The degree symbol appears in your iPhone keyboard's built-in punctuation menu, not in a separate app

You can type the degree symbol (°) on iPhone using the standard keyboard that comes with iOS. The symbol sits in the numbers and punctuation section, accessible through a long press on the zero key. This works in any app where you can type — Messages, Mail, Notes, web browsers, or third-party apps.

The method takes two seconds once you know where to look. You do not need to read anything, change your keyboard settings, or memorize a code. The degree symbol is built into every iPhone keyboard by default.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the zero (0) key on your iPhone's number pad until a menu appears with the degree symbol as one of the options.
  • Slide your finger to the degree symbol and release to insert it into your text.
  • This method works in any app where you can type, including Messages, Mail, Notes, and web browsers.
  • If you frequently use the degree symbol, you can create a text shortcut in Settings to type it faster.

How to access the degree symbol through the zero key

Open any app where you type — Messages, Mail, Notes, or a web browser. Tap where you want the degree symbol to appear. Tap the number key (usually labeled "123") to switch from letters to numbers and punctuation.

Press and hold the zero (0) key. A small menu will pop up showing several punctuation marks, including the degree symbol (°). The degree symbol usually appears as the second or third option in the menu. Slide your finger to highlight it, then release your finger to insert it into your text.

Using text shortcuts to type the degree symbol faster

If you type the degree symbol regularly — for temperature readings, angles, or coordinates — you can create a keyboard shortcut so you do not have to access the menu each time. Go to Settings, then Keyboard, then Text Replacement. Tap the plus sign to create a new shortcut.

In the "Phrase" field, type the degree symbol (you can copy it from any text you have already typed, or use the zero-key method to insert it). In the "Shortcut" field, type something short and straightforward to remember, like "deg" or "°". Save the shortcut. Now whenever you type your shortcut word, your iPhone will offer the degree symbol as a suggestion above the keyboard.

Why the degree symbol is not on your main keyboard

Apple groups the degree symbol with other punctuation marks that are used less frequently. The main letter keyboard stays straightforward so you can type quickly without clutter. The numbers and punctuation section contains dozens of symbols, and Apple uses the long-press menu to fit them all without taking up screen space.

This design choice applies to many symbols on iPhone — parentheses, brackets, currency signs, and mathematical symbols all live in the same long-press menus. Once you understand the pattern, finding any symbol becomes faster.

Copying and pasting the degree symbol

If you have already typed the degree symbol somewhere, you can copy it and paste it elsewhere. Press and hold the degree symbol until a menu appears, then tap Copy. Go to where you want to paste it, press and hold, and tap Paste.

This method is slower than the keyboard shortcut, but it works if you cannot remember where the symbol is located or if your keyboard is acting unexpectedly. You can also search for "degree symbol" online, copy it from a search result, and paste it into your text.

What to do if the degree symbol does not appear

If pressing and holding the zero key does not show a menu, your iPhone may be using a third-party keyboard app instead of the standard Apple keyboard. Check Settings, then Keyboard, then Keyboards. Make sure "English" or your language is listed. If a third-party keyboard is active, tap Edit and move the Apple keyboard back to the top of the list.

If you are using a third-party keyboard and want to keep it as your default, check that keyboard app's settings or documentation for how to access the degree symbol. Some third-party keyboards place symbols in different locations or require different gestures to access them.

Using the degree symbol in different contexts

The degree symbol works the same way across all iPhone apps. Whether you are texting a temperature, writing an email about angles, or filling out a web form, the method is identical. The symbol will display correctly in Messages, Mail, Notes, web browsers, and most third-party apps.

Some older or specialized apps may not display the degree symbol correctly, though this is rare on modern iOS. If a symbol appears as a box or question mark, the app may not support that character. In that case, you can try typing the word "degrees" spelled out instead, or contact the app developer to report the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use voice dictation to type the degree symbol?

Yes. Tap the microphone icon on your keyboard and say "degree symbol" or "degrees". Your iPhone will insert the ° symbol. This works in any app that supports voice dictation, including Messages and Mail.

Does the degree symbol work on iPad the same way?

Yes. iPad uses the same keyboard system as iPhone. Press and hold the zero key on the iPad keyboard to access the degree symbol menu. The text shortcut method also works identically on iPad.

What if I need to type multiple degree symbols in a row?

Use the text shortcut method. Create a shortcut like "deg" that expands to the degree symbol, then type "deg deg deg" to insert three symbols quickly. This is faster than using the long-press menu three times.

Is the degree symbol different on iPhone than on other devices?

No. The degree symbol (°) is the same across all devices and platforms. When you send it in a text or email, it will display the same way on Android phones, computers, and other devices.