Sometimes, while you are composing a text message on your iPhone 18 Pro (or just before sending it), you may want to edit some part of it. You may want to add, remove or paste text. For example, you may write a long text message and then scroll to the top to edit something at the top of the message. To do this, you will need to move the cursor to where you want to edit, and then you can select and edit text in the text field of the Messages app.
A number of users have been complaining that they are unable to edit text messages on their iPhone 18 Pro as they compose them using the onscreen keyboard because they are unable to move the cursor or select text by tapping the screen. Users have said that they are unable to control or drag the cursor, as the cursor appears in random places instead of where it is supposed to. Or, sometimes, the cursor just disappears. Users have also said that touching and holding the message (to bring up a menu) does not seem to be working. If this is something you are experiencing, here is what you can do.
Please note that you can also edit a message after sending it: up to five times, within 15 minutes of sending it. This only works with iMessage ā SMS, MMS and RCS text messages cannot be edited or unsent. This article focuses on editing the unsent messages.
How to fix the problem of select, cut, copy, paste, insert not working in Messages on iPhone 18 Pro
Before you troubleshoot, try moving the cursor a different way. If the problem is that tapping will not place the cursor where you want it, Apple documents a technique that avoids tapping altogether: turn the keyboard itself into a trackpad.
- Touch and hold the Space bar with one finger until the keyboard turns light gray and the characters on the keys disappear. It is now a trackpad.
- Slide your finger around it to move the insertion point exactly where you want it.
- To select text, touch and hold the keyboard with a second finger, then move the first finger to adjust the selection.
Apple also documents the selection gestures: double-tap to select a word, triple-tap to select a paragraph, and double-tap and hold the first word of a block then drag the grab points. And to place the cursor by touch, touch and hold to magnify the insertion point first, then drag it.
- Quit the Messages app and open it again: Simply restart the Messages app. Go to the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and stop in the middle to open the App Switcher. Swipe up on the Messages app, then open Messages and try again. You may worry about losing the unsent message draft. I tested this myself, and when you open Messages, your draft will be there. You can continue editing the message.
- Restart your iPhone: Simply restarting your iPhone may fix this, as this may be a temporary glitch. Press and hold the Side button and one of the Volume buttons until the power-off slider appears. Then, drag the slider. Wait about 30 seconds, and then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Update your iPhone: First, check for software updates, and then if there is an update, update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. To do this, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If there is an update, follow the instructions to update your iPhone.
- Return iPhone settings to their defaults: Erase all of your iPhone settings, including your keyboard settings. Resetting all settings on an iPhone essentially reverts your iPhone to its factory default state without erasing your data. This means that while your settings, including your Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and other personalized preferences, will be erased, your apps, photos and more will remain. To do this, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. Before you do this, you can view and save or write down your Wi-Fi passwords so that you can re-enter them after the reset.
