How do I hide (not return to full size) the floating keyboard in Notes in iPadOS 26? There used to be a “done” option but now it seems the only way to get rid of it is to return the keyboard to full width and then hit “hide keyboard.” Is there a way to avoid this extra step?
iPad
This is a behavior change in iPadOS 26 where the floating keyboard no longer has the quick "done" dismiss button. Here are the ways to hide the floating keyboard without expanding it to full width first:
1. Tap outside the text area:
- Simply tap anywhere outside the Notes text field (e.g., tap the top toolbar or the blank area in the note header)
- This should dismiss the floating keyboard without needing to expand it
2. Use the keyboard hide button directly:
- On the floating keyboard itself, look for the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner of the keyboard
- Press and hold that icon — it should reveal a "Hide Keyboard" option directly without needing to expand to full size first
3. Swipe down on the floating keyboard:
- Place two fingers on the floating keyboard and swipe downward
- This gesture can dismiss the floating keyboard on iPadOS
4. Use an external keyboard:
- If you have a connected keyboard, pressing Escape or Cmd+K may dismiss the on-screen keyboard
5. Report as feedback to Apple:
- Since the "done" button was removed in iPadOS 26, this appears to be an intentional design change
- You can submit feedback to Apple via the Feedback app (Apple Feedback) requesting the return of the quick dismiss button on the floating keyboard
Option 1 (tapping outside) is likely the quickest workaround for your workflow.
This is a behavior change in iPadOS 26 where the floating keyboard no longer has the quick "done" dismiss button. Here are the ways to hide the floating keyboard without expanding it to full width first:
1. Tap outside the text area:
- Simply tap anywhere outside the Notes text field (e.g., tap the top toolbar or the blank area in the note header)
- This should dismiss the floating keyboard without needing to expand it
2. Use the keyboard hide button directly:
- On the floating keyboard itself, look for the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner of the keyboard
- Press and hold that icon — it should reveal a "Hide Keyboard" option directly without needing to expand to full size first
3. Swipe down on the floating keyboard:
- Place two fingers on the floating keyboard and swipe downward
- This gesture can dismiss the floating keyboard on iPadOS
4. Use an external keyboard:
- If you have a connected keyboard, pressing Escape or Cmd+K may dismiss the on-screen keyboard
5. Report as feedback to Apple:
- Since the "done" button was removed in iPadOS 26, this appears to be an intentional design change
- You can submit feedback to Apple via the Feedback app (Apple Feedback) requesting the return of the quick dismiss button on the floating keyboard
Option 1 (tapping outside) is likely the quickest workaround for your workflow.
The keyboard change in the floating version is the three dots in the bottom middle (see screen shot below. You’re correct that the floating keyboard cannot be closed.
You can offer Apple feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple
Thank you for your response, however, none of those options work. In the Notes app, the keyboard remains no matter where I tap. Additionally, there is no keyboard icon anywhere in the floating keyboard. That is only an option if I’m using the Apple Pencil and another small taskbar appears. Lastly, swiping down with two fingers on the keyboard only moves it. Again, thank you for your response. It was worth a try.
Kilgore-Trout wrote:
The keyboard change in the floating version is the three dots in the bottom middle (see screen shot below. You’re correct that the floating keyboard cannot be closed.
This essential nugget of information, concerning the iPadOS Floating Keyboard, being completely missed by the Generative AI response submitted by the initial responder...
LotusPilot wrote:
Kilgore-Trout wrote:
The keyboard change in the floating version is the three dots in the bottom middle (see screen shot below. You’re correct that the floating keyboard cannot be closed.
This essential nugget of information, concerning the iPadOS Floating Keyboard, being completely missed by the Generative AI response submitted by the initial responder...
Hello~ +1
~Katana-San~
Yeah
How do I hide the floating keyboard in Notes without having to make it full width first?
