De-Activate Automatic "Scan Text" Popups On iPhone 13 Pro

June 20, 2022 3:08 AM

My new iPhone 13 Pro has many good qualities, but it almost always only allows me to "Scan Text" rather than the "Paste" option I had with my previous phone. Despite extensive googling, almost all I can find are suggestions to de-activate the "Live Text" option, which is NOT the same thing and which does not achieve what I want. The other suggestions don't work either.

I have many lengthy and complex passwords that I copy/paste from my password manager app and don't want to laboriously type them in each time.

Thoughts about how I can get back the "Paste" option consistently?

posted by purplesludge to Technology (6 answers total)

I don't know what's caused the problem, but apparently there are two ways to paste nowadays: tap Paste or pinch open with three fingers. Obviously you can't tap Paste if it's not offering it to you, but the other one might work.

(Caveat: I've tested it in Notes but not in a password field.)
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 3:23 AM on June 20, 2022

Best answer: Has the password definitely been copied to the clipboard (so e.g. you can paste it into notes)? Assuming that's the case, then it may be that the relevant form isn't allowing pasting which I think is something I've run into on a few occasions.
posted by Mattat at 4:37 AM on June 20, 2022 [2 favorites]

Yes, for me: if I don't have anything in the clipboard, I only have Scan Text as an option. If I have something in the clipboard, I get both Paste and the Scan Text icon.

You can disable paste in apps and on web pages - I'm not sure if that would disable the Paste option - assume so in apps, not sure on web pages?
posted by Hartster at 6:04 AM on June 20, 2022 [1 favorite]

Oh, right, yes. If it's specifically happening with password fields, unfortunately you may be hitting up against someone's idea of improved security. You probably won't be able to circumvent it (might be possible on a computer; unlikely on a phone).
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 9:40 AM on June 20, 2022

If the issue is in fact with the website’s security (as suggested by ManyLeggedCreature), I’ll suggest a Safari browser extension called StoptheMadness. It’s a collection of utilities to circumvent various web annoyances, including sites that disable copy and paste. Try it out and see if it solves your issue!
posted by bluloo at 12:19 PM on June 20, 2022 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks so much, everyone--I suspect the issue is what Mattat has suggested (not allowing copy and paste). I'm pretty sure I have something to paste when it doesn't work, but who knows?

I appreciate the help!
posted by purplesludge at 10:29 PM on June 20, 2022