Onscreen keyboard disappears with BT keyboard after update to IOS15.3.1

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Level 1

6 points

Onscreen keyboard disappears with BT keyboard after update to IOS15.3.1

I have to sit at work, using the ipad (8thGen) in a folio BT keyboard case balanced on my knees (no desk available). The onscreen keyboard would previously stay on screen whilst I used the BT keyboard - this raised the text field of my employers' app, by half the screen height, and reduced neck strain significantly.

Since the latest update (now 15.3.1) the onscreen keyboard vanishes with every key press of the BT keyboard, and subsequently I'm looking down an extra 10degrees and have neck strain.

Any ideas how can I reverse this? I cannot find a toggle for the onscreen keyboard.

It is the same iPad, same BT keyboard, and same app version as before I upated last week.

Thanks

iPad, iPadOS 15

Posted on Mar 9, 2022 8:18 AM

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Answer 1

UTBadger

Community Specialist

Mar 10, 2022 8:31 AM in response to calmpondmong

Hey calmpondmong,

Sounds like you need help pulling up the onscreen keyboard on your iPad after updating to iPadOS 15.3.1. We can help with that.

While using a Bluetooth keyboard with your iPad, you'll see a bar at the bottom of the page which has suggested phrases. To the right, you'll have the button for speak to text, on the left you'll have your keyboard options. If you tap on the keyboard options button, you'll be presented with the following options:

Keyboard Settings...
Minimize
Show Keyboard
Show Emoji

Here you'll just want to tap on 'Show Keyboard' in order to pull up your onscreen keyboard. If you begin typing with the Bluetooth keyboard though, the onscreen keyboard would minimize. This is expected behavior since the device is detecting that you don't need the onscreen keyboard up and taking up space on your device since you're not using it.

With all this being said, if you'd like to provide feedback on the expected behavior described, you're more than welcome to do so using this link: Product Feedback

We hope this clears things up for you.

Take care!

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Answer 2

SnickZ.

Community Specialist

Mar 21, 2022 6:18 AM in response to calmpondmong

Thanks for getting back to us, calmpondmong. In order to determine what key was being used previously, we would like to learn the make/model of the keyboard you're using. Is it an Apple Magic Keyboard or another brand? Apple external keyboards for iPad - Apple Support

All the best.

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Answer 3

calmpondmong Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 21, 2022 1:19 AM in response to UTBadger

Hi UTBadger,

Thank-you for your reply, but that's not quite the issue. As before the update, I can summon the on-screen keyboard using a dedicated button on the BT keyboard, or using your method above. However, unlike before, the on-screen keyboard now disappears with any key press on the BT keyboard.

I hopefully ask that there is a way in settings to change this back, and make the on-screen keyboard stay there. (And perhaps also to deactivate the obstructive new keyboard and microphone icons).

I submitted similar feedback via the link you provided above.

Thank-you.

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Answer 4

calmpondmong Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 25, 2022 2:32 AM in response to SnickZ.

Hi SnickZ

My BT keyboard is a generic no-brand from ebay. It is similar to the clamcases I used previously, but less painful when the hinges break. Pressing the key still summons (or hides) the on-screen keyboard, and behaves exactly as the new on-screen BT keyboard icon bar (named "keyboard shortcuts" in the keyboard settings; I have found out how to turn that pest off :) )

The key still works, but since iPadOS15, the on-screen keyboard now automatically hides with any subsequent BT keypress.

My primary issue is that the software governing the on-screen keyboard has changed in iOS15, and I'm seeking a way to revert it, perhaps via a settings menu?

Secondary, I've identified that the indirect reason I care about the on-screen keyboard behaviour, is that it lifts the typing cursor by half-a-screen/10degrees and reduces my neck strain. Is there perhaps any other way to do this on an ipad? It seems like a sensible function to add to a BT keyboard menu on any tablet device. Improving the inherent poor ergonomics is the only reason I purchase BT keyboard folio cases. If the poorly received (and named) "keyboard shortcuts" can make it as a default option, then surely a "neck saver" option is worthy.

I submitted such thoughts to the "Product feedback" link. No reply as yet.

My apologies, SnickZ, if the tone is a tad ranty, or the content is veering off topic. My frustrations are not directed towards you, or those who seek to help. And the top of my neck is aching :)

Kind regards

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Onscreen keyboard disappears with BT keyboard after update to IOS15.3.1

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