Smartphones have become indispensable communication tools. We use them to write messages, e-mails and even business documents. To make our writing more expressive and varied, we often need to use special symbols. If you’re tired of laboriously searching for these characters, discover the keyboard shortcuts that can save you precious time on iOS and Android.
Understanding keyboard shortcuts
A keyboard shortcut is a combination of keys that allows you to quickly insert a specific character or action. On smartphones, these shortcuts are often less intuitive than on a computer, but they do exist and can greatly facilitate your typing.
Keyboard shortcuts on iOS
iOS offers several ways of inserting special symbols:
- The traditional method: By holding down a letter, you access a contextual menu offering different variations of that letter, including accents or special characters.
- The numeric keypad: Switch to the numeric keypad to access a wide range of symbols, including special characters.
- Specific keyboard shortcuts: Some special characters can be inserted using specific key combinations. For example, to insert a heart, you can use a combination like Option+Shift+?.
Important note : Keyboard shortcuts on iOS may vary slightly according to model and operating system version.
Inserting a dash 6 on iOS
To insert a dash 6 on your iPhone, all you need to do is switch to the numeric keypad. Press the “123” key at the bottom left of your keyboard. This will take you to a set of numbers and symbols. The dash for 6 is usually found on the first line, often on the same key as the equal sign (=). Simply press this key to insert the dash into your text. If you can’t find the shortcut directly, you can also copy a dash from another source and paste it where you like. Some third-party keyboard applications, such as Gboard, offer additional customization options to facilitate access to special characters. Feel free to explore your keyboard’s settings to discover other features.
Keyboard shortcuts on Android
Android also offers numerous options for inserting special symbols. The most common methods are :
- The symbolic keyboard: Most Android keyboards have a “Symbols” or “Specials” tab that gives you access to a wide range of characters.
- Third-party keyboard applications: Many third-party keyboard applications, such as Gboard, offer advanced input functions, including customized keyboard shortcuts.
- Specific keyboard shortcuts: Some applications or custom ROMs may offer specific keyboard shortcuts for inserting symbols.
Important note: Keyboard shortcuts on Android are even more variable than on iOS, as they depend heavily on the phone model, software overlay and keyboard application used.
How to find keyboard shortcuts on your smartphone?
- Consult the user manual: Your smartphone’s manual usually contains a list of available keyboard shortcuts.
- Search online: Many forums and websites offer lists of keyboard shortcuts specific to your phone model.
- Experiment: The best way to discover keyboard shortcuts is to experiment. Try out different key combinations to see what works.
The benefits of keyboard shortcuts
- Time-saving: By avoiding laborious searches for special characters, you save precious time.
- More fluidity: Keyboard shortcuts make typing more fluid and natural.
- Customization: You can personalize your shortcuts to suit your specific needs.
The limits of keyboard shortcuts
- Lack of standardization: Keyboard shortcuts are not standardized from one device to another, which can be confusing.
- Difficult to memorize: It can be hard to memorize all the keyboard shortcuts, especially if you use them infrequently.
Other options
- Voice input applications: If you want even more speed, you can use voice input applications to dictate your texts.
- Physical keyboards: For a more traditional typing experience, you can use a physical keyboard connected to your smartphone.
- Custom keyboards: Some keyboard applications let you create custom keyboards with specific shortcuts and symbols.
Keyboard shortcuts are a powerful tool for improving productivity on your smartphone. By mastering the different methods for inserting special symbols, you’ll gain greater efficiency and fluidity in your typing. Feel free to explore the different options offered by your device and customize your shortcuts for an optimal user experience.