How to copy and paste on iPhone or iPad: Guide + my tricks

This guide will teach you all the basics of copying and pasting on your iPhone within the first few paragraphs, but don't stop there. I'm here to show you some advanced tricks you probably didn't even know you needed.

So, here's the deal: first, you'll learn how to copy and paste on your iPhone and iPad. Then,  see if you can beat my Clipboard Glitch game in under a minute. Consider it a fun way to unwind and appreciate learning something new. Sound good?

How to copy and paste text on iPhone and iPad

I’ll show you how to copy and paste various items, including text, web links, and photos, on your gadgets. Let’s start with how to copy text on an iPhone.

Method 1: Using touch screen

To copy your text,  select a word. Just press and hold. The word will be highlighted in yellow. Obviously, you may need to copy more than one word. You’ll see handles at each edge of the selected word. You can tap on these handles and drag. This will change where the selection starts and stops. Then simply tap Copy. To paste, find the spot where you want your text and press until Paste pops up. Easy?

Method 2: Using Paste

Where is the iPhone clipboard? — you may wonder. Well, the answer might disappoint you. The iPhone’s clipboard simply doesn’t exist. If you want to see stuff you copy on your iPhone, get Paste. This easy tool keeps track of everything you copy, be it text, links, or images. Just open Paste, browse through the clipboard history, and pick what you want.

How cool is that? When I first tried the app, I instantly knew it was something I’d keep coming back to for a long time.

Method 3: Using Handoff

My copy-and-paste guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Universal Clipboard. This feature is extremely helpful if you need to copy and paste something between your iPhone and Mac computer right away. Yes, that’s the kind of situation when my husband, who uses Windows and iPhone, becomes so envious. 

Let me show you how to enable the feature on iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > AirPlay & Continuity.
3. Then, turn on Handoff.

Just remember that to use Universal Clipboard, your devices must:

• Be Macs running macOS Sierra (10.12) or later
• Be iOS devices running iOS 10 or later
• Be signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID/Apple account
• Have Bluetooth turned on
• Have Wi-Fi turned on and connected to the same network
• Have the Handoff feature turned on.

How to copy a link on an iPhone

Copying links varies a bit depending on where you are. In messaging apps, press and hold the link until Copy Link appears. Tap it and then paste where you need it.

In Safari or other browsers, it’s just as straightforward: touch and hold the URL in the address bar, tap Copy, and you’re set. That’s how to copy and paste links on iPhone.

How to copy pictures on iPhone and iPad

Now, let me show you how to copy and paste pictures on your iPhone. The process is really straightforward. 

Open the Photos app. There, you’ll see a grid of images. Tap and hold the image until you see the Copy option. Tap it.

Note that if you open the image, you will use another method. Tap on three dots at the top and only then tap Copy.

If you use the Paste app that I’ve mentioned above, every image you copy is easily accessible from the “clipboard” when you need it.

You may also like: “How to screen record on iPhone and iPad.”

Can you copy a video in Photos?

If you’re planning to quickly and easily copy a video to paste it somewhere, know that this is not possible yet. Sharing is your best bet for moving videos from one place to another.

Want to do the same on a Mac? Here is a guide on how to copy and paste on a Mac.

At this point, you should know more about the iPhone clipboard than most common users. Congrats! Time for a treat! Remember the little game I mentioned? See if you can find all the items that were accidentally copied twice. You have one minute for each!

Final thoughts on how to copy and paste on iPad or iPhone

Now you’re pro on how to copy and paste different types of content on your iPhone or iPad. I told you it’s easy. And don’t forget, if you want to save time with your copying and pasting needs, Paste is a fantastic app that stores all your copied items. It makes organizing and retrieving your clipboard history a breeze. 

Paste, along with other useful tools like CleanMy®Phone for keeping your system tidy and OpenIn for opening links in select browsers, is available on Setapp. It’s a subscription service that offers dozens of carefully selected Mac, iOS, and web apps for almost any task. All Setapp tools come with a low monthly fee and a 7-day free trial. Isn’t it a great way to get the most out of your devices?