Whether you’re texting about the temperature, writing a math equation, or talking about angles, knowing how to type the degree symbol (°) on your iPhone is incredibly useful. While it’s not visible directly on the keyboard, the degree sign is easy to access with a quick hidden gesture.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to type the degree symbol on iPhone, along with pro tips to use it efficiently in messages, notes, or any app.
🌡️ What Is the Degree Symbol (°)?
The degree symbol is a small circular mark (°) used to indicate temperature (°C or °F), angles (90°), or even geographical coordinates (45°N).
For example:
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Temperature → 30°C or 86°F
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Angles → 45° angle
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Coordinates → 33.7° N, 73.1° E
📱 How to Type the Degree Symbol on iPhone (Step-by-Step)
Typing the degree symbol on iPhone only takes a few seconds — here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the App Where You Want to Type
You can type the degree symbol anywhere that allows text input — like Messages, Notes, Mail, Safari, or even social media apps.
Step 2: Switch to the Numeric Keyboard
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Tap the text field to open the keyboard.
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Then tap the “123” key in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard to switch from letters to numbers.
Step 3: Access the Degree Symbol
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Tap and hold your finger on the “0” (zero) key.
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A small pop-up will appear above the key showing the degree symbol (°).
Step 4: Select the Degree Symbol
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While holding your finger on “0,” slide your finger to the degree symbol (°) and release.
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The degree sign will appear in your text field!
✅ Example: You can now type like this — 25°C or 70°F.
💡 Bonus Tip: Use Text Replacement for Quick Access
If you use the degree symbol often, you can set up a keyboard shortcut to insert it instantly.
Here’s how:
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Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.
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Tap the + icon in the top right corner.
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In the Phrase field, paste the degree symbol (°).
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In the Shortcut field, type something easy to remember, like “deg”.
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Tap Save.
Now, every time you type “deg,” your iPhone will automatically replace it with “°”.
🔍 Alternative Ways to Type the Degree Symbol
If you’re working on different devices linked to your Apple ID, here are a few quick methods:
1. Using Voice Dictation
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Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard.
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Say: “Twenty-five degrees Celsius.”
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Your iPhone will automatically insert “25°C.”
2. Using Copy & Paste
If you can’t remember the shortcut, simply copy the symbol below and paste it wherever needed:
→ °
3. Using an External Keyboard
If you’re using a physical keyboard with your iPhone or iPad, you can use the same method as on Mac:
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Press Option + Shift + 8 to type °.
🧮 Where You Can Use the Degree Symbol
The degree symbol can be used in:
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Weather apps or messages (e.g., “It’s 30°C today”)
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Math and geometry problems (e.g., “Angle = 90°”)
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Maps and GPS coordinates (e.g., “Latitude 33.7° N”)
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Cooking or science notes (e.g., “Bake at 180°C”)
⚙️ Troubleshooting Tips
If the degree symbol doesn’t appear:
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Make sure your iPhone keyboard language is set to English (US) or English (UK) — some regional layouts might differ.
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Update your iOS if the keyboard behaves oddly (Settings > General > Software Update).
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Try restarting your iPhone to refresh the keyboard settings.
🧠 Quick Recap
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| Access degree symbol | Tap and hold “0” on iPhone keyboard |
| Shortcut setup | Use Text Replacement (deg → °) |
| Dictation | Say “degrees” while dictating |
| Copy-paste | Copy “°” and reuse |
| External keyboard | Option + Shift + 8 (on Mac keyboard) |
✅ Conclusion
Typing the degree symbol (°) on your iPhone is quick once you know the trick — just tap and hold the “0” key to reveal it. For frequent use, you can even create a shortcut or use voice dictation to insert it faster.
Whether you’re talking about the weather, angles, or cooking temperatures, this simple tip will make your messages more precise and professional.