Popping up of the keyboard can often be an inconvenience, especially when you are using your iPad for tasks that do not require typing. Whether you are reading, watching a video, or simply using an app, the constant appearance of the keyboard can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration. Fortunately, there are several methods and settings that can help you stop the keyboard from popping up on your iPad. In this blog post, we will explore these methods and provide step-by-step instructions to help you find the solution that works best for you.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Stop the Keyboard from Popping Up on iPad
There are several reasons why you might want to stop the keyboard from popping up on your iPad. Firstly, it can be distracting and disrupt your workflow when you are engaged in activities that do not require typing. For example, if you are watching a video or reading an article, the constant appearance of the keyboard can cover a significant portion of the screen, making it difficult to focus on the content.
Additionally, the keyboard can take up valuable screen real estate, especially on smaller iPad models. This can be particularly problematic when using apps that have limited space, such as note-taking apps or drawing apps. By disabling the keyboard from popping up, you can reclaim that screen space and have a more immersive experience with the apps you are using.
Moreover, if you frequently use an external keyboard with your iPad, having the on-screen keyboard pop up unnecessarily can be an annoyance. It can lead to accidental keypresses or interfere with the functionality of the external keyboard. Disabling the keyboard from popping up can help you maintain a seamless and uninterrupted workflow when using an external keyboard.
Method 1. Using the Keyboard Settings
If you want to stop the keyboard from popping up on your iPad, you can start by adjusting the keyboard settings. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "General."
Step 3: Tap on "Keyboard."
Step 4: Toggle off the "Auto-Correction" and "Check Spelling" options. This will prevent the keyboard from automatically appearing when you type.
Step 5: You can also toggle off the "Predictive" option if you don’t want the suggestion bar to appear above the keyboard.
Pros:
1. Allows you to customize the keyboard settings according to your preferences.
2. Disabling auto-correction and check spelling can prevent the keyboard from popping up unnecessarily.
3. Turning off predictive text can free up screen space.
Cons:
1. Disabling auto-correction may result in more typos in your text.
2. Turning off predictive text removes the convenience of suggested words while typing.
3. Some apps may override the keyboard settings and still display the keyboard regardless of these settings.
Method 2. Via the Control Center
Another method to stop the keyboard from popping up on your iPad is by using the Control Center. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen or swipe up from the bottom (depending on your iPad model) to access the Control Center.
Step 2: Tap on the keyboard icon to toggle it off. When the keyboard icon is grayed out, it means the keyboard is disabled.
Pros:
1. Provides a quick and easy way to disable the keyboard.
2. Accessible from any screen on your iPad using the Control Center.
Cons:
1. The keyboard will be disabled until you manually enable it again.
2. Toggling off the keyboard using the Control Center does not adjust any settings, and the keyboard can still be triggered in certain situations.
Method 3. Disabling Keyboard Accessory
If you use an external keyboard with your iPad, you can disable the on-screen keyboard by turning off the Keyboard Accessory. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Accessibility."
Step 3: Tap on "Keyboard."
Step 4: Toggle off the "Keyboard Accessory" option.
Pros:
1. Provides a dedicated setting to disable the on-screen keyboard while using an external keyboard.
2. Prevents interference from the on-screen keyboard when using an external keyboard.
Cons:
1. Disabling the Keyboard Accessory will completely remove the on-screen keyboard until you turn it back on.
2. This method is specific to users who frequently use an external keyboard and may not be applicable to all users.
Method 4. Using the Split Keyboard
If you still want to have access to the keyboard but prefer it not to cover the entire screen, you can use the Split Keyboard option. Here’s how you can enable it:
Step 1: Open an app that allows text input, such as Notes or Messages.
Step 2: Tap and hold on the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: From the popup menu, select the "Split" option.
Step 4: The keyboard will now split into two smaller halves and can be repositioned on the screen to your preference.
Pros:
1. Provides a way to have access to the keyboard while minimizing the screen space it occupies.
2. Allows for easier typing with thumbs in landscape mode when holding the iPad.
Cons:
1. Splitting the keyboard may take some time getting used to and can result in slower typing speeds initially.
2. The keyboard may still cover a significant portion of the screen, especially on smaller iPad models.
What to Do If You Can’t Stop the Keyboard from Popping Up
If you have tried the previous methods and are still experiencing issues with the keyboard popping up on your iPad, here are a few additional steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:
1. Restart your iPad: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that may be causing the keyboard to pop up unnecessarily. Hold down the power button until the Slide to Power Off option appears, then slide to power off. After a few seconds, press and hold the power button again to turn your iPad back on.
2. Update your iPad’s software: Keeping your iPad’s software up to date can help ensure that you have the latest bug fixes and improvements. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check if there are any available updates.
3. Reset all settings: If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting all settings on your iPad. This will revert all settings back to their default values without deleting any data. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Keep in mind that this will reset all your personalized settings, so you will need to set them up again.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your iPad experience and prevent the keyboard from popping up unnecessarily:
1. Use external keyboards: If you frequently use your iPad for typing-intensive tasks, investing in an external keyboard can greatly enhance your productivity. External keyboards can provide a more comfortable typing experience and eliminate the need for the on-screen keyboard altogether.
2. Utilize keyboard shortcuts: iPadOS allows for a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate your iPad more efficiently. Familiarize yourself with these shortcuts to minimize the need for using the on-screen keyboard.
3. Explore alternative input methods: If you find that the keyboard keeps popping up despite your efforts to disable it, consider exploring alternative input methods. For example, you can use voice dictation or a stylus for text input, reducing the reliance on the on-screen keyboard.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why does the keyboard keep popping up on my iPad?
A: The keyboard may keep popping up on your iPad due to settings, apps, or gestures that trigger its appearance. By adjusting the appropriate settings or following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can prevent the keyboard from popping up unnecessarily.
Q2: Can I completely remove the on-screen keyboard from my iPad?
A: Yes, it is possible to completely remove the on-screen keyboard from your iPad by utilizing an external keyboard. By disabling the Keyboard Accessory setting, you can prevent the on-screen keyboard from appearing while using an external keyboard.
Q3: How do I re-enable the keyboard if I disable it?
A: To re-enable the keyboard on your iPad, you can follow the same steps mentioned in the methods above and toggle the corresponding settings back on. Alternatively, restarting your iPad will also restore the keyboard functionality.
Q4: Can I use the split keyboard in portrait mode?
A: The split keyboard is primarily designed for landscape mode, allowing for easier thumb typing when holding the iPad. Although it is not officially supported in portrait mode, you can experiment with rotating the iPad and enabling the split keyboard to see if it suits your needs.
Q5: Will disabling the auto-correction feature impact my typing experience?
A: Disabling the auto-correction feature may result in more typos in your text. However, it allows for a more personalized typing experience without the automatic correction of words. If you are comfortable with manually correcting any mistakes, disabling auto-correction can be a viable option.
Final Thoughts
Stopping the keyboard from popping up on your iPad can significantly improve your user experience and productivity. By adjusting settings, utilizing external keyboards, or taking advantage of alternative input methods, you can customize your iPad to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you choose to disable the keyboard entirely or use the split keyboard option, the methods outlined in this blog post provide you with the flexibility to control when and where the keyboard appears. Experiment with these methods and find the solution that works best for you.