'%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 OneNote iPad Pro Floating Keyboard Issue with Apple Pencil
Question details
The floating keyboard repeatedly appears in OneNote for iPad Pro when using the Apple Pencil double-tap gesture to select the eraser.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Using the Apple Pencil double-tap to switch to the eraser, opening notebooks, or inserting and moving pictures after updating to version 16.88.
- Observed behavior
- The on-screen floating keyboard pops up unexpectedly and repeatedly, interfering with the note-taking process. Standard troubleshooting like restarting the iPad or reinstalling the OneNote app does not resolve the issue.
Verify that your Apple Pencil is fully charged, securely paired via Bluetooth, and that the double-tap feature is properly enabled in your iPad Settings.
Update iPadOS to the Latest Version
Installing the latest iPadOS updates can resolve underlying system compatibility issues with the newest versions of OneNote.
Software glitches often occur when there is a mismatch between an updated app version (like OneNote 16.88) and an older operating system. Updating your iPadOS ensures optimal compatibility.
Unlock your iPad Pro and open the Settings app from your home screen.
Tap on 'General' in the left-hand menu, then select 'Software Update'.
If an update is available, tap 'Download and Install' and wait for the iPad to restart.
Report the Bug and Use Web Workarounds
Submit a bug report directly to Microsoft so they can patch the 16.88 update, and use the web version to determine if the issue is strictly app-based.
Apply Temporary Navigation Adjustments
Alter your workflow slightly to avoid triggering the software bug while waiting for an official Microsoft patch.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Editing and Note-Taking
If the OneNote floating keyboard bug is disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a stable, lightweight, and free alternative. Enjoy smooth Apple Pencil integration for annotating PDFs and creating documents without annoying glitches.
- 1. Download the App: Search for WPS Office in the Apple App Store and download it to your iPad Pro for free.
- 2. Create a New File: Open the app and tap the '+' icon to create a new Document or open an existing PDF.
- 3. Use Your Apple Pencil: Navigate to the Draw or Annotation tab to seamlessly write and sketch with your Apple Pencil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the floating keyboard keep appearing in OneNote for iPad?
This is a known software bug in OneNote version 16.88 for iPadOS. It is commonly triggered when using the Apple Pencil double-tap gesture to switch to the eraser, or when inserting images.
Will reinstalling OneNote fix the floating keyboard bug?
According to user reports, deleting and reinstalling the OneNote app does not resolve this specific issue, as it is tied to the app's internal code in version 16.88 rather than corrupted local files.
How do I stop the Apple Pencil double-tap from triggering the keyboard?
As a temporary workaround until Microsoft releases a patch, you can manually select the eraser tool on the OneNote ribbon instead of using the stylus gesture. You may also disable the double-tap action entirely in your iPad Settings under 'Apple Pencil'.
