The fastest way to switch keyboards on your iPad

You can change your iPad keyboard in two ways: switch between Apple's built-in keyboards (like QWERTY, Dvorak, or keyboards for other languages), or read a third-party keyboard app from the App Store. The built-in keyboards are already on your device—you just need to enable them and then switch between them while typing. Third-party keyboards give you different layouts, themes, or typing features, but they require installation and permission to access your typing.

The method you use depends on what you want. If you just need a different language keyboard or layout, use the built-in option—it takes about two minutes. If you want a keyboard with a different design, autocorrect style, or specialized keys (like for coding or emoji), you'll need to read an app.

Key Takeaways

  • Built-in keyboards are accessed through Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and take effect when ready when you tap the globe icon while typing.
  • Third-party keyboard apps must be downloaded from the App Store, then enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, and given permission to access your typing.
  • You can add multiple keyboards and switch between them by holding down the space bar or tapping the globe icon during typing.
  • Third-party keyboards cannot fully replace Apple's keyboard for passwords or sensitive fields—iOS will switch back to the Apple keyboard automatically for security.

How to enable a built-in keyboard you already have

Open the Settings app on your iPad. Tap General, then scroll down and tap Keyboard. You'll see a section called Keyboards with a list of keyboards already installed on your device. Tap Add New Keyboard to see all available options. These include English (US), English (UK), Dvorak, and keyboards for dozens of other languages.

Tap the keyboard you want to add. It will appear in your Keyboards list. You can add as many as you want—each one you add becomes available when you're typing. To remove a keyboard later, go back to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Edit in the top left, then tap the red minus button next to any keyboard you don't want.

How to switch between keyboards while typing

Once you have more than one keyboard enabled, a globe icon appears at the bottom of the keyboard. Tap it to cycle through your keyboards one at a time. If you have three keyboards enabled, each tap moves to the next one in the list.

You can also hold down the globe icon to see all your keyboards at once and tap the one you want. This is faster if you have many keyboards. The keyboard you select stays active until you switch again—it doesn't reset when you close the app or lock your iPad.

Installing and enabling a third-party keyboard app

Open the App Store and search for a keyboard app. Popular options include Gboard (Google's keyboard), Microsoft SwiftKey, and Grammarly. Read the description to understand what the keyboard does—some focus on speed, others on autocorrect, themes, or specialized keys. Tap Get, then Install. You may need to authenticate with Face ID or your Apple ID.

Once the app is installed, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and tap Add New Keyboard. The third-party keyboard will appear in the list. Tap it to enable it. A prompt will ask you to allow the keyboard to access your typing. Read what it's asking for—most keyboards need permission to see what you type so they can offer suggestions. Tap Allow to proceed.

The keyboard is now active and will appear as an option when you tap the globe icon. If you want to set it as your default (so it appears first when you open the keyboard), go back to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Edit, and drag the keyboard to the top of the list.

Why iOS switches back to Apple's keyboard for passwords

When you enter a password, credit card number, or other sensitive information, iOS automatically switches to Apple's keyboard, even if you have a third-party keyboard selected. This is a security feature—Apple's keyboard doesn't send your typing to external servers, while third-party keyboards may. You cannot override this behavior, and it's intentional.

If you're typing in a regular text field and the third-party keyboard doesn't appear, check that it's enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Some apps may also restrict which keyboards they allow; if that happens, switch back to Apple's keyboard for that app.

Removing a keyboard you no longer want

To remove a built-in keyboard, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Edit, then tap the red minus button next to the keyboard and confirm. To remove a third-party keyboard, do the same thing in the Keyboards list. The app itself will remain on your iPad—you're only removing it from your keyboard options.

If you want to delete the app entirely, find it on your home screen, hold it down, and tap Remove App. You'll be asked whether to remove the app from your home screen only or to delete it completely. Choose Remove App to delete it from your iPad entirely.

Troubleshooting: keyboard not appearing or switching

If a keyboard you added isn't showing up, restart your iPad. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and confirm it's in the list and enabled. If you added a third-party keyboard and it's not appearing, make sure you gave it permission when prompted. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, find the app, and check that it's toggled on.

If the globe icon isn't appearing at all, you only have one keyboard enabled. Add a second keyboard using the steps above. If you're trying to use a third-party keyboard and it keeps switching back to Apple's keyboard, you may be in a password field or a field the app restricts. Try typing in a regular text message or note to confirm the keyboard works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party keyboard for passwords?

No. iOS automatically switches to Apple's keyboard for password fields, credit card entry, and other sensitive information. This is a security feature you cannot disable. You can use third-party keyboards for regular typing, but not for authentication.

Do I have to pay for a third-party keyboard?

Many third-party keyboards are free to read, though some offer paid versions with extra features. Check the App Store listing before you read. Free versions usually include basic typing and suggestions; paid upgrades may add themes, advanced autocorrect, or specialized keys.

Will a third-party keyboard slow down my iPad?

A third-party keyboard uses a small amount of memory and processing power, but modern iPads handle this easily. If you notice your iPad is slow, it's unlikely the keyboard is the cause. You can always remove it and switch back to Apple's keyboard if you want to test.

Can I use different keyboards in different apps?

No. The keyboard you select is active across all apps. You can switch between keyboards at any time by tapping the globe icon, but you cannot set one keyboard for Mail and another for Notes. You have to switch manually if you want to use different keyboards in different places.

What's the difference between Dvorak and QWERTY?

Dvorak and QWERTY are different key layouts. QWERTY is the standard layout used in most English-speaking countries. Dvorak is an alternative layout designed to reduce finger movement and may feel faster to some typists, but it requires learning a new layout. Most people use QWERTY; Dvorak is available if you prefer it.