How to Control an iPad With an External Keyboard Using Accessibility Shortcuts - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

How to Control an iPad With an External Keyboard Using Accessibility Shortcuts

by

If you have difficulty using the touchscreen on an iPad, you can control one via a connected keyboard using Apple's range of accessibility shortcuts. To learn how to connect a Bluetooth keyboard to ‌iPad‌, click here, or keep reading to learn how to enable full keyboard access.

ipadpromagickeyboardtrackpad
Before you follow the steps below for remapping keys, make sure your keyboard is connected to your ‌iPad‌.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your ‌iPad‌.
  2. Select Accessibility -> Keyboards.
  3. Select Full Keyboard Access.
  4. Toggle the switch next to Full Keyboard Access so that it's in the green ON position.

You can control your ‌iPad‌ using the following keyboard shortcuts:

  • Action
  • Go to the next item
  • Go to the previous item
  • Activate the selected item
  • Go to the Home screen
  • Open the App Switcher
  • Open Control Center
  • Open Notification Center
  • Show Help
  • Shortcut
  • Tab
  • Shift-Tab
  • Space bar
  • Command-H
  • Tab-A
  • Tab-C
  • Tab-N
  • Tab-H

To customize the shortcuts, return to the Full Keyboard Access screen described above, and select Commands. From this screen, you'll be able to remap individual keys to control basic functions, movement, interaction, device elements, gestures, and shortcuts.

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Announces 2026 Pride Band Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper Article 2

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Monday May 4, 2026 8:40 am PDT by
iOS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app, and it will include a new Pride wallpaper and a...
Related Apple News: World News | Travel | Buyers Guide | Mac | Sport