By default, the iPhone keyboard includes a handy typing shortcut: if you quickly double-tap the spacebar at the end of a sentence, iOS will automatically insert a period (full stop) followed by a single space, readying you for the next sentence. While many users love this for fast text messaging, it can be incredibly frustrating if you are trying to type out computer code, format a specific spacing layout, or simply type two spaces manually without unwanted punctuation appearing. If you find yourself constantly deleting accidental periods, you can easily turn this feature off.
How to Disable the Shortcut
You can turn off this specific keyboard automation directly from your iPhone’s general settings menu.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Scroll down slightly and tap on Keyboard.
- You will see a long list of toggle switches controlling various keyboard behaviours.
- Locate the switch labelled “.” Shortcut.
- Tap the switch to move it to the Off position (the green will turn to grey).
The change takes effect immediately. The next time you open Messages or Notes, you can rapidly tap the spacebar as many times as you like, and your iPhone will only output blank spaces—exactly as you typed them.