Your iPad gives you several ways to type, and knowing how to change them makes using your device easier. You might want to add a different language, try a new layout, or switch between your on-screen keyboard and an external one.
To change the keyboard on your iPad, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, then tap Add New Keyboard to choose from options like different languages, emoji, or special layouts. You can add as many keyboards as you need and switch between them quickly while typing.
This guide will show you how to add new keyboards, switch between different options, and adjust settings to make typing work better for you.
Also explore our Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad collection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Keyboard on iPad
Your iPad makes it easy to add keyboards for different languages, remove ones you don't use, or arrange them in your preferred order. You can manage all of these options through your iPad's Settings app in just a few taps.
Accessing Keyboard Settings
To change the keyboard on iPad, start in the Settings app. Open Settings from your home screen, then tap General. Look for the Keyboard option in the General menu and tap it.
Once you tap Keyboard, you'll see another option labeled Keyboards at the top of the screen. Tap this to see your list of installed keyboards. This is where you'll manage all your keyboard settings.
The screen shows how many keyboards you currently have active. You might see just one keyboard listed, or several if you've added them before.
Adding a New Keyboard
To add a new keyboard, tap Add New Keyboard at the bottom of your keyboards list. You'll see a list of available keyboards organized by language and type. Scroll through the list to find the keyboard you want.
The list includes keyboards for different languages, emoji keyboards, and special layouts like Dvorak. Tap any keyboard to add it instantly. You can add more keyboards by repeating this process.
When you add a keyboard for a different language, your iPad automatically adds that language to your Preferred Language Order list. You can check this list later in Settings > General > Language & Region if you want to adjust how apps display text.
Removing or Reordering Keyboards
To remove keyboards you no longer use, tap Edit in the top right corner of your keyboards list. A red circle with a minus sign appears next to each keyboard. Tap the minus sign next to any keyboard you want to remove, then tap Delete.
You can also change the order of your keyboards while in Edit mode. Press and hold the three horizontal lines on the right side of any keyboard, then drag it up or down to a new position. Your top keyboard becomes your default option.
Tap Done when you finish making changes. Your new keyboard order saves automatically and takes effect right away.
By reading our guide, you’ve learned how keyboards work—now go deeper. Read Best iPad Accessories Every iPad Owner Needs to build the ultimate setup.
Switching Between On-Screen and External Keyboards
When you connect an external keyboard to your iPad, the on-screen keyboard automatically disappears. You can switch back to the touch keyboard whenever you need it, and Apple provides simple ways to move between these input methods.
Switching Keyboards While Typing
To bring up the on-screen keyboard while using an external keyboard, press and hold the keyboard icon at the bottom right corner of your screen. The touch keyboard will appear after a moment. This works even when your physical keyboard is still connected.
You can also press Control + Space on your external keyboard to cycle through available keyboards. This lets you switch between language keyboards, the emoji keyboard, and other options you've added to your iPad. When you're done using the on-screen keyboard, connect or start typing on your external keyboard again to make the touch keyboard disappear.
If you want quick access to emojis, press Command + E on your Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard. You can also press the globe key on these keyboards to choose between different keyboard options.
Using the Globe Icon and Keyboard Shortcuts
The globe icon appears on your on-screen keyboard and is your main control for switching between input methods. Tap it once to cycle through your available keyboards. Hold it down to see a list of all your keyboard options at once.
Common keyboard shortcuts for switching:
- Press Control + Space to cycle through keyboards
- Press Command + E for quick emoji access (Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard)
- Press the globe key to open keyboard selection menu
You can customize these settings by going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard. Here you can toggle options like "Press Globe for Emoji" to make the globe key show only emojis instead of cycling through language keyboards.
Managing iPad Keyboard Cases
iPad keyboard cases like the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard connect automatically when attached. The on-screen keyboard will hide itself as soon as your iPad detects the physical keyboard connection.
To access the touch keyboard with your case still attached, use the same method as any external keyboard. Touch and hold the keyboard icon at the bottom right until the on-screen keyboard appears. This is helpful when you need to enter special characters or prefer touch input for certain tasks.
Some users prefer to detach their keyboard case when they want extended use of the on-screen keyboard. The iPad will recognize the disconnection and bring up the touch keyboard automatically when you tap a text field.
Want stability while typing? Browse our collection: iPad Cases With Stand.
Customizing Keyboard Layout and Preferences
You can adjust your iPad keyboard to match different typing styles and language needs. The Settings app lets you switch between various keyboard layouts and control how languages appear across your device.
Changing Keyboard Layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ, Dvorak)
Your iPad supports multiple keyboard layouts beyond the standard QWERTY format. You can switch to AZERTY (used in France), QWERTZ (used in Germany and Central Europe), or Dvorak (designed for typing efficiency).
To change your keyboard layout, go to Settings > General > Keyboard. Tap on Keyboards at the top of the screen. Select the keyboard you want to modify from your list of active keyboards.
Tap "Layout" to see the available options for that specific language keyboard. Not all languages offer every layout type. For example, English keyboards typically include QWERTY and Dvorak options, while French keyboards show AZERTY choices.
The layout change applies immediately after you select it. You don't need to restart your iPad or close any apps.
Personalizing Keyboard Settings
You can customize how your keyboard behaves to match your typing habits. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard to access these options.
The main settings include Auto-Capitalization, Auto-Correction, Check Spelling, and Predictive text. Toggle these features on or off based on what helps you type more comfortably. You can also adjust the keyboard's split or floating position through the keyboard menu that appears when you press and hold the keyboard icon.
Smart Punctuation automatically converts straight quotes to curly quotes and adds proper formatting. The "." Shortcut lets you double-tap the space bar to insert a period and space.
Adjusting Preferred Language Order
The Preferred Language Order controls how apps and websites display text when multiple languages are installed. Go to Settings > General > Language & Region to view this list.
When you add a new keyboard for a different language, that language automatically appears in your Preferred Language Order. You can tap "Edit" to reorder languages by dragging them up or down. Apps will try to display content in the first language on your list when available.
This setting is separate from your keyboard language. You might type in multiple languages but prefer to see app interfaces in just one.
If you rely on external keyboards, this is a must-read. Check out How to Turn On Keyboard Backlight: Step-by-Step Guide for All Devices for better typing in low light.
Enhancing the iPad Typing Experience
You can improve how you type on your iPad by installing apps made by other companies or by learning shortcuts and techniques that save time. These options give you more control over your keyboard and help you work faster.
Exploring Third-Party Keyboard Apps
Third-party keyboard apps let you customize your iPad typing in ways the built-in keyboard cannot. Popular options like Gboard, SwiftKey, and Grammarly offer features such as swipe typing, better autocorrect, and built-in translation tools.
To install a third-party keyboard, download the app from the App Store first. Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and tap Add New Keyboard. Select your downloaded keyboard from the list under "Third-Party Keyboards."
After you add new keyboard options, you can switch between keyboards while typing. Tap the globe icon at the bottom of your iPad keyboard to cycle through your available keyboards. Hold the globe icon to see a list of all keyboards and jump directly to the one you want.
Some third-party keyboards need extra permissions to work fully. The app will prompt you to allow "Full Access" if needed for features like cloud sync or personalized suggestions.
Tips for Efficient Typing
Learning keyboard shortcuts can speed up your typing. Press and hold keys to access alternate characters like accents or symbols instead of switching to the numbers keyboard. Slide from the shift key to a letter to quickly type a single capital letter.
Use text replacements to type common phrases faster. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement and create shortcuts. For example, typing "omw" can automatically expand to "On my way!"
Enable one-handed typing by holding the globe icon and selecting the left or right keyboard layout. This shrinks your iPad keyboard to one side of the screen for easier thumb typing.
Split the keyboard on larger iPads by placing two fingers on the keyboard and spreading them apart. This puts half the keyboard on each side of the screen, making it more comfortable to type while holding your device.
Want to type faster and smarter? Discover advanced tricks in How To Multitask On iPad Like A Pro In Seconds.
Upgrade Your Typing Experience: Protect Your iPad with CHESONA
Now that you know how to change and customize keyboards on your iPad, the next step is choosing the right keyboard case to elevate everyday typing. CHESONA keyboard cases combine protection, comfort, and productivity—perfect for users who switch between on-screen and physical keyboards.
CHESONA ArmorDock Series Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 12.9"
CHESONA ArmorDock Series Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 12.9"
The CHESONA ArmorDock Series Keyboard Case is built for users who want maximum power and flexibility from their iPad Pro. Its integrated M.2 SSD slot supports up to 2TB of expandable storage, making it easy to manage large files, photos, and videos without relying on cloud storage.
With 4K@60Hz HDMI output, it’s ideal for presentations, external monitors, and multitasking setups. A precision trackpad and backlit keyboard, combined with USB‑C, USB‑A, and SD/TF ports, deliver a true laptop‑like workflow in a protective, all‑in‑one design.
CHESONA Cloud Series Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 11'' (M5, 2025)
CHESONA Cloud Series Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 11'' (M5, 2025)
Designed for modern iPad Pro users, the CHESONA Cloud Series Keyboard Case features a magnetic floating design that makes attaching and switching keyboards fast and effortless.
The 7‑color backlit keyboard offers adjustable brightness, ensuring comfortable typing in both bright and low‑light environments.
An LED digital display clearly shows battery life, Bluetooth connection status, and Caps Lock at a glance. Paired with a smooth multi‑touch trackpad, it fully supports iPadOS gestures for seamless navigation and productivity.
CHESONA Step Series Keyboard Case for iPad 10th Gen (10.9")
CHESONA Step Series Keyboard Case for iPad 10th Gen (10.9")
The CHESONA Step Series Keyboard Case is perfect for users who want flexibility without added bulk. Its lightweight, detachable keyboard allows you to switch easily between touch input and physical typing.
With dual Bluetooth channels, you can connect and switch between devices smoothly, whether you’re working or studying. Adjustable stand angles and a slim protective design make it a practical choice for typing, browsing, streaming, and everyday use.
Concerned about long-term protection while typing? Explore our article: The Best iPad Case for Writing With Apple Pencil.
Wrap Up
Changing the keyboard on your iPad gives you more control over how you type, communicate, and work every day. Whether you’re switching languages, adjusting layouts, or connecting a physical keyboard, these small changes can make a big difference in productivity.
To get the most out of your setup, pairing your customized keyboard settings with a high-quality keyboard case is essential. CHESONA offers thoughtfully designed keyboard cases that enhance typing comfort while protecting your iPad at the same time.
If you’re ready to turn your iPad into a true work or study companion, it’s worth trying CHESONA and exploring collections like iPad Keyboard Case With Touchpad, Magnetic iPad Case with Keyboard, and Rugged iPad Case With Keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reset my iPad keyboard to its default settings?
You can reset your keyboard settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary. This removes all custom words you've added to your dictionary.
If your keyboard layout looks unusual or is in the wrong position, you can also fix this by pinching it with two fingers or tapping and holding the keyboard icon at the bottom right. Then select "Dock" to return it to its normal position at the bottom of your screen.
What steps should I follow to split or merge the keyboard on my iPad?
To split your keyboard, touch and hold the keyboard icon in the bottom right corner of your keyboard. Select "Split" from the menu that appears. Your keyboard will divide into two parts, one on each side of the screen.
You can also pinch the keyboard apart with two fingers to split it. This works well when you're holding your iPad with both hands and want to type with your thumbs.
To merge the keyboard back together, pinch it closed with two fingers. You can also touch and hold the keyboard icon and select "Dock and Merge" to return it to normal.
Can I customize the keyboard background on my iPad without using any third-party apps?
Your iPad doesn't include a built-in option to change the keyboard background color or add custom images. The keyboard automatically matches your device's appearance settings between light and dark mode.
You can switch to dark mode by going to Settings > Display & Brightness and selecting "Dark." This changes your keyboard to a darker background. Light mode gives you a lighter keyboard background.
What is the process for changing the keyboard language or adding a new one on an iPad?
Go to Settings > General > Keyboard to add a new language keyboard. Tap "Keyboards" at the top, then tap "Add New Keyboard."
Choose the language you want from the list. Repeat these steps to add more keyboards.
Is there a way to switch between different keyboards on my iPad quickly?
You can switch between keyboards by tapping the globe icon on your keyboard. This icon appears in the bottom left corner when you have more than one keyboard installed.
Each tap cycles to the next keyboard. You can also touch and hold the globe icon to see all your keyboards and tap the one you want to use.
How do I change the overall theme of my iPad's keyboard?
Your iPad keyboard theme matches your device's appearance setting. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness to switch between light and dark modes.
The keyboard will follow the mode you select. Dark mode shows white text on a dark background, and light mode displays dark text on a light background. You can also turn on "Automatic" in the same menu to switch modes based on the time of day.
