If your iPad keyboard is not working, it can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for typing emails, notes, or messages. Whether you’re using the on-screen keyboard, a Magic Keyboard, or a Bluetooth keyboard, issues can arise. Here are 10 ways to fix the problem and get your keyboard working again.
1. Restart Your iPad
A simple restart can often resolve software glitches that affect the keyboard.
How to Restart Your iPad:
- If your iPad has a Home button, press and hold the Power button until you see “Slide to power off.”
- If your iPad does not have a Home button, press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button until the power slider appears.
- Slide to turn off the iPad, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
2. Check for Software Updates
An outdated iOS version can cause keyboard malfunctions. Updating your iPad can resolve these issues.
How to Check for Updates:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
- Restart your iPad after the update to apply the changes.
3. Disconnect and Reconnect Your Keyboard
If you’re using an external keyboard, disconnecting and reconnecting it can help.
For Bluetooth Keyboards:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the (i) icon next to your keyboard and select Forget This Device.
- Re-pair the keyboard by putting it in pairing mode and selecting it in the Bluetooth menu.
For Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard:
- Remove the keyboard from the Smart Connector on the iPad.
- Wipe the Smart Connector pins with a dry cloth.
- Reattach the keyboard and check if it works.
4. Reset Keyboard Settings
Resetting keyboard settings can resolve issues with the on-screen keyboard or external keyboards.
How to Reset Keyboard Settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset.
- Select Reset Keyboard Dictionary and confirm.
- Restart your iPad and check if the keyboard works.
5. Turn Off Bluetooth
If the on-screen keyboard is not showing up, your iPad may think an external keyboard is connected.
How to Disable Bluetooth:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Toggle Bluetooth off and check if the on-screen keyboard appears.
6. Check the Keyboard Language Settings
If your keyboard is not typing correctly, the language or layout settings may be incorrect.
How to Adjust Keyboard Language:
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.
- Tap Keyboards > Add New Keyboard to add your preferred language.
- Remove any unwanted keyboards by swiping left on them.
7. Enable the On-Screen Keyboard
If an external keyboard is connected, the on-screen keyboard might not appear.
How to Enable the On-Screen Keyboard:
- Tap the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- If it doesn’t appear, go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboards and turn on Show Onscreen Keyboard.
8. Reset Network Settings
If your keyboard lags or doesn’t work properly, resetting network settings can help.
How to Reset Network Settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset.
- Select Reset Network Settings.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi and check if the keyboard works.
9. Force Restart Your iPad
If a normal restart doesn’t fix the issue, try a force restart.
How to Force Restart Your iPad:
- For iPads with a Home button: Press and hold the Power + Home button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPads without a Home button: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
10. Factory Reset Your iPad
If nothing else works, resetting your iPad to factory settings may fix the issue.
How to Factory Reset Your iPad:
- Back up your data using iCloud or iTunes.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Set up your iPad as new and check if the keyboard is working.
These solutions should help resolve your iPad keyboard issues. If your keyboard is still not working, contact Apple Support for further assistance.