General
Smartphones and tablets have on-screen keyboards that let you type numbers and letters, just like a regular computer. The keyboard stays hidden until you're ready to start typing, and then appears automatically when you tap on a text field.
To make the keyboard appear, tap in a space for entering text. The keyboard will have letters and a space bar, just like a typewriter.
The first letter of each new sentence automatically appears as a capital. The following letters will be lowercase.
To type a single capital letter elsewhere, tap the Arrow key once. The arrow will change from an outline to a solid, and the letters on the keys will change to capitals.
To make all letters capital, tap the Arrow twice quickly. The arrow will become solid and underlined, and all the letters on the keys will be capitals.
To return to lowercase letters, tap the Arrow key.
To delete the last character you typed, tap the Delete key.
To type a number or punctuation marks, tap the key below the Arrow key. A different keyboard will appear. Find and tap the character you want.
To see even more characters, tap the key above the ABC key. Another keyboard will appear.
To return to the keyboard with letters, tap the ABC key. The keyboard will disappear again when you send your text message, ready and waiting until you need it again.
Activities
Try it
For smart devices only. Practise sending a simple text message using the on-screen keyboard in this fun activity.