How to Switch Back & Forth Between your Software & Hardware iPad Keyboard

If you have an external keyboard or iPad keyboard case, you know how convenient this type of iPad accessory can be. Still, there are times where you may want to change the keyboard you're using back to your on-screen keyboard. We've already written about how to connect a keyboard to your iPad, including the new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro and iPad, and how to turn the floating iPad keyboard off and on. Now, let's go over how to switch back and forth between your software keypad and the hardware keyboard for your iPad. 

Related: iPad Multitasking: The Complete Guide to Split Screen, Slide Over & Picture in Picture

How to Change Your iPad Keypad from the On-Screen Keyboard to a Hardware Keyboard

Let's go over how to quickly switch between the on-screen iPad keyboard and a hardware keyboard. This way, you can switch to an external keyboard as needed, then get your on-screen keyboard back whenever you want it. For more tutorials on how to navigate your iPad, check out our free Tip of the Day. 

1. Select the text field in any app where you use your iPad's keyboard and begin typing on-screen as usual. 
2. Tap the keyboard icon with the down arrow in the lower-right corner of your display. 
   
   
    
3. Your hardware keyboard may offer a choice of languages; tap the language you want to use. 
   
   
    
4. When you're ready to transfer back to your on-screen keyboard, tap the keyboard icon at the bottom of the display. If you're using a Magic Keyboard, tap the eject icon to transfer back to the on-screen iPad keyboard. 
   
   
    
5. Tap the keyboard without the arrow icon to transfer back to your on-screen iPad keyboard. 
   
   
    
6. Now you'll see and be able to use your iPad's on-screen keyboard once again.