It’s quite common to make mistakes while entering numbers into the iPhone calculator app. Unfortunately, the app lacks a dedicated backspace button, so many people end up deleting everything and starting over. However, there is a hidden feature that allows you to delete individual digits instead of the entire number. Here’s how you can use it:
- Open the calculator app on your iPhone.
- Enter a number.
- Swipe left or right over the number you just entered.
- With each swipe, one digit will be deleted.
If this feature doesn’t seem to work for you, make sure you’re swiping on the numbers displayed at the top of the screen, not on the numbers in the calculator itself. If you’re in the middle of a multi-step calculation and make a mistake with one number, you can tap the C (Clear) key to delete only your current entry. The AC (All Clear) button will delete all the previous steps in the calculation, so only tap that if you want to start from scratch.
It’s worth noting that Apple’s calculator app is somewhat inconsistent across its devices. For instance, the Apple Watch calculator has a built-in delete button in the number display and even includes a tip calculator. On the other hand, the iPad still lacks a calculator app, and there are no signs of Apple introducing one anytime soon.