How To Type the Degree Symbol on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Figured out how to type the degree symbol on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? Good deal. It’s kind of weird, but Apple’s got the symbol right there — no need for some mysterious workaround— but figuring out exactly where and how can be a little confusing if you’re not used to the quirks of iOS or macOS keyboards. Especially if you’re switching between devices or relying on third-party keyboards, it’s good to understand the quick ways to get that tiny ° in your text. Because honestly, typing temperatures or angles without that symbol just looks off.

1. How to Type ° Degree Symbol on iPhone & iPad?

So, on the iPhone or iPad, there’s no special secret or hidden setting. The keyboard already includes the degree symbol, but you gotta know where to look. It’s all about those long-press tricks on the zero key. Not sure why it works, but it’s a quick way to grab the symbol without fiddling with menus or copy-pasting. Luckily, on iPads, the process is exactly the same—no matter if you’re using the default keyboard or some third-party app.

1. Open up any app that lets you type (Notes, Messages, whatever).
2. Tap into the text field and make sure your keyboard pops up.
3. Tap the 123 button to switch from letters to numbers.
4. Long-press on the zero key. A little pop-up of options will appear.
5. The pop-up should show the ° symbol. Just slide your finger to it or tap directly to select.
6. Poof, the degree symbol gets inserted into your text. Easy peasy.

It’s kind of weird that you have to long-press for this little symbol, but on iOS, that’s how it rolls. Remember though, if the pop-up doesn’t show immediately or you have a third-party keyboard installed, it might be slightly different. Still, on most default setups, this works like a charm.

2. Insert the Degree Symbol on Mac

Mac users, this is a lot simpler — because Apple made it straightforward. Just press Shift + Option + 8 and the ° pops right in. Totally clicky, totally easy. This trick works on recent macOS versions and any Apple keyboard, whether it’s built-in or connected to your MacBook, iMac, or even iPad if you’re using it with a keyboard.

And because Apple’s got such a consistent approach, you can also use the Character Viewer if you want a visual way to add symbols or if you’re working on something with specific fonts. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click Edit in the menu bar, then select Emoji & Symbols.
2. Type “degree” in the search box at the top of the window.
3. Find the ° symbol in the results.
4. Click and drag it into your document or text field, or just double-click it to insert.

Pro tip: If you use the degree symbol a lot, you can add it to your Favorites in the Character Viewer for even faster access next time. Just click Add to Favorites when you see it in the search results. That way, it’s basically one click from your menu bar.

2.1 Make the Degree Symbol a Favorite

• Use the search method above, then click on Add to Favorites.
• Next time, just open the Emoji & Symbols window, and it’s right there—no hunting needed.

2.2 Grab it from the internet

Look, if you’re really not into shortcuts or shortcuts aren’t working for some reason, a quick online search can help. Just go to Google and type “° symbol” or “degree symbol” — voila. Highlight or copy the symbol from there and paste into your document. Yeah, it’s kind of lazy, but hey, it works in a pinch if copying and pasting is easier than memorizing shortcuts.

Wrapping Up

So now, whether you’re on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you know a handful of easy ways to insert that tiny degree sign without breaking a sweat. Knowing keyboard tricks or quick searches cuts down on the awkward copy-pasting, and makes your notes or messages just look a little more polished. Because, of course, Windows has to make it more complicated than necessary—Apple, at least, keeps it simple enough once you know where to look.

Summary

• Use long-press on the zero key on iPhone/iPad to access the ° symbol.
• Press Shift + Option + 8 on Mac to type it directly.
• Or, open the Emoji & Symbols viewer and search for “degree”.
• For quick access, add the symbol to your Favorites in the viewer.
• As a last resort, copy-paste from Google or other sources.

Wrap-up

Hopefully, this little guide makes it easier to add the degree symbol without hunting through menus or trying to figure out weird shortcuts. Just something that works on multiple machines, and saves a few seconds every time you need it. Fingers crossed this helps!