Typing accented characters is generally the same regardless of keyboard app. You should be able to use this method on any Android, iPhone, or iPad. If you’re using the SwiftKey keyboard, you’ll need to enable accented characters first. Here’s how:[1] X Research source Tap the + to the left of the prediction bar on the keyboard. Tap Keys. Slide the “Accented Characters” switch to the On (purple) position.
If you have an iPhone 6, 7, 8, or X-series with 3D Touch, use a light tap-and-hold instead of a hard press. If you press the key too hard, you’ll see a cursor that can move around the screen rather than accent options.
é: Press and hold Control+’, and then type an e. è à ù: Press and hold Control+`, then press the key for the desired vowel. ç: Press Control+, and then type a c. â ê î ô û: Press Control+^, then press the key for the desired vowel. ë ï ö: Press Control+:, then press the key for the desired vowel.
You can now close the Settings window by clicking the X at its top-right corner.
For example, if you’re using US English, click ENG US beside the clock.
é: Type an apostrophe ’ and then an e. è à ù: Type a backquote ` (at the top-left corner of the keyboard, left of the “1” key) and then type the vowel. ç: Type an apostrophe ’ and then a c. â ê î ô û: Press ⇧ Shift+6 to type a caret ^ and then type the vowel. ë ï ö: Type a double-quote " and then the vowel. When the international keyboard is enabled, your apostrophe and quote keys will work a little different than normal. To type a regular apostrophe ’ or “, you’ll have to press the space bar right after.
This method may not work in all apps, though it should work in most. If you’re running into problems, you can use one of a combination of keystrokes to make the accents appear. Read on to learn how. [11] X Research source
é: Press and hold ⌥ Option+e, lift your finger from ⌥ Option, and then press e. è à ù: Press and hold ⌥ Option+`, then press the key for the desired vowel. ç: Press ⌥ Option+C. â ê î ô û: Press ⌥ Option+i, then press the key for the desired vowel. ë ï ö: Press ⌥ Option+u, then press the key for the desired vowel.