Using the
on-screen keyboard
Just like a computer, we can type emails, text messages and more using our smartphones and tablets. However, unlike computers, they don't come with a traditional separate keyboard. Instead, they use a built-in keyboard that appears on the screen as if by magic whenever you want to type something.
This can take a little while to get used to as, because of the small screen sizes on our smart devices, the keyboards are very compact and not all of the letters and numbers are on display at the same time.
In this course, we show you how to activate and use the on-screen keyboard, how to make letters uppercase or lowercase, and how to find those extra characters like numbers and punctuation marks.
Below you will find three options for learning about the on-screen keyboard.
- Watch it: There's a short video to watch, demonstrating how to activate and use the on-screen keyboard whilst typing a simple text message.
- Try it: For smart devices only. If you are using your smart device, why not have a go at practising using the on-screen keyboard. This informative activity takes you through how to send a simple text message.
- Read it: Read the steps in our handy guide that you can print or save for later. Available in different languages in the Print the guide section at the bottom of this page.
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Watch it
Watch a short video on using the on-screen keyboard on a smart device.
Transcript
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.
Try it
For smart devices only. Practise sending a simple text message using the on-screen keyboard in this fun activity.