'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Logitech K380 Keyboard Not Working in Word on iPad
Question details
A Logitech K380 Bluetooth keyboard connects properly to an iPad and functions in other apps, but fails to input letters or numbers in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Product
- Microsoft Word and Excel for iOS
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to type alphanumeric text into a document or spreadsheet using an external Bluetooth keyboard.
- Observed behavior
- The keyboard connects successfully and works in apps like OneNote or on other devices. In Excel, arrow keys might work, but letters and numbers are completely unrecognized in both Word and Excel.
Ensure your iPad's Bluetooth is turned on, the Logitech K380 is actively paired, and the keyboard has sufficient battery power before troubleshooting app-specific glitches.
Update Microsoft Apps and Restart the iPad
Updating the Word and Excel applications to their latest versions usually resolves known software compatibility bugs with external keyboards.
Software updates often contain patches for input and compatibility bugs. Users have reported that simply updating to the newest version of the Microsoft Office apps completely resolves this keyboard input issue.
Navigate to the App Store on your iPad and tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
Scroll down to check for pending updates. If updates are available for Microsoft Word or Excel, tap the 'Update' button next to them.
Press and hold the power button and volume button, then swipe to power off. Wait a few seconds and turn the iPad back on to ensure the updates are cleanly applied.
Open Microsoft Word or Excel, create a new document, and attempt to type with your Logitech K380 keyboard.
Use Microsoft 365 in a Web Browser
If the native iOS apps remain unresponsive, you can use the web version of Microsoft 365 as a reliable temporary workaround.
Review iPadOS Accessibility Settings
Sometimes iPad accessibility settings related to keyboards can conflict with text entry in specific third-party apps.
Try WPS Office for iPad to Edit Documents Seamlessly
If Microsoft Word or Excel continues to suffer from keyboard compatibility issues on your iPad, WPS Office provides a highly compatible, free alternative. Enjoy seamless typing and document editing with your Logitech K380 without disruptive app bugs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Open the App Store on your iPad, search for WPS Office, and download the free app.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word or Excel documents directly from your iPad storage or cloud drive.
- 3. Start Typing: Begin editing your document immediately using your Logitech K380 Bluetooth keyboard with full compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Logitech keyboard work in OneNote but not Word on the same iPad?
Even though both are Microsoft apps, OneNote and Word utilize different codebases and update cycles. A specific bug introduced in a recent Word or Excel update can break alphanumeric keyboard input while leaving OneNote entirely unaffected.
Why are only the arrow keys working in Excel?
This is a known symptom of the compatibility bug. The app continues to recognize navigation inputs (like arrow keys) from the Bluetooth connection, but the software fails to correctly process alphanumeric inputs (letters and numbers). Updating the app resolves this discrepancy.
Will unpairing and re-pairing my Bluetooth keyboard fix the Word issue?
While unpairing and re-pairing is a standard troubleshooting step for general Bluetooth issues, if the keyboard works perfectly in other apps but fails specifically in Word or Excel, the issue is app-based. You will need to update the Microsoft apps rather than resetting your Bluetooth connection.
