Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Secondary Click Not Working in Word for iPad

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to perform a secondary click (right-click) using an Apple keyboard in the Microsoft Word app on an iPad Pro.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Attempting to use the right-click context menu options in a document using a connected hardware keyboard or trackpad.
Observed behavior: The secondary click function does not respond when using the Apple keyboard within the Microsoft Word application.

Before you start

Test the secondary click on the iPad home screen or in another app to verify whether the issue is isolated to Microsoft Word or affects the entire iPadOS system.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Full Keyboard Access in iPadOS Settings

Turning off Full Keyboard Access resolves most conflicts where iPadOS accessibility settings interfere with standard trackpad gestures and secondary clicks.

iPadOS includes an accessibility feature called Full Keyboard Access that changes how keyboard and trackpad inputs are processed. When enabled, it overrides default gestures in certain applications like Microsoft Word, preventing the secondary click from functioning correctly.

Open Settings

Tap on the Settings app from your iPad home screen.

Navigate to Accessibility

Scroll down the left sidebar and tap on Accessibility, then select Keyboards from the right-hand menu.

Access Full Keyboard Access

Tap on Full Keyboard Access to view its current status.

Disable the Feature

If the toggle switch next to Full Keyboard Access is enabled (green), tap it to turn it off. Return to Word to test the secondary click.

System-Wide Fix: Disabling this setting typically restores native mouse and trackpad behavior across all your iPad applications.

Solution 2

Update or Reinstall Microsoft Word

If the secondary click works in other apps but not in Word, updating or reinstalling the application can clear temporary software bugs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for iPad as a Reliable Alternative

If Microsoft Word continues to experience trackpad compatibility issues on your iPad, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative that fully supports iPadOS mouse and trackpad gestures, ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted.

1. Download from App Store: Open the App Store on your iPad, search for WPS Office, and download the application.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and navigate to your saved Word documents to open them without losing any formatting.
3. Edit Seamlessly: Use your Apple keyboard and trackpad to effortlessly perform secondary clicks and access context menus.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) formats, ensuring seamless file sharing.Optimized for iPadOS, completely supporting Apple Magic Keyboard gestures and secondary clicks.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on all iPad Pro models.Free to use with comprehensive document viewing and editing features.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my secondary click suddenly stop working on my iPad?

Secondary click issues usually arise after an iPadOS update, changes in Accessibility settings (like Full Keyboard Access), or minor bugs within the specific application you are using.

How do I configure the secondary click for an Apple Magic Keyboard?

You can configure your trackpad by going to Settings > General > Trackpad on your iPad. Ensure that 'Two-Finger Secondary Click' is toggled on so the hardware registers the gesture properly.

Will I lose my files if I reinstall Microsoft Word on my iPad?

No, your documents will not be lost as long as they are saved to a cloud service like OneDrive or iCloud. It is always best practice to ensure your most recent edits are synced before deleting the app.

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