How to Undo Typing with a Shake: A Handy iPhone Feature Every Kenyan Should Know

Have you ever been typing a long message, email, or social media post on your iPhone, only to accidentally delete everything? It’s frustrating, especially when you don’t have time to retype everything. But did you know your iPhone has a hidden trick that lets you undo typing with just a simple shake?

This feature, called "Shake to Undo," is a lifesaver for anyone who frequently uses their iPhone for messaging, emails, or even writing documents. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to enable and use this feature, why it’s useful, and some troubleshooting tips if it doesn’t work.

What is Shake to Undo?

Shake to Undo is an accessibility feature on iPhones that allows you to quickly reverse typing, deletions, or formatting changes by shaking your device. When activated, a pop-up appears asking if you want to "Undo Typing" or "Redo Typing," giving you a second chance to recover lost text.

This feature is especially helpful in situations like:

• Accidentally deleting a long message
• Making a typo and needing to revert
• Copying and pasting errors
• Formatting mistakes in Notes or emails

How to Enable Shake to Undo on Your iPhone

Before you can use this feature, you need to ensure it’s turned on in your iPhone settings. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Settings

• Tap the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen.

Step 2: Go to Accessibility

• Scroll down and select "Accessibility."

Step 3: Tap on Touch

• Under the Physical and Motor section, tap "Touch."

Step 4: Enable Shake to Undo

• Find the "Shake to Undo" option and toggle it on (green means it’s active).

Once enabled, you’re ready to use this feature whenever you make a mistake while typing.

How to Use Shake to Undo

Now that the feature is enabled, here’s how to use it:

1. Type or Delete Something – Whether you’re in Messages, Notes, Mail, or any other text field, type or delete text as usual.
2. Shake Your iPhone – Gently shake your phone back and forth (like you’re shaking a bottle).
3. Confirm the Action – A pop-up will appear asking if you want to "Undo Typing" or "Redo Typing."
   • Tap "Undo" to revert your last action.
   • Tap "Redo" if you change your mind and want to bring back what you just undid.

Where Does Shake to Undo Work?

This feature works in most apps that involve typing, including:

• Messages
• WhatsApp
• Notes
• Mail
• Safari (text fields)
• Social media apps (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

Why This Feature is a Game-Changer for Kenyans

In Kenya, where mobile communication is key—whether for business, social interactions, or online transactions—typing errors can be costly. Imagine:

• Sending an incomplete M-Pesa request message
• Deleting an important business proposal draft
• Messing up a social media post before publishing

With Shake to Undo, you can quickly correct mistakes without losing progress. It’s especially useful for:
✔ Students – Fixing essay typos before submitting.
✔ Business Owners – Correcting emails or WhatsApp messages to clients.
✔ Social Media Users – Avoiding embarrassing typos before posting.

Troubleshooting: What If Shake to Undo Doesn’t Work?

If shaking your iPhone doesn’t bring up the undo option, try these fixes:

1. Check If the Feature is Enabled

• Go back to Settings > Accessibility > Touch and ensure Shake to Undo is turned on.

2. Adjust Shake Sensitivity

• If your phone doesn’t register the shake, try a firmer motion.
• Alternatively, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Shake to Undo and adjust sensitivity if available.

3. Restart Your iPhone

• Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor glitches.

4. Update iOS

• Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version (Settings > General > Software Update).

Alternative Ways to Undo Typing

If shaking your phone isn’t convenient, you can also undo typing using:

1. Three-Finger Tap Gesture

• Undo: Swipe left with three fingers or tap with three fingers and select "Undo."
• Redo: Swipe right with three fingers or tap with three fingers and select "Redo."

2. Keyboard Shortcut (For External Keyboards)

• Undo: Press ⌘ + Z
• Redo: Press ⌘ + Shift + Z

Final Thoughts

The Shake to Undo feature is one of those hidden iPhone gems that can save you time and frustration. Whether you’re a student, business owner, or just someone who texts a lot, knowing how to quickly undo mistakes can make your iPhone experience smoother.

Have you tried this feature before? Did it save you from a typing disaster? Share your experience in the comments below!

And if you’re looking for a new or refurbished iPhone to make the most of these features, check out Telefon.co.ke for the best deals on iPhones in Kenya!

About the Author:
Drake Ocholi is the founder of Telefon, Kenya’s trusted marketplace for buying and selling iPhones. Follow us for more iPhone tips, tricks, and deals!