Delete key (on screen keyboard) not working when switching between tabs

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Level 1

9 points

Delete key (on screen keyboard) not working when switching between tabs

Is anyone else having this issue? The delete (left arrow) key on the on-screen keyboard periodically doesn’t work and I’m forced to use “Select” and “Cut” in order to delete.

It often happens when I jump to another tab and then go back to the previous tab. For example, I just opened a tab and mistyped something in the search bar then tried to use the delete key — no response. Then I came back to this tab where I’m currently typing this question and tried to use the delete key — no reponse. After I type a few words on screen, the delete key becomes functional again. Super annoying.

iPhone SE (Gen 3)

Posted on Jul 14, 2022 05:36 PM

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Answer 1

MVegas21

Community Specialist

Jul 18, 2022 09:15 AM in response to NorCal13579

NorCal13579,

The best step forward would be to reach out to Apple Support directly for further assistance. They can be contacted here: Get Support, or by calling the most applicable phone number from this list: Contact Apple for support and service.

Best regards.

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Answer 2

justin_900

Community Specialist

Jul 16, 2022 11:52 AM in response to NorCal13579

Hello NorCal13579,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

We want to make sure the delete button is working as expected on your keyboard.

Does this happen in landscape view keyboard also? Does it happen in multiple apps as well?

If the screen doesn't respond to touch in only the one spot, try these steps:

"If your screen is too sensitive or responds intermittently to touch

Restart your iPhone or iPad.
Make sure that your screen is clean and free of any debris or water.
Disconnect any Lightning or USB-C accessories. If your screen works after removing an accessory, try using a different outlet, cable, or charger.
Remove any cases or screen protectors."

Please also check for any pending iOS updates, which can help make sure the software is working as expected. This Apple Support page can help get those updates installed: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

We hope this helps.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

NorCal13579 Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 18, 2022 09:02 AM in response to AnnieL2

Hi. Re: Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, I’ve only ever had the default English and emoji keyboards.

Key isn’t greyed our. Restart doesn’t resolve problem.

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Answer 4

NorCal13579 Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 17, 2022 09:56 PM in response to justin_900

It happens in landscape and regular view on-screen keyboard and in multiple apps. It’s a software problem, not a hardware issue. No peripherals, clean screen, no screen protector. I’m on the latest iOS.

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Answer 5

AnnieL2

Community Specialist

Jul 18, 2022 07:30 AM in response to NorCal13579

NorCal13579,

You had mentioned that after typing a few words the key becomes functional again. Do you see the key as grayed out when it is non-functional? Did the restart change the situation, even temporarily? For example, it may have made it so that temporarily it doesn’t happen each time you change tabs.

Let’s also go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. If any third-party keyboards are set up here, let’s remove them for isolating purposes and be sure we’re using a native iOS keyboard. If you use multiple language keyboards, does it happen on all of them?

Thanks.

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Delete key (on screen keyboard) not working when switching between tabs

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