On iPad, you can turn typing features, such as spell checking, on or off; add keyboards for writing in different languages; and change the layout of your onscreen or wireless keyboard.

If you add keyboards for other languages, you can type in two languages without having to switch between keyboards. Your keyboard automatically switches between the two languages you use most often. (Not available for all languages.)

Add or remove a keyboard for another language

  1. Go to Settings  > General > Keyboard.

  2. Tap Keyboards, then do any of the following:

    • Add a keyboard: Tap Add New Keyboard, then choose a keyboard from the list. Repeat to add more keyboards.

    • Remove a keyboard: Tap Edit, tap the Delete button next to the keyboard you want to remove, tap Delete, then tap Done.

    • Reorder your keyboard list: Tap Edit, drag the Reorder button next to a keyboard to a new place in the list, then tap Done.

If you add a keyboard for a different language, the corresponding language is automatically added to the Preferred Language Order list. You can view this list and add languages to it directly in Settings > General > Language & Region. You can also reorder the list to change how apps and websites display text.

Switch to another keyboard

  • On the onscreen keyboard: Touch and hold the Next Keyboard, Emoji key or the Switch Keyboard keythen tap the name of the keyboard you want to switch to.

    You can also tap the Next Keyboard, Emoji key or the Switch Keyboard key to switch from one keyboard to another. Continue tapping to access other enabled keyboards.

  • On an external keyboard: Press and hold Control, then press the Space bar to cycle between English and other keyboards you add for different languages.

    With Magic Keyboard for iPad and Smart Keyboard, you can also press the Switch Keyboard key to switch from one keyboard to another.

Assign an alternative layout to a keyboard

You can use an alternative keyboard layout that doesn’t match the keys on your keyboard.

  1. Go to Settings  > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.

  2. Tap a language at the top of the screen, then select an alternative layout from the list.