7 Solutions to iPhone Keyboard not Working

If you find your iPhone keyboard not working properly, it can hinder various tasks. This guide offers solutions to address and resolve keyboard glitches on your iPhone. Just follow them to troubleshoot the issue.

Demi by Demi Updated November 21, 2023
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Our iPhones have become an essential tool for communication, work, and leisure, with the keyboard being a vital component of the user experience. However, encountering issues where the iPhone keyboard is not working can be frustrating and disruptive. If you're struggling with unresponsive keys, lag, or keyboard glitches, you're not alone.

keyboard not working

In this article, we'll explore the common reasons behind iPhone keyboard malfunctions and provide you with seven effective solutions to get your keyboard back to its optimal functioning state.

Why is my keyboard not working on iPhone?

Several factors could contribute to your iPhone keyboard not working as expected:
⛔ Software Glitches: Temporary software glitches or bugs can lead to keyboard malfunctions.
⛔ Third-Party Keyboards: If you're using a third-party keyboard app, it might encounter compatibility issues with your iPhone's operating system, which lead to the keyboard not working on iPhone.
⛔ Device Overload: Running too many apps or having insufficient available memory can lead to keyboard lag or unresponsiveness.
⛔ Settings Conflict: Incorrect keyboard settings or restrictions might cause keyboard-related problems.
⛔ Software Updates: Sometimes, updating to a new iOS version can lead to compatibility issues with third-party keyboard apps.

7 fixes to iPhone keyboard not working

Let's delve into seven effective solutions to address the issue of a non-responsive or malfunctioning keyboard on your iPhone. Just try them one after another until your issue gets fixed.

1#Reset keyboard dictionary

If you're encountering some letters on iPhone keyboard not working while typing messages or notes, there's a simple fix to resolve this issue. By implementing the following solution, you can restore the smooth functionality of your keyboard.

The culprit behind a less-than-smooth keyboard experience is often the accumulated dictionary words. By resetting the keyboard dictionary, you can effectively tackle this issue. Here's a simple guide on how to perform the reset:

Step 1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2. Tap Reset > Choose Reset Keyboard Dictionary. You will be asked to enter your passcode, and tap Reset Dictionary again to confirm the operation.

reset keyboard dictionary

2# Disable Reduce Motion

Should you encounter difficulties using emojis or GIFs with your default keyboard, consider disabling the "Reduce Motion" feature. This step might effectively address the problem and enable smooth usage of these features:

Go to iPhone Settings app > Choose General > Locate and click Accessibility > Toggle off the switch next to Reduce Motion if it is enabled.

resuce motion

Then, you may try using your iPhone keyboard and typing any emojis or GIF to see if that works for you.

3# Uninstall and reinstall the problematic app

If you're experiencing iPhone keyboard issues with a specific app such as the emoji keyboard not showing up, the problem might be with the app itself rather than your keyboard. In such cases, it's advisable to consider reinstalling the app on your iPhone to potentially resolve the issue.

Just take WhatsApp as an example, press and hold the WhatsApp icon on the home screen > Tap Delete icon to uninstall WhatsApp > Download and install WhatsApp from the App Store.

uninstall whatsapp

Now, you can reinstall the app from the App Store. It will install a fresh and updated copy of the app that will hopefully not have the keyboard issue again.

4# Disable Reachability feature

In case you're not aware, the Reachability feature on your iPhone simplifies one-handed usage by allowing you to access everything on your screen with a double-press of the Home button. This accessibility feature brings elements within easy reach of your hand.

The Reachability feature might be responsible for the keyboard issue, as it shifts the entire screen downward, including the keyboard, when activated. To potentially resolve the keyboard problem, consider turning off Reachability by following these steps:

Go to Settings > General > Accessibility, then disable the Reachability toggle if it is turned on. This action will deactivate the feature on your iPhone.

turn off reachability

5# Turn off the Zoom feature

The Zoom feature on your iPhone can impact the keyboard as well. To check if this is causing the issue, you can disable Zoom and observe if the keyboard functions properly. Turning off Zoom is a straightforward process, and the steps are outlined below:

On your iPhone, head to the Settings app > General > Accessibility > Zoom and turn the toggle to the OFF position. It will disable the feature on your iPhone.

turn off zoom

6# Reset all settings

If your iPhone keyboard fails to appear when attempting to type or if the keyboard letters aren't functioning, a viable solution is to reset all settings on your device and return it to its default state. This method can effectively address the issue. To initiate this process, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1. Go to iPhone Settings > General > Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2. Click Reset > Choose Reset All Settings. Enter your passcode and click Reset All Settings again to confirm your operation.

reset all settings

7# Update to the latest iOS version

Updating to the latest operating system version often rectifies glitches and malfunctions from previous iterations. Consequently, it's advisable to update your iOS to the most recent version to fix bugs, including the one that lead to iPhone keyboard not working.

Go to Settings on your iPhone > Tap General Software Update > Download the latest iOS and wait for it to be installed on your iPhone.

ios software update

Summary

Encountering iPhone keyboard not working issues can be frustrating, but follow the step-by-step fixes outlined here, hope you can regain the smooth and responsive keyboard experience you expect on your iPhone. Technology can occasionally present challenges, but with a bit of technical know-how and persistence, you can troubleshoot and resolve keyboard-related problems, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable mobile experience.

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