iOS is a mature mobile operating system with most features anyone needs to use a mobile device effectively. Even though iOS is a polished OS, it’s surprising how annoying it is to type numbers since the default iOS keyboard doesn’t have a number row like keyboards on the Android side. However, there is a trick you can use to make typing numbers and symbols a lot faster. Keep reading to find out.
In this Reddit thread, a user switching from Android shared their disappointment regarding how bad the iOS keyboard is compared to Android. Specifically, they mentioned missing the Google Pixel keyboard because it has a number row, unlike the iOS keyboard. Fortunately, several users shared a couple of fixes for this issue. Surprisingly, none of the solutions shared involve installing a third-party keyboard or any other app.
Let’s explore these solutions.
The solution: Tapping the 123 button
One shared solution was that instead of tapping the 123 button to switch to numbers and symbols, long-press the 123 button instead. Then, without lifting your finger, slide to the number or symbol you want to type. Once you release your finger, the keyboard automatically switches back to letters. This method is way faster than tapping the 123 button to type numbers and then tapping it again to switch back to letters.
The additional tweak
Besides the above method, you can also use this additional tweak: Hold down the 123 button with one finger and then use another finger to type the number or symbol you need. When you release the button, you’ll return to the main keyboard with letters. This will save you a few seconds since you won’t have to tap the 123 buttons twice whenever you want to switch between letters and numbers.
The good news is that this trick is for more than just the latest iOS version. It also works on older iPhones, so you don’t need the newest update to use it. So, whenever you want to type numbers, you can use either of the two tricks we have shared to save time. It’s a great way to quickly type messages to your friends and family, especially when inputting numbers, symbols, or addresses.
If you’re from Android and desperately want a keyboard with a number row, consider downloading a third-party keyboard like Microsoft Swift Keyboard. After installing the keyboard, you will need to enable the “show number row” option in the third-party keyboard settings.
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