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Fix Spacebar and Arrow Keys Not Working in Word on iPad Pro
Question details
The user is unable to use the spacebar and arrow keys on their Apple Magic Keyboard while attempting to type and edit documents in the Microsoft Word app.
- Product
- Microsoft Word / Apple Magic Keyboard
- Device & OS
- iPad Pro / iPadOS
- Scenario
- Typing, navigating, and editing documents using an external Apple Magic Keyboard on a tablet.
- Observed behavior
- The spacebar fails to insert spaces, and the arrow keys fail to move the text cursor within Microsoft Word, despite the keyboard being physically connected.
Ensure your iPad Pro is adequately charged and the Apple Magic Keyboard is securely attached to the Smart Connector with no debris blocking the magnetic contacts.
Test the Keyboard in Other iPadOS Apps
Determine whether the keyboard unresponsiveness is an isolated issue with Microsoft Word or a system-wide hardware problem.
Return to your iPad home screen and open a native Apple application such as Apple Notes or Safari.
Type a few sentences using the spacebar and attempt to move the cursor using the arrow keys.
If the keys work perfectly in Apple Notes, the issue is strictly isolated to the Microsoft Word app. If they do not work, you need to troubleshoot your Magic Keyboard connection.
Update or Reinstall Microsoft Word
Fix app-specific bugs and glitches by ensuring you have the latest and cleanest version of Microsoft Word installed on your iPad.
Adjust iPadOS Accessibility Settings
Resolve system-level settings conflicts that might be hijacking the spacebar's normal typing function.
Try WPS Office for Seamless iPad Typing
If Microsoft Word continues to have compatibility issues with your Apple Magic Keyboard, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly document editing experience specifically optimized for iPad Pro.
- 1. Download the App: Search for WPS Office in the App Store on your iPad Pro and download it for free.
- 2. Open your Documents: Launch WPS Office, sign in, and tap the 'Files' tab to easily import and open your existing Word (.docx) documents.
- 3. Edit Seamlessly: Begin typing, navigating, and editing your files with full support for your Magic Keyboard's spacebar and arrow keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my spacebar not working on the iPad Magic Keyboard only in Word?
This usually indicates an app-specific software glitch in how Microsoft Word interprets external keyboard inputs on iPadOS. It can typically be resolved by forcing the app to close, updating the app via the App Store, or reinstalling it entirely.
Can Full Keyboard Access interfere with the spacebar on iPadOS?
Yes, enabling 'Full Keyboard Access' in your iPad's Accessibility settings alters the spacebar's core function. Instead of inserting a space in text, it acts as an action button to select highlighted UI elements. Disabling it restores normal typing.
How do I reset my Magic Keyboard connection?
You can reset the physical connection by simply pulling your iPad Pro off the Magic Keyboard's magnetic backplate. Wait a few seconds, gently wipe the three-pin Smart Connector contacts on the back of the iPad with a dry microfiber cloth, and snap the device back into place.
Is WPS Office fully compatible with the Apple Magic Keyboard on iPad?
Yes, WPS Office for iOS and iPadOS is optimized for external keyboards. It fully supports standard typing features, keyboard shortcuts, arrow key navigation, and trackpad gestures, making it a reliable alternative for document editing on the iPad.
