Apple: iPhone tips and tricks for everyday use

Use this guide to try practical iPhone shortcuts without leaving the page. Start with the task you do most often, then practise the steps in Notes or a message you have not sent. The instructions use the Apple onscreen keyboard. Labels and available options can differ with your iPhone model and iOS version.

Move the cursor without repeatedly tapping

1. Open Notes or a message draft and tap the text so the keyboard appears.
2. Keep one finger on the space bar until the letters disappear.
3. Without lifting that finger, slide it to position the cursor at the character you want to change.
4. Lift your finger, then type or delete as usual.

Try correcting a single letter in the middle of a sentence. You can also hold directly on the text and drag the insertion point into position.

Select and edit text

1. Double-tap a word to select it, or triple-tap to select a paragraph.
2. Use the selection handles to include more or less text.
3. Choose Copy or Cut from the editing menu. Tap the destination and choose Paste. Cutting removes the original; copying keeps it.

To move selected text within a supported app, hold the selection until it lifts, then drag it to the new position. Practise in a spare note first.

Create a typing shortcut

1. Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.
2. Tap the plus button to create an entry.
3. In Phrase, enter the full wording you want to insert. In Shortcut, add a short trigger you would not normally type.
4. Save the entry and test it in a note.

For example, a shortcut such as ourwebsite can insert https://intouchtel.com. Avoid using an ordinary word as the trigger if you do not want it replaced during everyday typing.

Scan a document in Notes

1. Open a note and tap the attachment button.
2. Choose Scan Documents and point the camera at the page.
3. Let automatic capture take the scan, or capture it manually.
4. Check the page edges and adjust the corners if needed. Keep the scan when it looks right.
5. Add any remaining pages, then save the scan to the note.

Before relying on a scanned receipt or form, open the result and check that small print and the full page are readable.

Use the keyboard with one hand

1. Open the keyboard in a text field.
2. Press and hold the emoji or globe key.
3. Choose the keyboard position on the left or right, depending on which hand you use.
4. Tap the side arrow when you want the full-width keyboard again.

This option depends on your keyboard and display settings. If it is not offered, continue with the standard layout.

Set up Back Tap

1. On a supported iPhone, open Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
2. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
3. Select an action, such as taking a screenshot.
4. Tap the back of the phone to test it and change the action if it does not suit you.

Back Tap requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 14 or later. Choose an action you will use regularly.

Put one shortcut into practice

Try the cursor trick first, then save one useful text replacement. A small shortcut becomes valuable when it removes a repeated task from your day.

Looking for your next phone? Browse SIM-free phones at In Touch Telecoms Ltd and check accessories against your exact model before ordering.

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