How to Get Rid of Small Keyboard on iPad
Learn practical steps to eliminate a small floating or split keyboard on iPad and restore a full-size layout. This guide covers disabling split/one-handed modes, merging the keyboard, moving a floating keyboard, updating iPadOS, and common troubleshooting tips from Tablet Info.
Goal: fix a small floating or split keyboard on iPad and return to a full-size layout. Start by disabling Split Keyboard and One-Handed options in Settings, then merge the keyboard back to its standard size. If the keyboard remains small, move the floating keyboard by its handle to dock it, and pinch to resize. Finally, check for iPadOS updates and restart if needed.
Understanding the small keyboard on iPad
On iPad, a small keyboard usually signals one of a few ergonomic modes. A noticeably smaller keyboard often means you are in a floating, split, or one-handed layout. If you’re wondering how to get rid of small keyboard on ipad, the goal is to restore a single, full-width keyboard that covers most of the bottom of the screen. Tablet Info’s research shows that many users accidentally activate split or floating modes during landscape changes or app switching, then struggle to adapt. The fix is typically quick and does not require any extra hardware or tools. After you revert the mode and merge the keyboard, you should be back to typing comfortably in most apps.
How to identify if your keyboard is in split or floating mode
Split keyboard appears as two halves on either side of the screen, commonly used in landscape orientation. Floating keyboard is a small draggable window you can reposition. If you can drag the keyboard by a tiny gray bar and notice the entire keyboard shrinks or separates into two halves, you’re likely in one of these modes. In portrait orientation, the split layout is more common, while the floating keyboard can appear unexpectedly if you used a resizing gesture. Identifying the mode helps you choose the correct fix quickly.
Step-by-step fixes to return to full-size keyboard
There are several reliable, user-friendly fixes you can try in sequence. Start with the simplest setting changes in Settings, then test typing to see if the keyboard returns to full size. If you use multiple apps and see inconsistent behavior, focus on the system-level controls first to ensure a consistent experience across all apps. For most users, this approach resolves the issue without needing a reset or OS update. If the problem persists after following these steps, revisit the settings and consider additional troubleshooting like restarting or updating iPadOS.
When to update iPadOS and reset settings
Software updates often include fixes for keyboard behavior and layout glitches. If your keyboard behavior remains inconsistent after adjusting the settings, check for an iPadOS update (Settings > General > Software Update). If the issue still persists, you can reset keyboard-related settings (e.g., Reset Keyboard Dictionary) or perform a broader reset of settings as a last resort. Remember to back up your data before making major resets.
Tools & Materials
- iPad with latest iPadOS(Ensure you have internet access and can install updates)
- Settings app access(No external tools required)
- Backup option(Recommended before major resets or updates)
Steps
Estimated time: 15-25 minutes
- 1
Open Settings
Open the Settings app, then tap General and select Keyboard. This screen exposes Split Keyboard, One-Handed Keyboard, and related controls that tune how the on-screen keyboard behaves across apps.
Tip: If you don’t see keyboard options, make sure you’re in a supported app and not in full-screen video. - 2
Disable Split Keyboard
Locate the Split Keyboard toggle and switch it off. Disabling this mode merges the two halves back into a single keyboard.
Tip: If the option is off but the keyboard still appears split, exit Settings and reopen the app to refresh the keyboard state. - 3
Disable One-Handed Keyboard
Turn off the One-Handed Keyboard option if it’s enabled. This ensures the keyboard uses the full width of the screen.
Tip: One-Handed can re-enable itself after certain gestures; check again after a full app restart. - 4
Merge the Keyboard
On the on-screen keyboard, tap the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner and choose Dock and Merge (or simply merge if prompted). This action returns the keyboard to full size.
Tip: If you don’t see the icon, close and reopen the app to refresh the keyboard interface. - 5
Move and Resize Floating Keyboard
If you still see a floating keyboard, drag it by its handle to dock near the bottom of the screen and pinch to resize toward full width.
Tip: Move slowly and test typing in a note or message to confirm the layout after each adjustment. - 6
Restart the Device
Close the app and perform a quick restart of the iPad to apply changes consistently across all apps and the home screen.
Tip: A restart clears temporary glitches that can keep a keyboard in a small state. - 7
Update iPadOS or Reset Keyboard Settings
If the issue persists, check for an iPadOS update (Settings > General > Software Update) and install if available. If still unresolved, consider resetting the keyboard dictionary (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset Keyboard Dictionary) or a broader settings reset as a last resort.
Tip: Back up important data before major updates or resets.
Questions & Answers
How do I disable the split keyboard on iPad?
Open Settings > General > Keyboard and toggle off Split Keyboard. If it remains active, try closing the app and reopening to refresh the keyboard state.
Open Settings, turn off Split Keyboard, and restart the app if needed.
How do I merge the keyboard back to full size on iPad?
On the keyboard, tap the keyboard icon and choose Dock and Merge or merge when prompted. This returns the keyboard to its standard width.
Tap the keyboard icon and choose Dock and Merge to restore full size.
What if the keyboard is still small after updates?
Check for another iPadOS update, restart the device, and review keyboard settings again. If issues persist, reset the keyboard dictionary from Settings.
If updates don’t fix it, reset the keyboard dictionary after a restart.
Will an external keyboard affect the on-screen keyboard?
External keyboards don’t typically affect the on-screen layout, but some apps may adjust focus behavior when an external device is connected.
External keyboards usually don’t change the on-screen keyboard layout.
How can I prevent the keyboard from shrinking in the future?
Avoid repeatedly switching between portrait and landscape with the keyboard active; keep split and one-handed toggles off if you want consistent full-size typing.
Keep split and one-handed off for a consistent full-size keyboard.
Can I reset the keyboard to default settings?
Yes. You can reset the keyboard dictionary or perform a broader Reset of All Settings from Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad. Back up before resetting.
You can reset keyboard settings from the General reset options; back up first.
Watch Video
Highlights
- Disable split/one-handed modes to restore full-size keyboard
- Merge and dock the keyboard using the on-screen icon
- If floating, relocate it to the bottom and resize
- Update iPadOS and reset keyboard settings if needed
