4 Ways to Fix iPad Keyboard Not Showing Up

Quick Tips

• Open Bluetooth settings and remove any connected Bluetooth keyboards. Then, try using your iPad’s keyboard again.
• Go to the relevant application > tap on the screen to see options > tap on the keyboard icon > Show Keyboard.
• Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary. Then, try using the on-screen keyboard again.

Basic Fixes:

• Close and restart the relevant app: Tap on the text field within the app to access the on-screen keyboard. However, if the iPad keyboard isn’t popping up, close and reopen the app and try again.
• Restart your iPad: Rebooting your iPad quickly fixes common software glitches on it. Do this if you can’t use the keyboard in multiple apps on your iPad.
• Check for iPadOS updates: A software glitch can cause issues with your iPad keyboard. So, you must install the latest iPadOS updates on your iPad and try using the keyboard again.

Fix 1: Remove Any External Keyboard

If you enable Bluetooth on your iPad, it may connect to a previously connected external keyboard. If so, the on-screen keyboard may not show up on your iPad. In this case, you can remove any such keyboards from the Bluetooth menu and try using the iPad keyboard again. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and go to Bluetooth. Tap the info menu beside the relevant keyboard.

Step 2: Here, tap on Forget This Device to remove this device from your iPad.

Fix 2: Manually Select the On-Screen Keyboard

If you’re using a Bluetooth keyboard with your iPad and want to use the on-screen keyboard instead, you must manually switch to the on-screen keyboard. This should make the keyboard appear on your iPad’s screen. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: In the relevant application, tap the keyboard icon at the bottom.

Step 2: Tap on Show Keyboard to make the on-screen keyboard appear on your iPad.

Also Read: How to fix swipe swipe keyboard not working on iPhone and iPad

Fix 3: Disable Third-Party Keyboards

iPadOS supports Gboard, SwiftKey, and other third-party keyboard apps from the App Store. Using one of such apps may create issues with the stock keyboard. When this happens, disable or remove third-party keyboard apps from your iPad. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > tap on General > select Keyboard.

Step 2: Tap on Keyboards and swipe left on the keyboard you want to remove. Tap on Delete.

Note: Repeat these steps to delete any other keyboard app from your iPad.

Fix 4: Reset the Keyboard Dictionary

Your iPad keyboard remembers your frequently used words and phrases. Sometimes, a large or corrupt keyboard dictionary leads to issues like the keyboard not showing up. iPadOS lets you reset keyboard settings, which is a handy trick to fix keyboard problems on your iPad. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > tap on General > Transfer or Reset iPad.

Step 2: Tap on Reset. From the options, tap on Reset Keyboard Dictionary. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the reset process.

Alternative: Use a Macbook Keyboard for iPad

As a part of the Universal Control add-on, you can use your MacBook’s keyboard with your iPad. To do this, use the same Apple account on both devices, enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and tweak relevant options. Once done, follow the steps below to use your MacBook’s keyboard with your iPad.

Step 1: Click on the Control Center icon at the top-right corner to expand the Display menu.

Step 2: From the options, select your iPad.

This should let you control your iPad with your MacBook. Use this method if you still face issues using your iPad’s keyboard or prefer the bigger keyboard layout.