Apple has provided several ways to help save you time typing out text messages or e-mails. Sometimes however, these options aren’t always made clear or they’re hidden underneath a few layers of menu options. Check out our latest list of iPhone tips to master your keyboard!

Save time switching keyboards

If you find switching between symbols/numbers and letters a bit clumsy when typing a long message, try this. Just tap once on the .?123 or ABC button, and while keeping your finger held on the keyboard, slide your finger up to the key you want. After it’s been added and you release your finger, it’ll automatically switch back to the keyboard you were using.

Type faster with auto-capitalization

Rather than hitting the period button to do a full stop, just double tap the space bar. It’ll add a period, and auto-capitalize the next word to set you up for your next sentence. This setting is typically enabled by default, but if it’s not, go here:

Settings > General > Keyboard > Turn “Auto-Capitalization” on

Quickly type domain extensions

When you’re typing in a URL in Safari, your iPhone provides a way to quickly type out domain extensions like “.com” or “.net”. If you’re using iOS 7, hold down the period key and it’ll bring up a list of popular domain extensions. If you’re using an older OS version, hold down the “.com” key instead.

Insert special characters

Similarly, if you’re looking for special characters like accented characters or different currency symbols, just tap and hold down a key to see what other options you have for alternate characters. Try experimenting!  

Display character count

Here’s how to see how many characters are in your messages. This is especially useful if you use Twitter!

Settings > Messages > Toggle “Character Count” on

Shake away your mistakes

Instead of holding down the backspace key to delete those pesky typos, you can just give your iPhone a shake and you’ll get a notification asking if you want to “Undo Typing.”

Add additional keyboards

You can setup international keyboards on your iPhone as well if you want to communicate in different languages.

Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard

Just for fun, you can also add the Emoji keyboard to get new, more stylish emoticons!

Use keyboard shortcuts

You can create new shortcuts that will automatically expand into the word or phrase as you type. For example, typing “omw” in a message will automatically input “on my way” after you hit the space bar.

Settings > General > Keyboard > “Add New Shortcut…”

Type the phrase you want to use, and then the shortcut.  

Bonus: iPad Keyboard Tip

If you’re using an iPad, you might find it faster to type using two thumbs instead. Apple has provided a way to split your keyboard to accommodate you.

Tap and hold the keyboard button on the bottom right corner > Two options will appear: Undock and Split > Tap Split to use the split keyboard

Or, you can also split your keyboard by pulling it apart using two fingers, sliding each from the middle to either side.

If you’re an Android user, stay tuned. We’ve got more keyboard tips coming soon.