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Fix Backspace Skipping Characters in OneNote on iPad

Nimra Malik Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users report that pressing the Backspace or Delete key unpredictably skips characters or entire words in OneNote on iPad.

How to Fix Backspace Skipping Characters in OneNote on iPad

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: iPadOS 17.1
Scenario: Typing and editing text in the OneNote app, primarily when using an external hardware keyboard.
Observed behavior: Pressing the backspace or delete key removes more text than intended by skipping over characters or entire words instead of deleting one character at a time.

Before you start

Ensure your iPad has an active internet connection and sufficient battery life, as you will need to download system and application updates from the App Store.

Solution 1Recommended

Update iPadOS and the OneNote App

Installing the latest system and app updates resolves the known compatibility bug between iPadOS 17.1 and OneNote.

This specific text-skipping behavior is a known software glitch associated with iPadOS 17.1. Standard troubleshooting methods like reinstalling the app on the same OS version will not fix the issue. You must update the operating system to iPadOS 17.2 or later.

Update iPadOS

Open the 'Settings' app on your iPad, navigate to 'General', and tap 'Software Update'. If an update for iPadOS 17.2 or later is available, tap 'Download and Install'.

Update OneNote

Open the 'App Store', tap your profile icon in the top right corner, and scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section. Find OneNote and tap the 'Update' button next to it.

Restart the iPad

Press and hold the power button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, wait a few seconds for the device to turn off, and then press and hold the power button to turn it back on.

Test the Keyboard

Launch OneNote, open any notebook, and try typing and deleting text with your external keyboard to confirm the backspace key functions normally.

Update Complete: Once both the operating system and the app are fully updated to the latest versions, the keyboard inputs will register correctly without skipping words.

Solution 2

Temporarily Use the On-Screen Keyboard

If you cannot update your device immediately, disconnecting the external keyboard serves as a temporary workaround.

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Try WPS Office for Smooth Mobile Typing and Note-Taking

If software bugs in other apps are disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative for document editing and note-taking on iPad. Enjoy a seamless experience without frustrating keyboard glitches.

1. Download the App: Open the App Store on your iPad, search for 'WPS Office', and tap the download icon.
2. Open a Document: Launch WPS Office, sign in to your account, and tap the '+' icon to create a new document or open an existing file.
3. Start Typing: Use your external keyboard to type, edit, and format your notes smoothly without any backspace interruptions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the backspace key skip words only in OneNote on iPad?

This is a specific compatibility bug introduced between iPadOS 17.1 and the Microsoft OneNote app. It uniquely affects how OneNote processes external keyboard inputs on that particular operating system version.

Does reinstalling the OneNote app fix the backspace glitch?

No, simply deleting and reinstalling the app does not resolve the issue if your iPad is still running iPadOS 17.1. Updating the device's operating system to version 17.2 or newer is necessary to implement the fix.

Is this skipping issue related to my external keyboard's hardware failing?

No, the issue is entirely software-related. It affects various types of external keyboards, including Apple's own Magic Keyboard and third-party Bluetooth keyboards, due to the OS-level software bug.

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