How to copy and paste text on your phone
Copy and paste saves you retyping text: an address, a tracking number, or a suspicious message you'd like someone to check. It works the same way on Android and iPhone.
Step by step
- 1Put your finger on the text you want to copy and hold it for 1 to 2 seconds without moving.
- 2One or two words are highlighted, with a small round handle at each end.
- 3Drag these handles to cover all the text you want.
- 4In the small menu that appears, tap "Copy".
- 5Go to where you want to paste the text, hold your finger in the box, then tap "Paste".
Good to know: The small menu often offers "Select all": handy for copying a whole message at once.
See also
Page updated in October 2026. Menu names may vary slightly depending on your phone's brand and model.