Experiencing issues with your iPhone or iPad keyboard? Whether it’s not working at all or you’re encountering other keyboard-related problems on your Apple device, the solutions might be simpler than you think. Curious but skeptical? Stay with me as we delve into just how straightforward it can be to resolve keyboard issues.
1. Resetting Keyboard Dictionary
If you’re experiencing lag while typing a message or jotting down a note, your keyboard might not be performing as smoothly as it should. Fortunately, this issue can be easily addressed by following the steps below.
What’s causing the hiccup in your typing experience is likely the accumulated dictionary words stored in your keyboard. Resetting the keyboard dictionary will rectify this problem. Here’s how to go about it:
- Navigate to “Settings” on your iPhone 12 or any other iPhone model, then select “General” followed by “Reset”.
- Within the reset menu screen, locate the option labeled “Reset Keyboard Dictionary”. Tap on it and proceed with the instructions to reset your keyboard dictionary.
Once the dictionary has been reset, you can resume typing on your iPhone without encountering any keyboard lagging issues.
2. Close All Applications
If the keyboard issue is isolated to certain apps on your iPhone, you can attempt to resolve it by closing all apps via the app switcher. On iPhone 8 and earlier models, double-press the Home button to access the switcher. For iPhone X and newer models, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Then, swipe upwards on each app in the switcher to close them until no apps remain visible in the switcher.
3. Upgrade to the Newest iOS Version
Typically, each new iOS version aims to address previous bugs and issues. Apple consistently releases software updates to enhance performance. To initiate the update process, navigate to Settings, tap on General, then select Software Update. Your iPhone will automatically search for available updates. If one is found, click on Download and Install to obtain the latest iOS operating system.
Currently, iOS 14.3 is accessible, offering support for Apple Fitness+ and AirPods Max, alongside various new features. Additionally, this update addresses bugs, such as the keyboard dismissing when adding a list in Reminders while using VoiceOver.
4. Experiment with Different Keyboards
Occasionally, if your current keyboard is experiencing issues, switching to an alternative keyboard may prove beneficial. You can opt for reputable third-party keyboards available for download from the App Store. Once you’ve downloaded and installed a new keyboard, give it a try to see if it functions properly.
5. Turn Off the Reachability Feature on Your iPhone
If you’re unfamiliar, the Reachability feature on your iPhone facilitates one-handed usage by bringing content within reach with a double-press of the Home button.
This feature might be responsible for the keyboard issue, as it shifts the entire screen downwards, including the keyboard, when activated. To address the keyboard problem, disable this feature by navigating to Settings > General > Accessibility. Then, toggle the Reachability option to the OFF position. This action will deactivate the feature on your iPhone.
6. Restore iPhone via iTunes
Restoring your iPhone through iTunes is a common method used to address system-related issues such as a malfunctioning keypad on iPhone. If you’re unsure about the specific steps involved in restoring your iPhone, the instructions below can guide you through the process.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable, ensuring that the computer contains your backup data.
- Open iTunes and navigate to Summary > Restore iPhone.
- Confirm the Restore option and wait for the process to complete.
Note: Restoring your iPhone will erase all data and content stored on it. Therefore, it’s advisable to create a backup if you wish to retain your iPhone data after resolving the keypad issue.
7. Disable the Zoom Feature on Your iPhone
The Zoom feature on your iPhone may also affect the keyboard’s performance, so it’s worth turning it off to troubleshoot. Disabling the zoom feature is straightforward, and here’s how you can do it:
Navigate to Settings > General > Accessibility > Zoom on your iPhone. Then, switch the main toggle to the OFF position. This action will deactivate the feature on your device.
8. Reset the iPhone Using the Settings Menu
If the keyboard fails to appear when attempting to type on your iPhone, or if the keyboard letters are unresponsive altogether, you may need to reset all settings on your device and start afresh. This process is relatively straightforward, as outlined below.
To begin, access the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to General, then tap on Reset. Within the options presented, select Reset All Settings. Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the reset procedure.
Please note that performing the above action will erase all data on your iPhone. Therefore, ensure you have backup copies of your essential data to avoid any loss.
9. Restore Your iPhone
If you’re encountering persistent keyboard issues on your iPhone and haven’t restored it in a while, it might be time to consider doing so. Restoring an iPhone is a straightforward process, made possible through the iTunes app, which is freely accessible on both Windows and Mac computers.
To begin, ensure you have the iTunes app installed on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to your computer using a compatible cable. Once connected, open the iTunes app and select your device. Navigate to the Summary tab and choose the option to Restore iPhone.
Follow the on-screen instructions provided by iTunes, and your iPhone will undergo the restoration process successfully.
10. Perform a Force Restart on iPhone
The initial step to address a malfunctioning keyboard on your iPhone is to perform a force restart. This action can refresh your iPhone’s settings without impacting your data. Follow these steps to initiate a force restart on your iPhone:
- Press the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button.
- Next, press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.