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iPhone & iPad: How to customize keyboard shortcuts

One of the most underrated features on iOS has always been keyboard shortcuts, or like Apple likes to call them, text replacements. This allows users to easily expand something such as an email address or phone number by typing out “@@”, or “##” for example. Text replacements can also be useful as a shortcut to certain emojis, as well.

For example, I can just type “iidk” and it will expand into “🤷🏽‍♂️” or, “aapl” for “”. Follow along to learn how to customize and possibly add text replacements on iPhone or iPad…

iPhone & iPad: How to customize keyboard shortcuts

  1. Open up Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.
  2. Either tap the + button up top to add a new text replacement, or tap the Edit button on the bottom left to delete one.
  3. When adding a new text replacement, tap the word or phrase in the Phrase box. Then add in the bottom Shortcut box. Make sure it’s something you won’t type on a daily basis or something you will forget.
  4. Tap the Save button when done.

For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how to guide as well as the following articles:


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