iPhone Keyboard Issues: Troubleshooting Steps to Try

iPhone keyboard problems are widespread

Users across multiple versions of iOS are reporting persistent issues with the iPhone keyboard. Common complaints include typos, lag, and missed keystrokes.

While waiting for an official fix from Apple, you can try several troubleshooting steps to improve your typing experience.

Reset the keyboard dictionary

The iOS keyboard learns your habits over time, but its suggestions can become unhelpful. Resetting the dictionary returns it to its default state.

To do this, open Settings, then tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary. Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.

Add custom words and shortcuts

You can explicitly teach your iPhone words it frequently gets wrong. This can prevent frustrating autocorrect substitutions.

Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Tap the + button, enter the word or phrase, and add an optional shortcut before saving.

Adjust other keyboard settings

Several settings under General > Keyboard can impact performance. You can turn off features like Auto-Correction or Slide to Type if they cause problems.

For further tuning, visit Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Touch Accommodations. Here you can adjust tap sensitivity and hold durations to improve accuracy.

Change your keyboard layout

Switching to a one-handed keyboard layout can sometimes minimize glitches and ensure your presses register correctly.

To activate it, tap and hold the globe icon on the keyboard. Then, select the left- or right-aligned icon from the pop-up menu to shift the layout.

Switch to a different keyboard app

If Apple's default keyboard remains problematic, you can install a third-party alternative. Popular options include Gboard from Google and Microsoft's SwiftKey.

After installing a new keyboard, manage it in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Switch between active keyboards by pressing the globe icon while typing.

Avoid the on-screen keyboard entirely

For a more drastic solution, you can bypass the virtual keyboard altogether. Two main alternatives exist:

• Use a Bluetooth keyboard: Pair a physical keyboard via your iPhone's Bluetooth settings for a traditional typing experience.
• Use dictation: Ensure dictation is enabled in your keyboard settings, then tap the microphone icon to speak your text. You can perform complex edits and insert emojis using voice commands.