How to Get Rid of Split Keyboard on iPad
Learn step-by-step how to merge or disable the split keyboard on iPad, with gesture methods and settings changes to keep a single keyboard across apps. Includes tips, testing across iPadOS versions, and common troubleshooting.
Goal: you will remove the split keyboard on iPad and restore a single, centered keyboard. First, test a quick gesture to merge, then use Settings to disable Split Keyboard for a permanent solution. This guide covers gesture-based merging and a permanent toggle, so the keyboard stays unified across apps. Follow the steps in order for best results.
Understanding Split Keyboard on iPad
On iPad, the on-screen keyboard can split into two halves to improve typing reach when the device is held in landscape. This feature helps some users but many want to restore a single, centered keyboard. If you’re trying to fix how to get rid of split keyboard on ipad, you’re not alone. According to Tablet Info, this behavior is common on larger iPad models and across several iPadOS versions. Your goal is to merge the halves back together and, if desired, change the setting so it stays merged. This behavior isn't a failure—it's a design option—but most people prefer a unified keyboard for faster, more accurate typing. Understanding when and why iPad splits its keyboard helps you decide if a quick gesture is enough or if a Settings tweak is necessary.
We’ll also cover how to keep the merged keyboard across apps, because some apps may temporarily override the merged state. Tablet Info’s analysis shows that most users converge on a single keyboard after trying both methods: gestures for immediate relief and a Settings-based toggle for a permanent fix. This section sets the stage for practical, repeatable steps you can trust.
Quick Checks: Is Your Keyboard Split?
Before diving into fixes, verify whether the keyboard is truly split across all apps or just in a specific context. In landscape mode, some apps automatically present a split keyboard, while others keep a single keyboard. If you notice two halves when you rotate between portrait and landscape, you’re likely dealing with a global setting or a gesture that split the keyboard. Check if the two halves stay separated after you close and reopen the app, or if they reappear after switching apps. This quick check helps you decide whether you should use a gesture to merge or jump straight to Settings.
A practical tip from Tablet Info: test in at least two apps (e.g., Messages and Notes) and in both orientations. If the split persists only in one app, the issue may be app-specific rather than a system-wide setting. If the split persists across apps, you’ll want to proceed with the gesture merge and then disabled split in Settings for a consistent experience.
Merge by Gesture: Pinch and Move
The quickest way to undo a split keyboard is a simple two-finger pinch gesture to merge the two halves back into a single keyboard. Place two fingers on the left and right halves and pinch them toward each other until they snap into one centered keyboard. If you prefer a manual approach, you can also drag the left and right halves toward the center until they meet. Both techniques are meant to be quick, reusable methods that don’t require leaving your current app. Remember, the gesture is processor-driven, so response time may vary with device performance.
After merging, keep an eye on whether the keyboard stays unified when you switch apps or rotate the device. If the keyboard splits again, you may be experiencing a settings override or a compatibility quirk with a specific app. In that case, continue to the Settings section to enforce a permanent merge across all contexts.
Disable Split Keyboard in Settings
For a permanent fix, disable the Split Keyboard option so the keyboard remains a single unit by default. Open Settings > General > Keyboard and locate Split Keyboard. Turn off Split Keyboard. On some iPadOS versions, you may also see options like “Merge” or “Always Show Split Keyboard” that influence behavior when typing. Disabling Split Keyboard ensures the keyboard stays merged across apps and orientations, which is particularly helpful if you frequently switch between portrait and landscape or use external keyboards.
After turning off Split Keyboard, test in multiple apps to confirm the merged state persists. If the keyboard still splits in certain situations, there may be an app-specific setting or a recent OS update that reverted the change. In that case, re-check and, if needed, perform a simple restart of the device to apply the new configuration.
Testing Across Apps and iPadOS Versions
Device behavior can vary slightly between iPadOS versions. Even after disabling Split Keyboard, some apps may temporarily present a split layout due to their internal design. To validate your fix, test across several apps and in both portrait and landscape modes. If the merge doesn’t persist after an OS update, you may need to reapply the Settings change or install any pending updates that address keyboard behavior. Staying current with iPadOS helps prevent regression and ensures the gesture and setting remain effective.
As you test, watch for any changes in how the keyboard behaves when you use features like Multitasking or Split View, which can influence positioning. A few users report that certain accessibility settings or display zoom levels can subtly affect keyboard layout. Adjust these settings if you notice unexpected behavior.
Additional Tips for Typing Comfort
If you frequently type on the iPad with the keyboard in a comfortable single layout, consider enabling features that improve ergonomics. For instance, enable hardware or on-screen keyboard shortcuts, customize the Quick Actions bar, and adjust keyboard brightness for better visibility. If you regularly use the iPad for long-form writing, pairing it with an external keyboard can further improve typing speed and posture. Keeping the iPad in a stable position also reduces the chance of accidental splits while typing.
Finally, remember to periodically revisit Settings after major OS updates. Apple sometimes reorganizes keyboard controls, and a quick re-check can save you time later. Tablet Info suggests keeping a short note of your preferred keyboard configuration so you can reapply it quickly after updates or app changes.
Troubleshooting and When to Seek Help
If the keyboard continues to split despite following the gesture and Settings steps, you may be dealing with a deeper issue. Begin by restarting the iPad to clear temporary glitches, then re-test. If problems persist, verify that your iPad is running a supported iPadOS version and that all apps are up-to-date. In some cases, a reset of keyboard settings or a full OS restore may be required. Before taking drastic steps, back up your data to prevent loss.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, consult Apple Support or an authorized service provider. Document the steps you’ve tried, the apps where the issue occurs, and your iPad model and iPadOS version to help the support team diagnose the problem quickly. The Tablet Info team recommends a cautious, systematic approach rather than random settings changes that could lead to new issues.
Tools & Materials
- iPad with updated iPadOS(Ensure the device is current to minimize OS-related quirks.)
- Settings app(Used to access General > Keyboard options.)
- Two-finger pinch-ready surface (touchscreen)(For testing gestures directly on the iPad.)
- External keyboard (optional for testing)(Helpful to test if you rely on a physical keyboard.)
Steps
Estimated time: 10-15 minutes
- 1
Open a text field in any app
Tap a text input area to reveal the on-screen keyboard, which is where you’ll test the merge gesture. This step confirms you’re in a typing context and ready to try the gesture without leaving your current app.
Tip: Have the iPad in a comfortable typing position before you start. - 2
Test the pinch-to-merge gesture
Place two fingers on the keyboard halves and pinch them toward each other until the keyboard merges into a single unit. This immediate feedback confirms the gesture works on your device.
Tip: Use two fingers instead of one to ensure a smooth pinch. - 3
If the halves won’t merge, drag toward center
If pinch doesn’t work, touch the left half and drag it toward the center, then do the same with the right half until they meet. This provides an alternative path to a unified keyboard.
Tip: Move slowly and stop when the halves touch. - 4
Open Settings to disable Split Keyboard
Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard and locate Split Keyboard. Turn off the option to enforce a merged keyboard by default across apps.
Tip: If you don’t see Split Keyboard, check under a different path like Keyboard > Edit or look for Merge options in newer iPadOS. - 5
Test across multiple apps and orientations
Return to several apps and rotate the iPad to ensure the merged keyboard stays unified in different contexts.
Tip: Some apps may retain their own layout briefly after changes; reopen the app if needed. - 6
Confirm the setting sticks
Quit and reopen apps to verify the keyboard stays merged. If it splits again, revisit Settings or update iPadOS as needed.
Tip: Regularly check after OS updates to ensure settings persist.
Questions & Answers
What causes the iPad keyboard to split by itself?
The split keyboard can appear due to a default landscape layout or a user-initiated gesture. It may also be influenced by in-app settings or OS version behavior. If you often type in landscape, you might prefer keeping a merged keyboard for comfort.
It often happens when you’re in landscape mode or after a gesture. You can usually fix it by merging the keyboard or turning off the split option in Settings.
Can I permanently disable the split keyboard across all apps?
Yes. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and turn off Split Keyboard. This keeps a single keyboard across apps and orientations until you manually re-enable the feature.
Yes—disable Split Keyboard in Settings to keep one keyboard across apps.
What should I do if the keyboard still splits after merging?
Try restarting the iPad, updating iPadOS, and reapplying the merge gesture. If problems persist, check app-specific keyboard settings or reset keyboard settings.
Restart, update iPadOS, and re-merge. If it keeps happening, check app-specific settings.
Does using an external keyboard affect the on-screen split behavior?
Using an external keyboard bypasses the on-screen keyboard layout, so the split behavior becomes irrelevant for typing with the hardware keyboard. You can rely on the external keyboard for a consistent experience.
An external keyboard doesn’t use the on-screen split layout, so it won’t be affected by the split setting.
Will iPadOS updates change how the keyboard works?
Updates can modify keyboard behavior or toggle paths. After updating, recheck the Split Keyboard option and re-test gestures to ensure the fix remains effective.
Updates can change how the keyboard behaves, so recheck settings after updating.
Is the split keyboard more common on larger iPads?
Yes, larger iPads in landscape often show a split keyboard to improve reach. Smaller iPads are less likely to display this, but it can still occur depending on app design.
Larger iPads are more prone to split in landscape, but behavior varies by app and OS version.
Watch Video
Highlights
- Merge the keyboard using pinch or dragging when needed
- Disable Split Keyboard in Settings for a permanent fix
- Test across apps and orientations to confirm persistence
- Update iPadOS to avoid regression and ensure compatibility
- Recheck settings after major OS updates
