How to Copy and Paste a Text or Messages on Android

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A beginner's guide to copy and paste any text on Android phones or tablets
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Similar to the copy and paste feature on a computer, you can copy and paste text on your Android phone or tablet. This takes any highlighted text or text message and copies it to a new location. Here are the easiest ways to copy and paste text on an Android.

Using the Copy and Paste Feature

To copy and paste any text on an Android, tap and hold the text. Tap Copy from the pop-up menu. Navigate to the place you want the text and tap the field. Tap Paste to paste the selected text.

Section 1 of 3:

Copy and Paste Selected Text

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Long-tap on the text you want to copy.
    This will select the text.
    • If you want to copy more than one word, drag the handles on either end of the text to highlight all the text.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Tap Copy.
    This is in the pop-up menu. The text will be copied to your Android's clipboard.
    • The clipboard is a temporary spot on your device where text and images are stored before they get pasted.
    • If you don't see the menu, tap the highlighted word(s).
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  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Navigate to where you want to paste the text.
    This could be a messaging app, notes app, or another location.
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Tap and hold the text field.
    A pop-up menu will appear.
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Tap Paste.
    The copied text will be pasted in the new location.[1]
    • You can also cut and paste if you want to delete the text from the original location and paste it to another.
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Section 2 of 3:

Copy and Paste a Text Message

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Open a messaging app.
    This could be Google Messages or Samsung Messages.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Tap and hold...
    Tap and hold the text message. A pop-up menu will open.
    • In some apps, you'll need to manually highlight the text inside of the bubble. If it doesn't automatically highlight, long-tap on the text and drag the handles on either end to highlight the entire message.
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Tap Copy.
    This is in the pop-up menu. The text will be copied to your Android's clipboard.
    • If you don't see the menu, tap the highlighted word(s).
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Navigate to where you want to paste the text.
    This could be another messaging app, notes app, or another location.
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Tap and hold the text field.
    A pop-up menu will appear.
  6. How.com.vn English: Step 6 Tap Paste.
    The copied text will be pasted in the new location.
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Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Make sure the text you want to copy isn't protected.
    If the text can't be copied, this most likely means the text is protected by the website hosted on or the program it's opened in. You'll need to receive the proper permissions to do so.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Restart your device.
    If your Android phone or tablet freezes often, consider restarting it to give the system a quick refresh. You can restart your Android by holding the Power button and selecting Restart.
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Update your Android device.
    Keeping your device up-to-date is a good way to fix common errors and glitches.
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      Tips

      • Until you reboot the device or select new text, the text you've copied will remain.
      • You can also copy/paste phone numbers into the Phone application.
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      About This Article

      How.com.vn English: Rain Kengly
      Co-authored by:
      How.com.vn Technology Writer
      This article was co-authored by How.com.vn staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain Kengly is a How.com.vn Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been viewed 53,478 times.
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      Co-authors: 5
      Updated: April 5, 2024
      Views: 53,478
      Categories: Android
      Article SummaryX

      Long press on the text you want to copy and select 'Copy' or 'Cut' from the given options. Now, go to the place where you wish to paste it and long press on the text box, select 'Paste' to paste the copied text.

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 53,478 times.

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