I found this on the Apple Website: You can force the iPad’s on‑screen keyboard to appear even when a Bluetooth device is connected by enabling the “Show On‑Screen Keyboard” option in settings or by using the keyboard shortcut bar. Specifically, go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Show On‑Screen Keyboard and toggle it on. This ensures the virtual keyboard can be summoned while your Bluetooth pedal remains connected.
Copilot says: Why the Keyboard Disappears
- iPadOS assumes that when a Bluetooth input device (like a pedal or keyboard) is connected, you don’t need the on‑screen keyboard.
- This is convenient for Bluetooth keyboards, but frustrating for pedals or page‑turners since they don’t replace typing.
Ways to Bring Back the Virtual Keyboard
- Enable “Show On‑Screen Keyboard” in Settings
- Open Settings → General → Keyboard.
- Turn on Show On‑Screen Keyboard.
- This forces iPadOS to always allow the virtual keyboard, even with Bluetooth devices connected.
- Use the Keyboard Shortcut Bar
- When editing text, look for the small keyboard icon (usually in the bottom‑right corner of the screen).
- Tap it to summon the virtual keyboard.
- If you don’t see the icon, enabling the setting above should restore it.
- Disconnect Only the Pedal Temporarily (Not Bluetooth Entirely)
- If the pedal is treated as a “keyboard,” you can manually disconnect it from Settings → Bluetooth without disabling Bluetooth entirely.
- This keeps other devices (like Apple Pencil or speakers) connected.
- Third‑Party Apps
- Some apps used for sheet music or lyrics (like forScore or OnSong) have their own settings to force the keyboard to appear. Check inside the app’s preferences.
Extra Tips for Musicians
- If you often need quick searches mid‑performance, enabling “Show On‑Screen Keyboard” is the most reliable fix.
- Consider assigning one pedal button to toggle the keyboard if your pedal supports custom mappings.
- Keep your iPad updated—iPadOS updates sometimes adjust how external devices interact with the keyboard.
✅ Best solution for you: Turn on Settings → General → Keyboard → Show On‑Screen Keyboard. This way, your Bluetooth pedal stays connected for page turns, and you can still type searches without disconnecting it.
Would you like me to walk you through how to quickly toggle this setting during a performance, so you don’t have to dig through menus each time?
