Can’t figure out how to add a continous gradient to text

The text is outlined. I have tried grouping and ungrouping the individual letters, but the gradient is applying to each individual letter instead of a single gradient across the entire object. On desktop, I usually remedy this by using the gradient tool and spreading it across the selected object. But there's no gradient tool for iPad, just a swatch thingy. 🤷🏻‍♀️