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 Released Seven New Products Today

Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:05 am PDT by
Starting today, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week are available at Apple Stores and beginning to arrive to customers. The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world starting today. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but...
iOS 27 Mock Quick

10+ New Features Coming in iOS 27

Friday March 13, 2026 2:13 pm PDT by
We're only three months away from Apple's WWDC 2026 event, which will see the company unveil iOS 27. With the fully revamped version of Siri possibly delayed until September, iOS 27 is shaping up to be the update we wanted iOS 26 to be. There will be new Apple Intelligence features, updates for the iPhone Fold, and more, with the latest rumors summarized below. Foldable iPhone Features...
Apple 50 Years of Thinking Different

Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans

Thursday March 12, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
Apple today announced that it will celebrate the company's 50th anniversary over the coming weeks, but it has yet to reveal any specific plans. Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, so the company will turn 50 on April 1, 2026. "While Apple is known for looking forward, this milestone offers a special moment to reflect on the journey that has brought the company here, to celebrate the...