How to Move the Keyboard on iPad

Newer versions of iOS give you options

What to Know

  • Open the keyboard in an app, long-press the Keyboard icon in the lower-right corner, choose Undock, and move the keyboard around.
  • Undock becomes Dock after moving the keyboard. Select Dock to return the keyboard to its original position.
  • Press the Keyboard icon, and choose Split to split the keyboard in two. Split becomes Merge when the keyboard is split.

iPad users can move their keyboard from its static position at the bottom of the tablet screen, and split it in half to make typing easier. iPad owners can also set the keys in locations on the screen to make the keys easier to access. Read on to learn how to change your keyboard on an iPad with iOS 13 or later for your specific needs.

How to Place iPad Keyboard in the Middle of the Screen

Here's how to undock the keyboard and move it to a different location on the screen:

  1. Open an iOS app like Notes or Messages that uses the keyboard as its main function.

    Notes app in iPad.
  2. Tap a text field to bring up the keyboard.

  3. On the keyboard, long-press the Keyboard icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.

    A screenshot of an iPad with an indication to tap and hold the keyboard button
  4. Choose Undock.

    A screenshot of an iPad keyboard with the Undock option highlighted
  5. Press down anywhere on the keyboard and drag it up or down to the position of your preference.

    Moving the keyboard up too high could obstruct the text space in an app when you type.

    A screenshot of an iPad with the keyboard moving
  6. Once you release the keyboard, it stays in the location you set. To adjust the keyboard further, redo the previous steps.

How to Split Your iPad Keyboard in Two

Splitting your iPad keyboard in two is another way to adjust the keyboard to fit your preference. In addition to splitting in two, you can move each keyboard section to the exact location you desire on your iPad screen.

The split keyboard option is not available on the 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

  1. Open the keyboard in a text supported iOS app.

    Notes app in iPad.
  2. Long-press the Keyboard icon in the lower-right corner of the screen

    A screenshot of an iPad with an indication to tap and hold the keyboard button
  3. Choose Split.

    A screenshot of an iPad keyboard with the Split option highlighted
  4. Lightly press Keyboard and drag to your desired position.

    A screenshot of an iPad keyboard showing the Split function.
  5. To return the keyboard to a single keyboard, long-press Keyboard, then select Merge. Or, if you want to dock the keyboard as well, select Dock and Merge.

    A screenshot showing an iPad keyboard with the "Merge" and "Dock and Merge" options highlighted

How to Return Your iPad Keyboard to Its Original Position

When you finish using your iPad keyboard in an alternative set up, you can easily return it to its original placement on the screen. You can also use this method if you have any issues with the altered keyboard to reset and try again.

  1. Open the keyboard in a text supported iOS app.

    Notes app in iPad.
  2. Long-press the Keyboard icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.

    A screenshot of an iPad with an indication to tap and hold the keyboard button
  3. From the pop-up menu, select Dock.

    A screenshot of an iPad keyboard with the Dock command highlighted
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