Fix Galaxy Tab Keyboard Requiring Two Spacebar Presses in Word Tables
Question details
The user experiences an issue where they must press the spacebar twice to insert a single space when typing inside Microsoft Word tables using a connected Samsung keyboard on a Galaxy tablet.
- Product
- Microsoft Word / Microsoft 365 Mobile
- Device & OS
- Android (Galaxy Tab S7)
- Scenario
- Typing text into document tables within the Microsoft Word mobile application using an external physical keyboard.
- Observed behavior
- The spacebar fails to register on the first press inside a table cell, requiring a second press to input a space character.
Ensure your Galaxy Tab is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and that your Google Play Store is functioning correctly before updating or reinstalling applications.
Update Microsoft 365 or Word via Google Play Store
Downloading the latest version of the app often resolves known bugs, including external keyboard compatibility glitches on Android tablets.
Mobile versions of Office sometimes exhibit bugs with specific hardware keyboards or Android text prediction features, especially within complex elements like tables. Updating the app ensures you have the latest bug fixes from Microsoft.
Locate and tap the Google Play Store icon on your Galaxy Tab home screen or in your app drawer.
Type 'Microsoft Word' or 'Microsoft 365' in the top search bar and select the application you currently use.
If an update is available, tap the 'Update' button. Wait for the installation to finish, then open a document and test your keyboard in a Word table.
Reinstall the Microsoft Office Application
If updating does not resolve the double-spacing issue, reinstalling provides a clean setup and clears potentially corrupted app data.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Tablet Typing
If Microsoft Word continues to have keyboard compatibility issues on your Galaxy Tab, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for seamless typing and document editing on Android tablets without the frustrating glitches.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Search for WPS Office in the Google Play Store on your Galaxy Tab and install it for free.
- 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Office, grant file access permissions, and open your existing Word document.
- 3. Edit tables smoothly: Tap inside your table and use your Samsung keyboard to type without double-spacing glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Samsung keyboard require two spacebar presses in Word?
Mobile versions of Microsoft Word sometimes have compatibility bugs with specific hardware keyboards or Android text prediction features. These glitches are especially prominent within complex formatting elements like document tables.
Can I turn off text prediction to fix the spacebar issue?
Yes, sometimes disabling predictive text or auto-replace in your Samsung Keyboard settings (Settings > General management > Samsung Keyboard settings) can temporarily resolve double-spacing issues in certain Android applications.
Does this issue happen on all Android tablets?
It is predominantly reported on Samsung Galaxy Tabs using the official Samsung keyboard cover when typing inside Word tables. However, other Android devices might occasionally experience similar app-specific glitches depending on the Office version.
