A friend recently expressed astonishment when she saw us using trackpad mode while editing text on an iPhone. (It works on the iPad, too!) So, even if you already know these tips, do your friends a favor and show them:
- Tap once to position the insertion point at the start or end of a word.
- Touch and hold to reveal the magnifier and move the insertion point within words ➊.
- Touch and hold the Space bar to turn the entire keyboard into a virtual trackpad that lets you move the insertion point above ➋. On the iPad, you can also touch and hold with two fingers anywhere on the keyboard.
- Double-tap to select a word; keep dragging to select more text, one word at a time ➌.
- Triple-tap to select an entire paragraph.
(Featured image by Adam Engst with keys from MXW Photo)
Social Media: Editing text on an iPhone or iPad will never be as easy as on a Mac, but with these tips, you can quickly position the insertion point and select words and paragraphs using your finger.
Recent Posts

Jun. 10, 2025
At WWDC 2025, Apple Unveils Liquid Glass and Previews New OS Features

Jun. 06, 2025
Make Apple Devices Easier for Family to Access with Secondary Biometrics

Jun. 06, 2025
Did You Know You Can Rename Many Bluetooth Devices?

Jun. 06, 2025
Clean Your iPhone’s Camera Lens

Jun. 06, 2025
Switch Between Apps Fluidly on Face ID iPhones

Jun. 06, 2025
Ten Tips for Making the Best Use of AI Chatbots

Jun. 06, 2025
Consider Personal Cyber Insurance

Jun. 06, 2025
Choosing the Best Mac for a College-Bound Student in 2025

May. 02, 2025
Beware Domain Name Renewal Phishing Attacks

May. 02, 2025
Try Blip for Fast Transfers of Any Size Between Platforms
View All Posts