Have you ever been frustrated while editing text on your iPad or iPhone? Searching for an easy way to position the text cursor exactly where you want it? Well, you’re in luck! In this guide, we’ll show you the easiest way to move the text cursor on your Apple device.
Effortlessly Navigate the Text Cursor
When typing on your iPhone or iPad, it’s common to need to edit text within an app. Instead of deleting everything you’ve just typed, there’s a simple method to quickly position your text cursor. This tip is especially helpful when composing or responding to text messages in the Messages app.
Start by placing one finger on the space bar, and then tap anywhere on the dimmed keyboard to activate the touchpad mode. Now, you can easily move the cursor to your desired location without deleting any text. This trick works even if you have an external keyboard connected. Just tap on a text input area, place two fingers on the touchpad, and drag them to adjust the cursor’s position. To select text, simply position the cursor on a word, release your fingers, and tap once to select a word, twice for a sentence, and three times for a paragraph.
Using 3D Touch (iPhone only)
- 3D Touch is available on iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XS, and XS Max models.
- 3D Touch is not included on iPhone SE, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max. (It’s also not available on iPhone models released before the iPhone 6S.)
If you have an iPhone with 3D Touch capabilities, press your finger firmly (but not too hard) on the onscreen keyboard to activate the touchpad mode. For iPhones without 3D Touch, simply hold your finger on the space bar for a moment until the button labels disappear. You are now in virtual touchpad mode, and you can slide your finger across the screen to position the text cursor. When you’re finished, lift your finger to lock the cursor in place.
On iPad
iPad offers two methods to activate the virtual touchpad mode. The first method is similar to the iPhone – gently place your finger on the space bar on the screen. Alternatively, you can place two fingers on the on-screen keyboard simultaneously. After a moment, the letters on the keyboard will disappear, and you can use the area as a trackpad. Drag your finger to position the text cursor on the screen. When you’re done, lift your finger off the virtual keyboard, and the cursor will remain in the selected position. The on-screen keyboard’s letters will reappear, and you can continue typing as usual.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are a few more interesting facts about moving the text cursor on your Apple device:
- Remember that these methods work on the latest versions of iOS and iPadOS, so make sure to keep your device updated.
- If you encounter any issues while trying to navigate the text cursor, try restarting your device or resetting the keyboard settings.
- For precise positioning, you can also use a Bluetooth keyboard or the trackpad on a MacBook if you have your iPad connected.
- Apple continues to innovate and improve its devices, so stay tuned for any new features or updates related to text cursor movement.
Now that you know how to easily move the text cursor on your iPad and iPhone, go ahead and enjoy a smooth editing experience. No more frustration, just effortless navigation. Happy typing!
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