The best iPhone features you’re NOT using: From the one-handed keyboard to ‘shaking off’ typos
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When you’re typing on a relatively small screen, mistakes are inevitable.
But there are hidden features that quickly fix misspelled words and grammar mistakes… or prevent them from ever happening.
When you’re typing on a relatively small screen, mistakes are inevitable – but there are hidden features that quickly fix misspelled words and grammar mistakes
The ‘Ctrl + Z’ equivalent for your phone
Your iPhone has a hidden way to ‘undo’ that you may have never realized is there. You can shake it to display an Undo Typing window.
Tap Undo, and the last thing you typed is gone, just like that.
Change your mind? Just shake the phone and select Redo Typing to get your word(s) back.
Unlike many other Accessibility settings, Shake to Undo is enabled by default.
You’re probably less confused if you have no idea how you previously triggered that. While it’s a handy way to return, not everyone likes it.
Your iPhone has a hidden way to ‘undo’ that you may have never realized is there. You can shake it to display an Undo Typing window. Tap Undo, and the last thing you typed is gone, just like that
Here’s how to disable Shake to Undo
● Open Settings, then scroll down and tap Accessibility.
● Tap Touch.
● Slide the toggle next to Shake to Undo to the left to turn it off.
If you ever change your mind, follow the same stuff and toggle the feature.
That’s not the only hidden setting
Your iPhone hides lots of handy features. If you know how to use them, you get much more out of your smartphone. Here are three more everyone should try. You may not want to use them all, but they’re worth knowing about.
Shortcut things you type all the time
You can set up text replacement shortcuts to quickly type out longer phrases or commonly used words.
For example, you can set ‘omw’ to automatically expand to ‘On my way!’ Or you can have it filled in your email address if you type something like ‘my@.’
● While typing in a text field, touch and hold the Emoji (smiley face) or Switch Keyboard (globe) keys.
● Tap Keyboard Settings, then tap Text Replacement.
● Tap the plus symbol at the top right.
● Type a phrase in the Phrase field and the text shortcut you want to use in the Shortcut field.
● Tap Save.
A better keyboard on the go
This hidden feature makes it easier for you to type with one hand
Enabling a one-handed keyboard mode shifts the keyboard to the left or right side of the screen to make typing with one hand easier. This is especially useful as phones get bigger and bigger.
● Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.
● Tap One-Handed Keyboard.
● Choose Left or Right.
● Pro method: Open Messages and hold down the emoji or globe button. Tap the icon for the left or right keyboard.
Want even more hidden features? Check out my list here to up your iPhone game.
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Make tiny text easier to read
The iPhone has a built-in magnifier that’s useful for reading small text or examining small objects.
● Open the Magnifier app. If you don’t see it, open the App Store and search for Magnifier.
● Use the onscreen controls to zoom in, apply color filters, turn on the flashlight and adjust the brightness or contrast of the image to see it better.
While the ‘undo’ function can be a lifesaver in many scenarios, it doesn’t work with everything you do on your phone.
Phone Calls: There is no ‘undo’ option once a call is placed. The recipient’s phone will ring unless the call is ended quickly.
Deleted Apps: If you delete an app from your iPhone, the ‘undo’ option won’t restore it. You have to go back to the App Store and download it again.
Factory Reset: If you perform a factory reset on your iPhone, you cannot retrieve your data using ‘undo.’ It’s essential to back up your data before resetting.
Completed Transactions: Once a purchase is made through an app or the App Store, you cannot ‘undo’ the transaction instantly. You’ll need to follow the refund procedure, which varies by app and location.
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