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can’t get rid of floating keyboard

Every time I undock my apple pencil the keyboard goes into floating keyboard mode. Two finger technique does not work to restore it to its normal size. Dragging the floating keyboard to the bottom of the screen also does not work. I have iPad Pro 12.9 purchased in 2023. Please help!!!

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Oct 11, 2023 2:41 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 11, 2023 3:13 PM

Have you enabled the Scribble feature? This feature uses a different mini-keyboard that does not respond to the two-finger zoom or pinch gestures.


Settings > Apple Pencil > Scribble - set to OFF



After disabling Scribble, you may need to force-restart your iPad:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.



Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




Otherwise, to restore the new Floating Keyboard to the normal on-screen keyboard presentation, use the two-finger “zoom” gesture (i.e., the reverse of the two-finger “pinch”).


If the Split Keyboard is restored instead of the full on-screen keyboard, you can either use two fingers (one on each of the two half-keyboards) and swipe the two halves together - or touch-and-hold the “keyboard” key, then slide your finger to the Merge & Dock option and release.


Use the floating keyboard on your iPad – Apple Support

Split and move the keyboard on your iPad – Apple Support

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 11, 2023 3:13 PM in response to rebecca123

Have you enabled the Scribble feature? This feature uses a different mini-keyboard that does not respond to the two-finger zoom or pinch gestures.


Settings > Apple Pencil > Scribble - set to OFF



After disabling Scribble, you may need to force-restart your iPad:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.



Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




Otherwise, to restore the new Floating Keyboard to the normal on-screen keyboard presentation, use the two-finger “zoom” gesture (i.e., the reverse of the two-finger “pinch”).


If the Split Keyboard is restored instead of the full on-screen keyboard, you can either use two fingers (one on each of the two half-keyboards) and swipe the two halves together - or touch-and-hold the “keyboard” key, then slide your finger to the Merge & Dock option and release.


Use the floating keyboard on your iPad – Apple Support

Split and move the keyboard on your iPad – Apple Support

can’t get rid of floating keyboard

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