How to Get the Degree Sign on iPhone: Every Method Explained

Typing the degree symbol (°) on an iPhone isn't obvious — it's not printed on any key, and there's no dedicated button for it. But once you know where it hides, it takes less than two seconds to insert. Here's exactly how it works, plus the variables that affect which method fits your situation best.

What Is the Degree Sign and Why Isn't It on the Keyboard?

The degree sign (°) is a standard Unicode character used to express temperature (72°F), angles (90°), and geographic coordinates. Apple's iOS keyboard prioritizes the most commonly typed characters and deliberately hides less-used symbols behind long-press gestures and alternate keyboards to keep the interface clean.

This means the degree symbol exists on your iPhone — it's just not visible at a glance.

Method 1: The Long-Press Key (Fastest Method)

This is the built-in iOS method that works on every iPhone without any setup.

1. Open any app where you can type (Messages, Notes, Mail, etc.)
2. Tap the text field to bring up the keyboard
3. Switch to the numbers keyboard by tapping the 123 key
4. Find the zero (0) key
5. Press and hold the zero key
6. A small popup will appear showing the degree symbol (°)
7. Slide your finger to it and release

That's it. The degree sign is tucked behind the zero because of the visual similarity between 0 and °.

🔑 This method works on all iPhones running iOS 9 and later, with no third-party apps or settings changes required.

Method 2: The Text Replacement Shortcut

If you type the degree symbol frequently — for weather reports, scientific notes, or cooking temperatures — setting up a text replacement shortcut saves time.

1. Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement
2. Tap the + button in the top right
3. In the Phrase field, paste or insert the degree symbol (°)
4. In the Shortcut field, type something easy to remember like deg or ^o
5. Tap Save

Now every time you type your chosen shortcut, iOS will automatically replace it with °. This approach works well for people who type in fields where the keyboard feels slow or who use Bluetooth keyboards with their iPhones.

One variable to know: Text replacements sync across your Apple devices via iCloud if iCloud is enabled for your account. If you use multiple devices, you set it once and it appears everywhere.

Method 3: Copy and Paste from a Reliable Source

The most universally compatible method — especially useful if you're on an older iOS version or using a third-party keyboard that changes long-press behavior.

Simply copy this: °

You can paste it directly into any text field. Many users keep a note in the Notes app with commonly needed special characters ready to copy. It's low-tech but dependable.

Method 4: Using the Globe/Emoji Keyboard

If you have multiple keyboards enabled on your iPhone:

1. Tap the globe icon (🌐) or emoji icon on your keyboard
2. Navigate to the symbols section
3. Search for "degree" if your emoji keyboard includes a search bar (available on iOS 14 and later)

This method is more roundabout than the long-press zero approach, but it's useful if you're already browsing symbols for other characters.

Method 5: Dictation

iPhones with Siri dictation enabled can type the degree symbol hands-free:

1. Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard
2. Say "degree sign"

Results vary depending on iOS version and microphone quality. On iOS 16 and later, dictation handles special character names more reliably than earlier versions. In noisy environments or with heavy accents, accuracy may drop.

How Your Setup Affects Which Method Works Best

Why Third-Party Keyboards Change Things 🔧

Apps like Gboard or SwiftKey replace the native iOS keyboard entirely. Long-press behavior on those keyboards may differ — some show different symbols behind the zero key, or none at all. If you use a third-party keyboard and the long-press trick isn't working, switching temporarily to the Apple keyboard (via the globe icon) will restore the default behavior.

Factors That Determine Which Method Fits Your Workflow

A few things shape which approach actually makes sense for you:

• How often you need the symbol — occasional use favors the long-press; regular use favors a shortcut
• Whether you use third-party keyboards — changes what long-press reveals
• Your iOS version — newer versions have more reliable dictation and symbol search
• Whether you use multiple Apple devices — text replacements synced via iCloud work across all of them simultaneously
• Accessibility needs — AssistiveTouch or dictation may be more practical than fine-tap gestures

The long-press zero method is the default answer for most people, but whether it's the right answer for how you actually type — and on which apps and devices — depends on your specific setup.