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How to Install a Custom Keyboard for Your iPad

By Daniel Nations Daniel Nations Writer University of Texas at Arlington Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 19, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple iPad Macs

What to Know

Choose Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard. Select the custom keyboard you want to use.To use a custom keyboard when typing: Tap and hold Globe key, then choose the custom keyboard you want to use.Some keyboards ask for full access to your device. Granting it means the developer can gather what you type and analyze it. The default keyboard on the iPad can meet most needs. However, the App Store is full of alternatives, including keyboards that allow you to draw words by tracing your finger from letter to letter. Here's how to install a third-party keyboard on any iPad with iOS 8 or later.

Download a Keyboard From the App Store

Before you can use a third-party keyboard, you will need to download one from the App Store. Once you've downloaded and installed the new software, enable the keyboard in Settings. Then, you can switch to it whenever you're typing.

How to Set Up a Custom Keyboard on Your iPad

Here's how to install your new keyboard once you've downloaded it. You follow the same process to install different languages your iPad already has available. Open the iPad's Settings app. Tap General. Tap Keyboard. Tap Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard. Third-party keyboards will show up under their own heading in the next menu. Below that, you can scroll down to browse other, standard options on the iPad. Tap the names of the ones you want to add. Some keyboards ask for full access to your device. Granting it means the developer can gather what you type and analyze it, which is usually to improve word suggestions while you type. However, if you are security conscious, you may decide not to give the company full access. To grant the permission, tap the name of the keyboard, and then turn the switch next to Full Access to on/green and tap Allow when it asks. Full Access is off by default when you install a new keyboard. Some keyboards won't work unless you turn Full Access on.

How to Select the Custom Keyboard While Typing

After you install the keyboard, you can switch to it whenever you're typing. Here's how. Tap and hold on the Globe key. Tap the name of the keyboard you want to use on the menu that appears. You can also cycle through all of the keyboards you have installed by tapping the Globe key. How to Download Fonts on iPad Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Open the Emoji Keyboard on a Mac How to Make a Bullet Point on a Keyboard How to Change the Keyboard on a Fire Tablet How to Get iPhone Emojis for Your Android How to Add Emoji to Your iPhone Keyboard How to Fix a Floating Keyboard on an iPad How to Change Your iPad Keyboard Settings How to Make Your iPhone Keyboard Vibrate How to Use Your iPad or iPad Mini as a Phone How to Save Passwords on an iPad How to Install a WordPress Theme How to Use Your Mac as a Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple TV How to Use the Emoji Keyboard for Galaxy Phones How to Turn On/Off Auto-Correct on the iPhone/iPad How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Keyboard Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies