Turning off the floating keyboard on your iPad is a straightforward process. All it takes is a few taps on your device. Once done, your keyboard will go back to its standard, full-size mode. This can be particularly useful if you prefer a more traditional typing experience or find the floating keyboard to be in the way.
Step by Step Tutorial: Turning Off Floating Keyboard on iPad
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming to achieve here. By following these instructions, you’ll restore your iPad’s keyboard to its original, docked position at the bottom of the screen. No more floating keyboard taking up unnecessary space!
Step 1: Open any app that uses the keyboard
When you open an app that requires typing, the keyboard will automatically pop up. This could be your Notes app, Email, or even a search box in Safari.
Step 2: Pinch the floating keyboard
With the keyboard on the screen, simply pinch it with two fingers. This action will resize the floating keyboard back to its full size.
After pinching the keyboard, you should immediately see it expand and anchor itself at the bottom of your iPad’s display. If it doesn’t, try pinching again more firmly or ensure your fingers are not too close together.
Step 3: Enjoy your full-size keyboard
Your iPad’s keyboard should now be in its original, fixed position, allowing for a more stable typing experience.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your iPad’s keyboard will stay in the full-size mode across different apps until you decide to change it back to floating.
Tips: Managing Your iPad Keyboard
- If you want the floating keyboard back, simply use the reverse pinch gesture on the full-size keyboard.
- You can move the floating keyboard to different parts of the screen by dragging the bar at the bottom of the keyboard.
- If the keyboard is not responding to the pinch gesture, make sure that your iPad’s software is up to date.
- The floating keyboard is available only on iPads running iOS 11 or later.
- You can also split the keyboard in half or undock it by tapping and holding the keyboard button at the bottom-right corner of the keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable the floating keyboard feature permanently?
No, iOS does not currently offer an option to disable the floating keyboard feature permanently. However, you can quickly turn it off by following the steps outlined above.
Will turning off the floating keyboard affect my other settings?
No, turning off the floating keyboard will not affect any other settings on your iPad. It simply changes the position and size of the keyboard.
What if the pinch gesture doesn’t work?
Make sure your fingers are spaced out enough to be recognized as a pinch. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting your iPad and attempting the gesture again.
Can I resize the floating keyboard?
No, the floating keyboard comes in a fixed size. However, you can move it around the screen to a position that suits you best.
Is the floating keyboard available on iPhone as well?
No, the floating keyboard feature is specific to the iPad. iPhones do not have this feature due to their smaller screen sizes.
Summary
- Open any app that uses the keyboard.
- Pinch the floating keyboard with two fingers.
- Enjoy your full-size keyboard.
Conclusion
There you have it—turning off the floating keyboard on your iPad is as easy as one, two, three. Whether you stumbled upon the floating keyboard by accident or gave it a try and decided it’s not your cup of tea, getting your keyboard back to its original state is a simple process. Remember, the floating keyboard is a handy feature designed to improve your typing experience on the iPad, but it’s not for everyone. If you prefer the stability and familiarity of a full-size keyboard, now you know exactly how to revert to it. As technology continues to evolve, who knows what other innovative features will come our way? Keep exploring, stay updated, and most importantly, use your devices in a way that best suits your needs. Happy typing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.