Have you ever been using your iPad and suddenly your keyboard starts floating around the screen? It’s like it’s got a mind of its own! But don’t worry, you can easily fix this issue and get your keyboard back to normal. All you need to do is pinch the keyboard with two fingers and drag it back to its original position at the bottom of the screen. If that doesn’t work, there are a few other simple steps you can follow to get everything back on track. Let’s dive into the details.
How to Fix Floating Keyboard on iPad
Alright, folks. We’re going to walk through the steps to get your iPad keyboard back to its usual spot. These steps will help you understand how to fix a floating keyboard and prevent it from happening again.
Step 1: Pinch the Keyboard
Use two fingers to pinch the keyboard together.
This action should bring the keyboard back to its regular size and position at the bottom of the screen. It’s a simple trick but often solves the floating issue right away.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Keyboard Icon
Press and hold the keyboard icon at the bottom-right corner of the keyboard.
This will open up a menu with different keyboard options. From here, you can select the option to dock the keyboard.
Step 3: Select “Dock”
Tap on the “Dock” option that appears after pressing and holding the keyboard icon.
This should immediately return the keyboard to its normal position at the bottom of the screen. If your keyboard was split or floating, this will fix it.
Step 4: Check Keyboard Settings
Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.
This ensures that your keyboard is set to the default settings. Sometimes, custom settings can mess things up.
Step 5: Restart Your iPad
Turn off your iPad and then turn it back on.
Sometimes a simple restart can fix many issues, including a floating keyboard. Think of it like a quick refresh for your device.
After completing these steps, your iPad keyboard should be back to its usual spot and behaving normally.
Tips for Fixing Floating Keyboard on iPad
- Use the Pinch Gesture: Always try the pinch gesture first. It’s the quickest fix.
- Keep Your Software Updated: An outdated iOS might cause random issues with the keyboard.
- Avoid Accidental Gestures: Be mindful of where you place your fingers to prevent accidental floating.
- Use a Keyboard Shortcut: Press and hold the keyboard icon to quickly change the keyboard’s position.
- Reset Keyboard Settings: If issues persist, go to Settings and reset your keyboard settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPad keyboard float?
The floating keyboard can happen due to accidental gestures or changes in settings.
Can I permanently disable the floating keyboard?
You can’t disable it completely, but you can fix it quickly using the steps mentioned.
What if pinching the keyboard doesn’t work?
Try pressing and holding the keyboard icon and selecting “Dock” to fix the issue.
Why does my keyboard split in half sometimes?
This is another iPad feature. You can merge it back by pinching the two halves together.
Will resetting my iPad help?
A restart can often resolve minor software glitches, including keyboard issues.
Summary
- Pinch the Keyboard
- Press and Hold the Keyboard Icon
- Select “Dock”
- Check Keyboard Settings
- Restart Your iPad
Conclusion
Getting your keyboard back to normal is easier than it seems. With just a few simple steps, you can fix that floating keyboard on your iPad and get back to typing without any distractions. Remember, the pinch gesture is your best friend in this scenario. If that doesn’t work, diving into your settings or giving your iPad a quick restart usually does the trick.
Staying updated with the latest iOS versions and being careful with gestures can prevent this from happening again. So, the next time your keyboard decides to go on an adventure across your screen, you’ll know exactly what to do. For more tips and tricks, keep exploring your iPad’s settings and stay tuned for further updates. Happy typing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.