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Why Is My iPad Keyboard Split in Two (or in the Middle)? How to Fix It

Use Merge to join a split keyboard, or identify whether your iPad keyboard is floating or undocked and restore the layout you want.
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Your iPad keyboard is probably in Split Keyboard mode. With the keyboard open, touch and hold the keyboard control, slide to Merge, and release. If you see Dock and Merge, choose it to join the halves and return the keyboard to the bottom of the screen.

How to put a split iPad keyboard back together

  1. Tap a text field to show the onscreen keyboard.

  2. Touch and hold the keyboard control at the lower-right of the keyboard.

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  3. Slide to Merge and release. If Dock and Merge appears and you want the keyboard back at the bottom, select that instead. Apple’s iPad keyboard guide describes these layout controls.

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How to stop the keyboard splitting again

On supported iPad models, open Settings > General > Keyboard and turn off Split Keyboard. You can also reach Keyboard Settings by touching and holding the Emoji or Switch Keyboard key, then selecting Split Keyboard. Apple’s instructions for a small or split iPad keyboard note that the option is model-dependent.

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If the keyboard is in the middle but not split

Two other keyboard layouts can look like a split keyboard problem. Match what you see to the right fix:

  • Small keyboard that you can move: It is likely the floating keyboard. Put two fingers on it and spread them apart to enlarge it, or select More > Full.

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  • Full-size keyboard lifted from the bottom: It is undocked. Touch and hold the keyboard control, slide to Dock, and release.

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Apple covers the floating, split, and undocked layouts in its onscreen keyboard guide.

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  • Accessories are sold separately and subject to availability. Compatibility varies by generation.
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Which iPads support Split Keyboard?

Apple says Split Keyboard is available only on iPad mini and iPad (9th generation and earlier). If you have another iPad model, do not expect to find a Split Keyboard control; first check whether the keyboard is floating or undocked instead. See Apple’s model and keyboard-layout guidance.

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  • Compatibility: Designed for iPad A16 11-inch 2025 models A3354, A3355, A3356 and iPad 10th Generation 10.9-inch 2022 models A2696, A2757, A2777. Please check the model number on the back of your iPad before purchase
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