With iPadOS 13, Apple allows you to connect an external keyboard and create your own custom command shortcuts as per your convenience. First off, it is a time of amusement if you own an iPad or considering buying one. This time, the iPad got the new OS known as iPadOS 13, and we are expecting great features from iPadOS 13. Coming back to the title, in this article, we are showing you a way through which you can create custom shortcuts for the keyboard on iPad.
By default, the iPad consists of all the commands, and it will be visible once you connect the external keyboard. Though the commands could confuse the user, but to avoid this chaos, you can create custom commands for the external keyboard on the iPad. Read on,
How to Create Custom Commands for External Keyboard on iPadOS
Before beginning with custom commands, we would like to show you how to connect an external Bluetooth keyboard to iPad. Because making a mistake while the connecting keyboard will not show any keyboard options that we are looking for.
How to Connect External Bluetooth Keyboard to iPad
Step #1: Go to the “Settings” app.
Step #2: Tap “Bluetooth”.
Step #3: Select the External Keyboard in the list of available Bluetooth devices. [Keep Bluetooth Device turning on and Disconnect from other devices if in used]
Step #4: Wait a few seconds, until iPad completes the pairing process with External Bluetooth Keyboard.
For the first time, you’ll have to wait. Once the keyboard is added into paired devices, iPad won’t take much time when you connect the keyboard for the second time.
Unable to Pair External Keyboard With iPad
Did you check the external keyboard compatibility with iPad? If no then kindly ask the keyboard company about the compatibility. Because the old Bluetooth keyboard might not work appropriately with iPadOS 13 or in case of damage, the keyboard will disconnect frequently. We have made a list of Best External Keyboard for iPad, get one for you.
- Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard (Which we are using)
- Apple Smart Keyboard
- OMOTOM Ultra-slim Bluetooth Keyboard
- YEKBEE Keyboard for iPad
- JOSITIN Wireless Keyboard
- Artech Portable Bluetooth Keyboard
Add Custom Commands for External Keyboard
Step #1: Open the “Settings” app on the iPad.
Step #2: Tap “Accessibility”.
Step #3: Search and go to the “Keyboards” menu.
Step #4: Turn on “Full Keyboard Access”.
Following are the default commands that you can use with external keyboard and control iPad,
- Tab: To navigate to the next item.
- Shift-Tab: To navigate to the previous item.
- Space: To select an item.
- Tab-A: To enter the menu/tab.
- Tab-Q: To exit the menu/tab.
- Command-H: To enter the Home screen.
- Tab-Command-H: To activate App Switcher.
- Tab-Command-C: To bring Control Centre down.
- Tab-Command-N: To use Notification Centre.
What if you want to customize the keyboard commands on iPadOS? Yes, absolutely it is possible to create custom commands on the external keyboard in iPad. All you need is Bluetooth keyboard and iPad updated to iPadOS 13.
Follow the same above steps 1-4 and then proceed with the next,
Step #5: Tap “Commands”.
Navigation, Device, and Gestures are the three categories in which you can add custom keyboard commands. Analyze the whole list, where you want to make changes and create your own commands. I would recommend, create custom commands for Lock Screen, Screenshot, App Switcher, Control Center, etc. settings that we need every time while using iPad.
For instance, I’m taking App Switcher, under Device.
Step #6: Tap App Switcher.
Step #7: Keyboard Shortcut pop-up will appear.
Step #8: On external Bluetooth Keyboard, type the command that you would like to add for App Switcher. It could be a single command (E.g., A) or a combination of multiple commands (E.g., Command+A or Shift+B).
Step #9: Select “Done”.
That’s it! Close the Settings app and try using the custom command on the iPad.
Why Custom keyboard Commands not working on iPad?
As you know that Apple has added support for the external keyboard on iPad for the first time, so, understandably, you might face some issues. Give some time till Apple fixes all the bugs. In the meanwhile, if custom keyboard commands don’t work on iPadOS the,
-
Disconnect and reconnect iPad with a keyboard
Go to the Bluetooth settings on the iPad and turn off the Bluetooth. The keyboard will automatically disconnect.
-
Turn Off/On the external keyboard
Look for the power button of the external keyboard, probably located on the back of the keyboard. Turn off the keyboard for a while and then turn back on.
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Restart iPad
Restarting the iPad could fix minor software glitches. Here’s how to do it,
Home button iPad,
Step #1: Press and hold the Home button and Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
No Home Button iPad,
Step #1: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Step #2: Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Step #3: Hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Surely all these options will fix custom keyboard commands on the iPad. Write back to us on below comment box, How you organize and Using your External Third-Party Bluetooth Keyboard on iPad?
