and tricks to make typing easier and more efficient:
1. One-Handed Keyboard
If you’re using your iPhone with one hand, you can enable the one-handed keyboard.
- How to use: Hold the globe or emoji icon on the keyboard and select the left or right keyboard option. This shifts the keys towards the side of the screen.
2. QuickPath (Swipe Typing)
With QuickPath, you can swipe from one letter to the next without lifting your finger, making typing faster.
- How to use: Just start typing a word by swiping your finger from letter to letter.
3. Dictation
Instead of typing, you can speak, and your iPhone will transcribe your words.
- How to use: Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard and start speaking. You can even dictate punctuation (e.g., “comma,” “period,” “question mark”).
4. Text Shortcuts
You can create custom text shortcuts to save time when typing frequently used phrases.
- How to use: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Tap the plus icon (+) to add a new shortcut.
5. Undo Typing Gesture
If you make a mistake, you can undo your last typing action by shaking your iPhone.
- How to use: Shake your iPhone, and you’ll be prompted with the option to undo your last action.
6. Quick Access to Punctuation
To quickly insert punctuation marks like periods, question marks, and commas, just tap the 123 key and hold the period key to get options for the other punctuation marks.
7. Use the Spacebar as a Trackpad
If you need to move the cursor to edit text, you can use the spacebar as a trackpad.
- How to use: Tap and hold the spacebar to turn the keyboard into a trackpad, allowing you to move the cursor more precisely.
8. Enable “Predictive Text”
Predictive text suggests words based on your previous typing, helping you type faster.
- How to use: Make sure Predictive is turned on by going to Settings > General > Keyboard and enabling the option.
9. Use Emojis Quickly
Instead of typing out words, you can switch to emojis for a fun and faster way of expressing yourself.
- How to use: Tap the emoji icon on the keyboard, or use predictive text to suggest emojis as you type.
10. Use “Backspace” for Capitalizing
If you accidentally type in lowercase but want to capitalize the first letter, simply tap the backspace key once to erase the lowercase letter and then type the capital letter. It will automatically switch to uppercase.
11. Text Formatting with Markdown
If you’re using certain apps like Notes or iMessage, you can use simple text formatting with markdown (e.g., *italic* or **bold**) to format your text.
12. Quick Access to Special Characters
For easier access to special characters like @, #, $, etc., press and hold on certain letters or symbols on the keyboard. This will pop up a quick menu of similar characters.
13. Capitalize the First Letter of Each Sentence Automatically
Your iPhone can automatically capitalize the first letter of each sentence.
- How to use: Make sure Auto-Capitalization is enabled by going to Settings > General > Keyboard.
14. Quick Emoji Search
If you’re looking for a specific emoji, just type the name of it (e.g., “happy” or “heart”) into the keyboard, and the emoji suggestions will appear.
These tips can help you speed up your texting and make the experience smoother.