If you’re struggling to type on your iPad because the keyboard feels too small, you’re not alone. Many iPad users find the default keyboard size challenging to use. The good news is that learning how to make keyboard bigger on iPad is simple and can greatly improve your typing experience.
Whether you have vision difficulties, large fingers, or just prefer a bigger keyboard, Apple gives you several ways to increase your keyboard size. Let’s explore all the methods to make your iPad keyboard bigger and easier to use.
Why You Might Want a Bigger iPad Keyboard
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s talk about why you might want a larger keyboard. First, bigger keys are easier to hit accurately. This means fewer typing mistakes and faster writing.
Second, if you have vision problems or use reading glasses, a larger keyboard makes the letters much clearer. You won’t have to squint or lean forward to see what you’re typing.
Third, people with larger hands or fingers often struggle with small touch keyboards. A bigger keyboard gives you more space between keys, reducing accidental taps.
The Split Keyboard Feature
The easiest way to make your iPad keyboard bigger is to use the split keyboard feature. This splits your keyboard into two parts and makes each key larger.
Here’s how to turn on split keyboard:
- Open any app that uses the keyboard
- Look for the keyboard icon in the bottom right corner
- Press and hold this keyboard icon
- Select “Split” from the menu that appears
Your keyboard will now split into two sections. Each section moves to the sides of your screen. The keys become bigger and easier to press. This works great when you hold your iPad with both hands.
Using the Floating Keyboard
Another option is the floating keyboard. This creates a smaller, moveable keyboard that you can place anywhere on your screen. While it’s smaller overall, the keys can feel bigger because they’re more compact.
To turn on floating keyboard:
- Press and hold the keyboard icon
- Choose “Floating” from the menu
- Move the keyboard by dragging it around your screen
You can drag this floating keyboard to any spot that feels comfortable. This is helpful when you’re using apps and don’t want the keyboard to cover important content.
Accessibility Settings for Bigger Keyboards
iPad has built-in accessibility features that can make your keyboard much larger. These settings are designed for people who need extra help seeing or using their device.
Using Zoom to Make Everything Bigger
The zoom feature makes everything on your screen bigger, including the keyboard. This is different from just making the keyboard larger – it enlarges your entire display.
To turn on zoom:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Accessibility
- Select Zoom
- Turn on Zoom
Once zoom is on, you can double-tap with three fingers to zoom in. The keyboard will appear much larger when you’re typing. You can adjust how much it zooms in the zoom settings.
Display and Text Size Settings
You can also make text bigger throughout your iPad, which affects the keyboard text too. This doesn’t make the keys bigger, but it makes the letters on them easier to read.
Here’s how to change text size:
- Open Settings
- Go to Display & Brightness
- Tap Text Size
- Drag the slider to make text bigger
For even larger text, go back to Accessibility settings and look for “Larger Text.” This gives you bigger text options than the regular settings.
Third-Party Keyboard Apps for Better Size Control
If the built-in options don’t work well enough, you can try third-party keyboard apps. These apps often give you more control over keyboard size and appearance.
Popular Large Keyboard Apps
Some popular apps that offer bigger keyboards include SwiftKey, Gboard, and Big Keys. These apps let you customize key size, colors, and spacing.
To install a new keyboard app:
- Download the app from the App Store
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboard
- Tap Keyboards
- Select “Add New Keyboard”
- Choose your downloaded keyboard app
Once installed, you can switch between keyboards by tapping the globe icon on your keyboard. Just like learning how to switch tabs with keyboard shortcuts makes browsing faster, switching between different keyboard layouts can improve your typing experience.
Tips for Better Typing on Your Bigger iPad Keyboard
Now that you know how to make your keyboard bigger, here are some tips to type better on it.
Hold Your iPad Correctly
The way you hold your iPad affects how well you can use a bigger keyboard. For split keyboards, hold your iPad with both hands. Your thumbs should be able to reach the keys comfortably.
For regular bigger keyboards, you might want to place your iPad on a flat surface. This lets you use all your fingers like you would on a regular computer keyboard.
Practice Your Typing
A bigger keyboard might feel different at first. Give yourself time to get used to the new size and layout. Practice typing short messages or notes to build your muscle memory.
Understanding your keyboard layout becomes even more important when you’re adjusting to a different size. Take time to learn where all the keys are positioned.
Adjust Your Settings
Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of settings. You might like zoom plus split keyboard, or floating keyboard with larger text. Experiment to find what works best for you.
If your keyboard ever seems stuck or unresponsive, you might need to know how to unlock your keyboard or restart the keyboard app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes you might run into problems when trying to make your keyboard bigger. Here are solutions to common issues.
Split Keyboard Won’t Work
If the split keyboard option doesn’t appear, check your iPad model. Very old iPads might not support this feature. Also, make sure your iPad is updated to the latest iOS version.
Keyboard Looks Blurry When Zoomed
If your keyboard looks fuzzy when you use zoom, try adjusting the zoom level. Sometimes a slightly smaller zoom looks clearer than maximum zoom.
Third-Party Keyboard Won’t Install
If you’re having trouble with third-party keyboards, make sure you’ve given them full access in your keyboard settings. Some features won’t work without proper permissions.
For video calls where you need to type quickly, learning zoom keyboard shortcuts can help you work more efficiently even with a larger keyboard setup.
When to Use Each Method
Different situations call for different keyboard solutions. Here’s when to use each method:
Use Split Keyboard When:
- You’re holding your iPad with both hands
- You’re typing while standing or walking
- You want bigger keys but don’t need the whole screen zoomed
Use Zoom When:
- You have vision difficulties
- You need everything on screen to be bigger
- You’re using your iPad for reading and writing
Use Third-Party Keyboards When:
- Built-in options aren’t big enough
- You want more customization options
- You need special features like better predictive text
Final Thoughts on Making Your iPad Keyboard Bigger
Learning how to make keyboard bigger on iPad can transform your typing experience. Whether you choose the split keyboard, zoom feature, or a third-party app, you now have the tools to type more comfortably.
Remember that the best solution depends on your specific needs and how you use your iPad. Don’t hesitate to try different methods until you find what works best for you. A bigger, more comfortable keyboard means less frustration and more productive time on your iPad.
Start with the split keyboard feature since it’s built-in and easy to use. If that doesn’t meet your needs, explore the accessibility options or try a third-party keyboard app. With these tools, you’ll be typing on your iPad with confidence and comfort.
