How to Type the Degree Symbol on iPhone

Whether you're texting a weather update, sharing a recipe temperature, or writing a scientific note, the degree symbol (°) is one of those characters that isn't immediately obvious on the iPhone keyboard. It's not hiding in some obscure settings menu — it's actually built right into iOS, accessible in a couple of different ways depending on how you're typing and what app you're using.

Where the Degree Symbol Lives on the iOS Keyboard

Apple doesn't give the degree symbol its own dedicated key, but it's tucked away as a hidden character on the number keyboard. Here's the most straightforward method:

1. Tap any text field to bring up the keyboard.
2. Tap the 123 key to switch to the numbers and symbols view.
3. Press and hold the zero (0) key.
4. A small popup will appear showing the ° symbol.
5. Slide your finger onto it and release.

That's it. The whole action takes about one second once you know where to look. This method works across virtually every app on iOS — Messages, Notes, Mail, Safari search bars, and third-party apps alike.

The Symbol Keyboard: An Alternative Route

If the press-and-hold method doesn't suit your flow, the iOS special characters panel offers another path:

1. Switch to the numbers view (123).
2. Tap the **#+= ** key to access the extended symbols keyboard.
3. Scroll or look for the ° character — it appears directly on this keyboard layer on most iOS versions.

This is useful if you're typing multiple special characters in a row and want to stay in the symbols view without repeatedly long-pressing keys.

Using Text Replacement for Frequent Use 🌡️

If you type the degree symbol regularly — for cooking, weather reporting, scientific writing, or fitness tracking — setting up a text replacement shortcut in iOS can save a lot of repetition.

Here's how to set it up:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General → Keyboard → Text Replacement.
3. Tap the + button in the top right.
4. In the Phrase field, paste or type: °
5. In the Shortcut field, type something short you'll remember — like deg or *d.
6. Tap Save.

Now every time you type your chosen shortcut, iOS will automatically swap it out for the degree symbol. This works system-wide across all standard iOS text fields.

Copying from the Web or Notes

A less elegant but perfectly functional method: copy and paste. If you find a degree symbol anywhere — a webpage, a saved note, a message — long-pressing it and selecting copy, then pasting where needed, works without any setup. Some people keep a personal "symbol bank" note in the Notes app for exactly this kind of shorthand.

Does the Keyboard Language or Region Affect This?

Potentially, yes. The press-and-hold behavior on the 0 key is consistent across most keyboard language settings in iOS, but the exact layout of the **#+= ** symbols keyboard can vary depending on which language keyboard you have active. If you're using a non-English keyboard (e.g., French, German, Japanese input), the symbols panel may be arranged differently.

If you regularly switch between multiple keyboard languages, it's worth checking each layout individually, since what's on the #+= layer in English may not be in the same spot — or present at all — on another language keyboard.

Third-Party Keyboards

Users running third-party keyboards (like Gboard or SwiftKey) through the iOS keyboard extension system may find the degree symbol placed differently. These keyboards have their own symbol layouts, and the long-press behavior on the 0 key isn't guaranteed to work the same way. In those cases, switching temporarily to the Apple default keyboard or using a text replacement shortcut tends to be the most reliable workaround.

iOS Version Considerations

The core behavior — degree symbol accessible via long-press on the 0 key — has been consistent across iOS versions for many years. Apple hasn't moved this character around significantly with recent updates. That said, keyboard behavior can sometimes shift subtly between major iOS releases, and accessibility features or keyboard settings you've customized may affect how character popups appear.

If the long-press popup isn't showing up, it's worth checking Settings → General → Keyboard to make sure "Character Preview" is enabled — this is the setting that controls whether the popup bubble appears when you press and hold keys.

The Variables That Actually Matter Here 📱

Most users will find the long-press-on-zero method works immediately with no changes needed. But the experience isn't identical across every setup. The factors that can shift things:

• Which keyboard language is active — affects the #+= layout and sometimes long-press options
• Third-party keyboard apps — each has its own symbol system
• iOS version — generally consistent, but worth noting if behavior seems unexpected
• Accessibility or keyboard customizations — settings like reduced motion or custom keyboards can change how popups behave
• How often you use the symbol — determines whether a text replacement shortcut is worth setting up

The method that works best ends up depending on your specific typing habits, the keyboard setup you're running, and how frequently the degree symbol shows up in your actual use.