The iPad is an excellent device for watching videos, making FaceTime calls, gaming, and more. But if you’ve noticed your keyboard suddenly appearing smaller than usual or you just want a larger one for better typing comfort you’re not alone. Luckily, there are several easy ways to resize your iPad keyboard.
In this guide, we’ll show you five simple methods to make your iPad keyboard bigger. These tips apply to all iPad models, so let’s get started!
Method 1: Rotate Your iPad to Landscape Mode
One of the easiest ways to get a larger keyboard is by rotating your iPad into landscape orientation. This gives you a wider keyboard layout with larger keys, which improves typing accuracy and comfort. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPad.
- Check the Orientation Lock icon. If it’s red, the rotation is locked.
- Tap the icon to disable Portrait Orientation Lock.
- Rotate your iPad for a larger keyboard.
Method 2: Disable Floating Keyboard on iPad
If your iPad keyboard appears small and can be moved around the screen instead of staying fixed at the bottom, it’s likely in Floating mode. This feature is intended to make one-handed typing easier by shrinking the keyboard. Although it can be convenient, it often gets turned on by mistake and becomes more frustrating than helpful.
While you can’t completely turn off Floating mode on the iPad, you can easily resize the keyboard to bring back the standard full-size version. Here are two simple methods to do that:
- One method is to use a pinch-out gesture place two fingers on the floating keyboard and spread them apart to expand it back to its regular size.
- Another option is to grab the floating keyboard by its bottom handle and drag it down toward the bottom of the screen until it docks, returning to the full-size layout.
Method 3: Disable the Split Keyboard on Your iPad
A common reason the keyboard appears smaller on your iPad is the Split Keyboard feature, which may have been turned on accidentally. This feature divides the keyboard into two parts, making it easier to type with both hands, especially when holding the device. However, it also reduces the size of the keys, which can be inconvenient.
To return to the standard full-sized keyboard, you’ll need to turn off the Split Keyboard feature. Keep in mind that not all iPad models offer this option. Devices that support Split Keyboard include: iPad Pro (9.7-inch and 10.5-inch), iPad mini (5th generation and newer), iPad (5th to 9th generation) and iPad Air (3rd generation).
Note: The Split Keyboard feature is only available on select iPad models. If your iPad doesn’t support it, you won’t find this option in the settings.
- Put one finger on each side of the split keyboard and slide them inward to reconnect the two halves into a full-sized keyboard.
- Alternatively, press and hold the keyboard icon located at the bottom-right corner, then slide your finger to select “Dock and Merge” without lifting it.
Method 4: Enlarge Your iPad Keyboard Using the Zoom Feature
Your iPad includes a Zoom feature that lets you magnify any area on the screen. This tool can be used to make the keyboard appear larger for easier typing. Follow these simple steps to enable and use the Zoom feature effectively:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPad.
- Next, select Accessibility, then tap on Zoom.
- Toggle the Zoom option to ON.
- This activates a zoom window that you can freely move around the screen.
- While in the Zoom settings, tap on Zoom Controller and enable the Show Controller toggle.
- This adds a controller on your screen, making it simpler to manage the zoom window settings.
Next, drag the zoom window over your iPad keyboard to enlarge it. This is a simple and effective way to make the keys appear bigger for easier typing.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Apps to Enlarge Your iPad Keyboard
If the default keyboard doesn’t meet your needs, you can try third-party keyboard apps that offer more customization. These apps often let you change the keyboard size, layout, colors, fonts, and themes to create a more comfortable typing experience on your iPad.
You can explore third-party apps like Big Keys and GIF Keyboard for your iPad. Once installed, just follow the on-screen instructions to set up and start using the new keyboard.
That’s a wrap on the 5 easy methods to make your iPad keyboard bigger. We hope this guide helped you resolve the small keyboard problem and enjoy a more comfortable typing experience.
How do you usually enlarge your iPad keyboard? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comments below!