How to Get Rid of Floating Keyboard on iPad
Learn how to remove the floating iPad keyboard, dock it securely, and prevent recurrence with clear steps, tips, and settings from Tablet Info.
By default, the floating keyboard on iPad can be moved and docked. To get rid of it, drag the keyboard’s bottom edge toward the bottom of the screen until it docks, or pinch to resize it back to full size. If it won’t dock, enable Dock and Merge in Settings > General > Keyboard, then test in several apps.
What is the floating keyboard and how it behaves on iPad
The floating keyboard on iPad is a compact, movable version of the on-screen keyboard designed for one-handed typing and quick notes. It detaches from its standard bottom dock and becomes a small window you can drag to nearly any edge of the screen. This behavior is built into iPadOS to improve usability when multitasking in Split View or Slide Over. The floating keyboard is easy to dismiss or reposition, but it can feel jarring if you intend to type in a form, write an email, or fill out a long document. If your goal is how to get rid of floating keyboard on ipad, you’re not alone—many users prefer the traditional docked keyboard for longer sessions. The good news: with a few taps or a single gesture, you can return the keyboard to its full-size, docked position and restore a familiar typing experience across apps. According to Tablet Info, recognizing this feature’s behavior helps you decide when to use it and when to switch back to the dock.
Common reasons the keyboard might float
Floating behavior is often triggered by a user gesture, such as dragging the keyboard to a new location, or by app-specific layouts that temporarily detach the keyboard for easier viewing. Split keyboard configurations and multitasking modes can also influence whether the keyboard docks automatically or remains floating. In some cases, a minor iPadOS bug or a recent update can reset the keyboard to a floating state until you dock it again. Understanding these causes helps you apply the right fix without guessing.
Quick checks when you notice the issue
First, verify whether the keyboard is in the floating state by looking for its small size and a visible drag handle along the bottom edge. If it is, try dragging the keyboard downward toward the bottom edge of the screen. If you reach the bottom and it docks, you’re done. If it won’t dock, try resizing it by pinching with two fingers to return to full-size; then drag it to the dock again. Also check if a nearby app is forcing a split keyboard or Slide Over, which can affect how the main keyboard behaves.
Docking the keyboard: the core fix
The primary fix for a stubborn floating keyboard is docking it to the bottom of the screen. Grab the floating keyboard by its bottom bar and glide it to the bottom edge of the iPad. When you hear or feel a click, release—the keyboard should snap into the standard docked position. If dragging alone doesn’t work, use the pinch-to-zoom technique to resize to full size, then attempt docking again. In some cases, you may need to switch apps and then return, as the system redraws the keyboard layout.
Use gestures to manage size and docking
Gestures give you quick control over the keyboard without opening Settings. Pinch with two fingers to shrink the floating keyboard into a full-sized docked keyboard. Drag the keyboard’s handle to move it while in floating mode. If you want to return to the exact bottom position quickly, drag the floating keyboard to the bottom and hold for a moment until it docks. These gestures are designed to be intuitive, but they do require a light touch to avoid unintended taps.
Dock vs Merge vs Split keyboard: what these options do
Docking places the keyboard at the standard bottom area. Merge combines the floating keyboard with the main keyboard when you bring them together, which can be useful when you’re accidentally switching between layouts. Split keyboard separates the keyboard into two halves for thumb typing in wide screens; to rejoin, drag the halves back together or disable Split Keyboard in the Settings. Understanding these modes helps you choose the right layout for different apps and tasks.
OS updates and reset considerations
Keeping iPadOS up to date reduces the chance of persistent keyboard bugs. If docking issues persist after an update, consider resetting keyboard settings or performing a broader device reset as a last resort. Always back up your data before performing resets. In many cases, a simple toggle in Settings can resolve the problem without erasing content.
External keyboards and other devices
External keyboards (Bluetooth or Smart Keyboard) don’t typically change the behavior of the on-screen keyboard. If you’re typing with an external keyboard, the on-screen keyboard may remain hidden or appear in a different state depending on the app. If you still see the floating keyboard with an external keyboard connected, disconnect the external device and re-test the on-screen keyboard docking in a simple app like Notes.
Best practices to prevent floating keyboard in daily use
To minimize float-related interruptions, try to keep your iPad in a stable orientation and avoid dragging the keyboard while typing rapidly. Use Dock and Merge for a consistent experience in commonly used apps. Regular updates and occasional maintenance of settings can reduce recurring float issues and improve overall typing comfort.
Test across apps and confirm the fix
After docking or resizing, test the keyboard in several apps: Notes, Mail, Safari, and Messages. Ensure the keyboard docks reliably after you switch apps or unlock the device. If you notice inconsistent docking, take a moment to reboot the iPad and re-test. Confirm that both portrait and landscape modes behave the same way for a consistent experience.
Tools & Materials
- iPad with the latest iPadOS(Check Settings > General > Software Update before starting.)
- External keyboard (optional)(Helpful for testing behavior with external input devices.)
Steps
Estimated time: 15-20 minutes
- 1
Identify that the keyboard is floating
Open an app and observe the keyboard; if it sits as a small panel with a draggable bottom edge, it is floating. Confirm by trying to drag the bottom bar; you should feel it move independently of the screen edge.
Tip: Look for the small drag bar at the keyboard’s bottom edge; this confirms floating state. - 2
Drag the keyboard to the dock
With your finger on the keyboard’s bottom bar, slide it straight down toward the bottom of the screen. Release when you feel a snap; the keyboard should dock and expand to full size.
Tip: Go slow at the final approach; a light touch helps the keyboard dock reliably. - 3
If docking fails, resize to full size first
Pinch with two fingers on the floating keyboard to enlarge it back to full size, then try docking again by dragging to the bottom.
Tip: Resizing reduces the risk of the dock auto-hiding in some apps. - 4
Enable Dock and Merge in Settings
Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and enable Dock and Merge so the keyboard restores to the bottom more reliably in future sessions.
Tip: This setting helps maintain a consistent typing experience across apps. - 5
Check split keyboard and external keyboards
If you’re using a split keyboard, rejoin it by tapping the center bar or turning off Split Keyboard. Disconnect any external keyboard to test the on-screen behavior independently.
Tip: Split keyboard can obscure the dock behavior in some apps. - 6
Test in multiple apps and scenarios
Open Notes, Messages, Safari and Mail to ensure the keyboard docks under various conditions (landscape, portrait, with and without multitasking).
Tip: Consistency across apps confirms a robust fix.
Questions & Answers
What is a floating keyboard on iPad?
A floating keyboard is a compact, movable on-screen keyboard that you can drag around the screen. It can be docked back to the bottom or resized to full size.
The floating keyboard is a small, movable keyboard that you can drag; it can be docked back to the bottom.
How do I dock the keyboard back to full size?
Drag the floating keyboard to the bottom edge of the screen until it snaps into place, or pinch to resize it and then dock.
Drag it to the bottom edge or resize and dock it.
Why does my keyboard keep floating after docking?
Occasional gestures or app-specific layouts can re-trigger floating mode. Docking again and enabling Dock and Merge helps prevent recurrence.
Sometimes gestures trigger it again; re-dock and enable Dock and Merge.
Does an external keyboard affect the on-screen keyboard?
External keyboards are separate input methods. The on-screen keyboard behavior can be independent of a Bluetooth or Smart Keyboard.
External keyboards don’t usually change how the on-screen keyboard behaves.
What if the issue persists after updating iPadOS?
If docking problems persist post-update, try resetting keyboard settings or contact Apple Support for guidance.
If it persists after an update, consider reaching out to Apple Support.
Is it safe to reset keyboard settings?
Resetting the keyboard dictionary removes learned words. A full reset options exists but should be used as a last resort after backup.
Reset dictionary is safer; full device resets should be a last resort.
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Highlights
- Dock the keyboard by dragging its bottom bar to the screen edge.
- Use pinch-to-resize to full size if docking is stubborn.
- Enable Dock and Merge in Settings for automatic docking.
- Test across apps to ensure consistent behavior after fixes.
