The iPhone is probably the world’s most used keyboard and there’s a simple secret hack that will speed up your typing with just a little tweak.
As an iPhone user for over 15 years (yuck I feel old), I only encountered this keyboard hack recently and it has made me a far more efficient typer on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. Before I would type the modifier (123) key to get to numbers and symbols, press the key I need, and then tap the button again or the space bar to go back to letters — but not anymore.
Here’s how to speed up your iPhone keyboard typing with a simple trick that, once you learn it, will become second nature to the way you use your smartphone.
Type quicker with this easy iPhone trick
Think of your iPhone like your Mac’s keyboard and use the modifier key like the Shift button. Instead of pressing (123) to get to your numbers and symbols, simply hold down the key with your left thumb, press the number or symbol you want, and then let go of the modifier key held with your left thumb. Almost like magic, your keyboard jumps back to letters, allowing you to continue typing without needing to press an extra key.
I realize this may not seem like a big deal, but once you start incorporating this way of using the modifier key into your daily use, you’ll realize just how much of a game-changer it is.
Once you’ve mastered this simple trick, you can delve further into the world of iOS 17 tips and tricks, including this neat hack that means you never have to type out your email address on your iPhone again.
It doesn’t matter if you own the best iPhone or an older model, these software hacks will work on any device running iOS 17, and with iOS 18 on the horizon we’re sure to get more quality-of-life improvements in the near future.
Did you know about this keyboard hack? What are your favorite iPhone keyboard tricks, let us know below.