Magnifying Glass for Selecting Text

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Level 1

9 points

Magnifying Glass for Selecting Text

Can I get the text selection/editor magnifying glass back in iOS 13.3 and still keep swipe to type? I don’t want to downgrade the software version but I need the magnifying glass to edit.

iPhone 6, iOS 9

Posted on Apr 7, 2020 5:27 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Level 10

211,484 points

Apr 7, 2020 5:38 PM in response to SimonRGlenn

The magnifying glass was replaced a year ago by a much better way to edit. See this Apple support article, which explains how to use the new, improved editing features—>Type and edit text on iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 2

SimonRGlenn Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 7, 2020 5:44 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

From the linked article: “Insert text: Tap to place the insertion point where you want to insert text. You can also move the insertion point precisely by dragging it. Then start typing.”

This is exactly the same as it used to be, but the magnifying glass has been removed. Can I get it back while still using this version of iOS?

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Answer 3

SimonRGlenn Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 7, 2020 5:53 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Thank you for the definitive answer. how unfortunate. I use an iPhone SE which has the window size of the 5; I prefer this screen size, but this update makes editing text significantly more difficult. (specifically when selecting individual letters in words)

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Answer 4

Apr 7, 2020 5:52 PM in response to SimonRGlenn

Hold your finger on the cursor. After a second it will get larger, so you can see where to drag it. Or hold the space bar for a second; the whole keyboard them becomes a touch pad for moving the insertion point.

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Answer 5

Apr 7, 2020 5:46 PM in response to SimonRGlenn

No, you cannot get the magnifying glass back. It has been removed as Lawrence correctly told you. It's gone. It's not coming back. It's been replaced by new gestures, which work great.

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Answer 6

Apr 7, 2020 5:52 PM in response to SimonRGlenn

Are you learning how to use the new gestures? They actually work really well.

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Magnifying Glass for Selecting Text

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