iOS: Using international keyboards
Summary
Learn how to use international keyboards in iOS.
Products Affected
iPad, iPhone
iOS includes support for multiple languages and dialects, offering the necessary international keyboards and dictionaries for them. The keyboards are available in all apps, and you can change easily between multiple international keyboards.
Unlike physical keyboards, the software keyboard is not restricted to a single format. This makes it possible to change not just the dictionary used for auto-correction, but also the number of letters and the arrangement of the keys (for languages with alternative keyboard layouts).
You can select different keyboards from Settings > General > Keyboard > International Keyboards:
If more than one keyboard is turned on, the language can be changed while typing with two methods:
- Tap the Next Keyboard
key to choose the next language. The chosen language is indicated on the Space bar. - Tap and hold to display a menu of the enabled keyboards, then slide your finger to choose a new keyboard.
You can change the arrangement of the keys by tapping the language from Settings > General > Keyboard > International Keyboards:
Additional Information
In iOS 6, the language of the keyboard determines the language of the definition dictionary, if one is available for the language. To get the definition of a word, select the word and tap Define (not always available).
iOS also allows you to choose between common hardware keyboard layouts to match the keys on your physical keyboard.
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