Getting rid of a floating keyboard on an iPad is a straightforward process that takes just a few taps. All you need to do is locate the floating keyboard, then use a simple drag-and-drop gesture to dock it back to its normal position. This quick fix will make your typing experience much more comfortable and enjoyable.
How to Get Rid of Floating Keyboard on iPad
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your iPad’s floating keyboard back to its regular position. Follow these easy steps to make your keyboard stationary again.
Step 1: Open an App with a Text Field
First, locate an app on your iPad where you can type, like Notes or Messages.
This step is important because you need to bring up the keyboard to see and interact with it.
Step 2: Tap on the Text Field
Next, tap the text field to bring up the keyboard.
The keyboard should appear on the screen, and if it’s floating, you’ll see it in a smaller, movable form.
Step 3: Use Two Fingers to Pinch Outward
Place two fingers on the floating keyboard and pinch them outward.
This gesture will make the floating keyboard expand and dock back to its normal position.
Step 4: Drag the Keyboard to the Bottom of the Screen
Alternatively, you can tap and hold the gray bar at the bottom of the floating keyboard and drag it to the bottom of the screen.
This method also works to dock the keyboard back to its regular, full-sized position.
Step 5: Tap the Keyboard Icon
If the previous steps didn’t work, find the keyboard icon in the bottom right corner of the screen and hold it, then select “Dock.”
This option will immediately return the keyboard to its regular, non-floating state.
After you complete these steps, your iPad keyboard should be back to its normal, fixed position at the bottom of the screen. This will make typing much easier and more intuitive.
Tips for Getting Rid of Floating Keyboard on iPad
- Ensure your iPad is updated to the latest iOS version, as updates may affect keyboard functionality.
- Practice the pinch-outward gesture a few times to get comfortable with it.
- If the keyboard is stuck in a floating position, try restarting the iPad.
- Keep your iPad screen clean to ensure the touch gestures work smoothly.
- Use the “Dock” option in the keyboard menu for a foolproof way to reset the keyboard position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my iPad keyboard floating?
The floating keyboard is a feature designed for easier one-handed typing. It can be moved around the screen for better accessibility.
Can I resize the floating keyboard?
No, the floating keyboard has a fixed size. You can only move it around the screen or dock it back.
Is the floating keyboard available on all iPads?
The floating keyboard feature is available on iPads running iOS 13 and later versions.
How do I split the keyboard apart?
Tap and hold the keyboard icon in the bottom right, then select “Split” to divide the keyboard into two halves for easier thumb typing.
Can I disable the floating keyboard permanently?
There is no option to disable it permanently, but you can quickly dock it back whenever it appears.
Summary
- Open an App with a Text Field
- Tap on the Text Field
- Use Two Fingers to Pinch Outward
- Drag the Keyboard to the Bottom of the Screen
- Tap the Keyboard Icon
Conclusion
Getting rid of the floating keyboard on your iPad is incredibly easy once you know the steps. With just a few gestures, you can make your keyboard stationary again, making typing a breeze. Whether you prefer using the pinch-outward gesture or dragging the keyboard to the bottom of the screen, these methods are both quick and effective. For those who find the floating keyboard more of a nuisance than a feature, these simple steps will save you a lot of frustration.
Remember to keep your iPad updated and clean to ensure all gestures work smoothly. If you still encounter issues, a quick restart could solve the problem. By following these tips and steps, you can maintain a comfortable and efficient typing experience on your iPad. 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.