How To Do Word Shortcuts On Iphone

You can use iPhone keyboard shortcuts to access alternate characters, insert web domains, switch to all-caps, and more.
For instance, you can insert a single number without switching to the number keyboard by holding your finger on the "123" key and swiping.
You can add any number of custom keyboard shortcuts, which will make your iPhone automatically insert phrases or symbols when you type a certain phrase.
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You probably use keyboard shortcuts all the time on your Mac or PC, but odds are good that you rarely think about using them on your iPhone. After all, your iPhone doesn't even have its own physical keyboard.

But in reality, there are a few ways to save time while typing on your iPhone. Not only are there some handy shortcuts built into the iPhone's keyboard, but iOS makes it easy to add any number of your own custom shortcuts.

Here's what you should know.

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iPhone keyboard shortcuts you should know

The iPhone has a few built-in keyboard shortcuts which can save you a lot of time and random tapping.

Alternate characters

Tap and hold any key on the iPhone keyboard to see the alternate characters associated with that key — these include that character with accent marks and other changes.

Not all keys have alternate characters, so it pays to explore the keyboard to see what options you have available.

Web domains

When you're typing in an email address field, such as the "To" line at the top of the Mail app, tap and hold the period (.) at the bottom right of the keyboard. You'll be able to choose a domain like .com or .edu with a single tap.

One of the most useful alternate characters you can access is a set of popular web and email domains.

Quick-select an alternate key

You probably know that you can switch to the numeric keys by tapping "123," or the symbols keyboard by tapping "#+=." That keyboard will normally remain on screen until you manually change back.

But if you only need to enter a single number or symbol, tap and hold the keyboard change key, and swipe up to the key you need. Release, and you'll enter that key without actually changing to that keyboard.

For example, suppose you're typing letters on the main keyboard and need to enter the number 4. Tap and hold "123," and swipe up to "4." Release, and you'll have inserted a 4 without switching keyboards, so you can keep typing letters.

Switch to all-caps

Put the keyboard in all-caps mode by double-tapping the Shift key. It'll be highlighted and all letters you type now will be capitalized. Turn it off by tapping Shift again or by tapping "123."

Double-tap the Shift key to type in all caps.

End a sentence with a period

By default, double-tapping the Space bar will automatically insert a period followed by a space.

How to create your own keyboard shortcuts on the iPhone

The handful of built-in shortcuts are handy, but the real power in the iOS keyboard comes from creating your shortcuts.

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General" and then tap "Keyboard."

3. Tap "Text Replacement."

You'll need to set up your "Text Replacement" options.

4. Tap "+" in the upper right corner.

5. Type the text phrase you want to create, and then enter the text shortcut that will trigger it when you're typing. For example, you could enter your email address in the Phrase field and make the shortcut your initials — that way, whenever you type your initials, it autocorrects to become your email address. Also, keep in mind that you can use any special or extended symbols (like the ones you get by tapping and holding a key) in the phrase as well.

6. Tap "Save."

You can create any number of personalized keyboard shortcuts.

Now whenever you enter the shortcut, it will autocorrect into the phrase you entered.

How to edit your own keyboard shortcuts on the iPhone

After you create a shortcut, you might need to change it. For example, you might want to tweak the phrase, or you made the shortcut text too common, so you trigger the shortcut frequently by accident.

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General" and then tap "Keyboard."

3. Tap "Text Replacement."

4. Tap the shortcut that you want to edit.

5. On the Text Replacement page, you can modify the phrase or shortcut and tap "Save" when you're done.

How to delete keyboard shortcuts on the iPhone

No longer need a shortcut? Here's how to delete it.

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General" and then tap "Keyboard."

3. Tap "Text Replacement."

4. Tap "Edit" at the bottom left of the screen.

5. Tap the red "-" next to any shortcut you want to remove, and then tap "Delete."

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Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.