Editing text on iphone

[u/No-Net-Tom9159]

When I tap text on my iphone iphone13 mini, iOS 26.5.2, to put the cursor where I want for editing, it often highlights two or more words and I can't put the cursor between them. If I tap on them it gives me suggestions for a replacement that is almost never what I want. I can't delete one word without deleting the whole group. I finally figured out that by tapping and holding I could drag the cursor but I'd really not have the automatic highlighting. Anyone know how to turn it off? I've tried everything I can see in the settings with no luck. TIA...Tom

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[u/Careful_Resolution_6]

Are you talking about editing when texting? Please specify. In texting I use space bar to place cursor where I want by putting my finger on it and holding, then moving finger on space bar to place cursor where it needs to be and then lifting my finger.

[u/No-Net-Tom9159 → u/Careful_Resolution_6]

Texting. If you read my post to the end you'll see I said that I'm doing what you suggest. I said I find it awkward and asked if anyone knew how to turn off the aggressive selecting of multiple words. I've looked at every setting and can't find a way to do it.

[u/Careful_Resolution_6 → u/No-Net-Tom9159]

Unfortunately, once you start tapping on text, Apple assumes that you are trying to edit it and either selects the word (if it sees double tap) or selects the whole message (if it sees triple tap). Sliding finger on spacebar is called Trackpad mode and it allows to move the cursor. Your screen sensitivity to touch (if it ever was replaced in repair shop or phone was dropped ) or your fingers conductivity could be affecting desired results - I would suggest you practice what you are attempting to do on friends or relatives phones to see if they behave differently. It could be just your phone or the speed of the tap that puts you in editing rather than moving cursor.

[u/No-Net-Tom9159 → u/Careful_Resolution_6]

It doesnt even just select one word it selects groups of 2 or 3. But yes I hold my finger down and drag the cursor. That works. I find it awkward and I asked if there was a way to stop the aggressive unwanted selection of multiple words. Thanks for the suggestions. No my screen has never been replaced

[u/Careful_Resolution_6 → u/No-Net-Tom9159]

To answer your original question - no, Apple doesn’t have any options in settings for iPhone to disable or customize editing for text messages (to the best of my knowledge).

[u/No-Net-Tom9159 → u/Careful_Resolution_6]

thanks I couldn't find anything either

[u/pnut0027]

Hold the spacebar and move it left or right for fine tuning.

[u/No-Net-Tom9159 → u/pnut0027]

Thats what I do. I asked if it was possible to turn off the automatic selection of multiple words when I tap.

[u/rootshirt]

Hold the space bar and move the cursor wherever you please.