How to Disable or Enable the QuickPath Keyboard on iPhone and iPad
If there was one thing I hated about iOS, it was the lack of native support for swipe typing. Competing keyboards like Gboard and SwiftKey have offered this functionality for years. It was ridiculous to spend so much time typing lengthy words on the stock keyboard.
With the introduction of iOS 13, Apple joined the cool kids club with QuickPath functionality. You can now swipe to type without getting fed up. The same holds true for iPadOS if you use the new ‘floating’ keyboard option.
QuickPath is enabled by default on both iOS 13 and iPadOS. If you can’t get it to work, here’s what you need to do to turn it on. If you don’t like the functionality, you can also choose to disable it using the same set of instructions.
Enable or Disable QuickPath Keyboard on iPhone
Enabling or disabling QuickPath on an iPhone running iOS 13 is easy, just dive into the Settings app.Step 1: Tap the Settings icon on the Home screen of your iPhone and tap General.
To enable or disable QuickPath, follow these steps:
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Keyboard.
3. Use the switch next to Slide to Type.
That’s it!
With Slide to Type on, you can use the toggle next to Delete Undoes Slide to decide if backspacing deletes a complete QuickPath word input or not.
Enable or Disable QuickPath Keyboard on iPad
Enabling or disabling QuickPath on the iPad involves the same steps as on an iPhone. However, since QuickPath only works on the ‘floating’ keyboard, the wording for turning it on and off is slightly different.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2: Tap General, then tap Keyboard.
Step 3: Turn on the switch next to Slide on Floating Keyboard to Type to enable QuickPath, or turn it off to disable the functionality.
Use the switch to enable or disable QuickPath inputs deletion when backspacing.
QuickPath Not Working? Troubleshoot It
If you can’t get QuickPath to work on your iPhone or iPad or if the option to enable it is missing, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue.
Update Your Device
To enable QuickPath on your iOS device, ensure that it is running on iOS 13 or iPadOS. If you’re not sure, go to General Settings and tap on the About option. The Software Version should be indicated as ‘13.0’ or higher.
At the time of writing, Apple was testing the beta versions of iOS 13 and iPadOS. To try out those builds, you will need to enroll in the public beta program. When the stable builds for iOS 13 and iPadOS are released to the public (ETA September 2019), simply tap Software Update under General Settings to install the update.
Enable ‘Floating’ Keyboard (iPadOS)
On iPadOS, QuickPath only works with the ‘floating’ keyboard. To activate it, simply pinch in on the full-size keyboard to enter ‘floating’ mode and start swiping across the keyboard to insert words.
I would’ve liked to see QuickPath on the full-sized keyboard. Hopefully, Apple adds support for it in the future.
Use Stock Keyboard
Do you have third-party keyboards on your iPhone or iPad? If QuickPath isn’t working, consider whether you’re using another keyboard instead of the stock one. They may appear similar, so use the Globe icon to confirm that you are using the stock keyboard.
Turning off third-party keyboards can help prevent interference with the stock keyboard’s core functionalities. To do this, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Swipe any third-party keyboards to the left on the list and tap Delete to remove them.
Love It or Hate It?
I find QuickPath to be a valuable addition, especially since I dislike using third-party keyboards with swipe typing due to privacy concerns. For instance, Gboard collects personal data. But disabling QuickPath is understandable, especially if you hate accidental swipe inputs. Fortunately, it’s easy to turn it on or off, though I wouldn’t mind not using the Settings app for that.
What are your thoughts on this functionality? Do you plan to keep it or get rid of it? Please leave a comment below.
Next: Despite getting swipe typing, the stock iOS keyboard lacks a number row. Here are five third-party keyboards with numbers on top to check out.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.