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If the Samsung Keyboard is not appearing, first select it as your default keyboard: open Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default > Default keyboard, then choose Samsung Keyboard. If that does not restore it, restart the device, optimize it with Device care, and check for software updates before resetting keyboard data.
First, identify where the keyboard is missing
The right fix depends on whether the keyboard is missing in ordinary text fields, on the lock screen, in Samsung DeX, or only the keyboard button on the navigation bar. A connected physical keyboard or a third-party keyboard set as default can also change what appears.
- Ordinary apps: restore Samsung Keyboard as the default, then try the basic troubleshooting steps below.
- Lock screen: if a third-party keyboard was the default, use Safe Mode to regain access.
- Samsung DeX: check DeX’s on-screen keyboard setting and whether a physical keyboard is connected.
- Navigation bar: enable the keyboard button; this is separate from fixing a keyboard that will not open.
Menu names and availability can vary by Galaxy model, carrier, and software version. If a path differs, search for the setting by name in Settings.
Restore Samsung Keyboard as the default
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management > Keyboard list and default > Default keyboard.
- Select Samsung Keyboard.
- Open a text field and check whether the keyboard appears.
Samsung recommends its preinstalled keyboard. If you prefer another keyboard and it is the one causing the problem, consult that app’s developer for help. Samsung’s keyboard troubleshooting guide covers the default-keyboard setting and further steps.
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- SUPER COMPATIBILITY: Highly compatible for Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Plus/A9+/S11/S10+/S10 FE/S9 FE/S7 FE/S6 Lite and almost other samsung tablets, laptops and phones
- SLIM AND PORTABLE: Specially design the keyboard for Samsung Tablets with thin and light size (11.2"L x 4.7"W x 0.2"H), easily packed in backpacks and handbags while work or travel
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: 30 days of continuous use and automatic sleep model allows up to half a year between battery change,Powered by 2pcs AAA batteries (BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED)
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- EASY TO USE: Bluetooth wireless easily connect with your mobile device such as tablets and mobile phones, the operating distance up to 10 meters, you could enjoy fast response with each typing
Restart, optimize, and check for updates
Restart the Galaxy device
Close open apps, restart the phone or tablet, then try typing again. A restart can clear minor software issues.
Run Device care
If the option is available, open Settings > Device care > Optimize now. When it finishes, test the keyboard in a text field.
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- Pocket-Sized Everyday Carry Design: Ultra-compact two-fold bluetooth keyboard at just 7.8 oz folds into a small form with premium PU leather cover, making it the lightweight travel companion for typing anywhere
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- PU Leather Protection: Integrated PU leather protective cover shields the keyboard from scratches while adding a premium look, letting you carry it confidently in bags or briefcases without additional cases
- USB-C Rechargeable: Recharge with the included USB-C cable and rely on auto-sleep standby up to 150 days, so the travel keyboard is ready when your work moves
Install available software updates
Open Settings > Software update > Download and install and follow any prompts. The labels can vary by model or carrier. Retry the keyboard after the update completes.
If the keyboard is missing on the lock screen, use Safe Mode
This is especially relevant if you selected a third-party keyboard and the keyboard disappeared while you were trying to enter your password. Samsung says Safe Mode sets Samsung Keyboard as the default, which can make it possible to type on the lock screen again.
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- TYPE WITH EASE: The Samsung Smart Keyboard offers a natural, laptop-like typing feel with a 19 mm key pitch. Its slim, lightweight design helps make it comfortable to type while its premium, aluminum finish makes it stylish for any workplace.
- SMARTER ACCESS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: Stay in control with the dedicated AI Short Key, your shortcut to smart assistance.¹ Launch Google Gemini² or Bixby on your Galaxy phone or Tab, or call up Copilot when connected to your Galaxy Book, all with a single press.
- SEAMLESS MULTI-DEVICE PAIRING: Switch between devices in a snap. The Samsung Smart Keyboard lets you pair with up to three devices and switch between them effortlessly — perfect for multitasking and staying productive across your ecosystem.¹
- BATTERY LIFE BUILT TO POWER THROUGH: Go further with a battery that's built to keep up. The coin cell batteries in the Samsung Smart Keyboard provide long-lasting battery life so you can have peace of mind that your keyboard is ready when you are.³
- SHORTCUT KEYS TO YOUR DAILY ESSENTIALS: Speed up your everyday with keyboard shortcuts customized to your Galaxy ecosystem. Assign your most-used Samsung apps to up to three custom keys and access them right when you need them.¹
- Start the device in Safe Mode. The way to enter it depends on the device; Samsung documents using either the power menu or hardware buttons in its lock-screen keyboard guidance.
- Try entering your password with Samsung Keyboard.
- Once you can access the device, restart it normally to leave Safe Mode.
Check whether a third-party app is interfering
Safe Mode runs Samsung apps rather than third-party apps. If the keyboard works normally in Safe Mode but not after a normal restart, a recently installed app may be involved.
- Restart into Safe Mode and test the keyboard in one or more text fields.
- If it works there, restart normally.
- Review recently installed apps. Remove a recent app, then test the keyboard again before removing another.
Testing apps one at a time helps identify whether a particular installation is related to the problem.
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- 7-Color LED Backlit: This Bluetooth keyboard has a 7 colors backlight mode, 1 breathing light mode, and 3 brightness levels. Even in the dark, it makes your typing more easily and conveniently. You can turn the lights on/off and adjust the backlight mode by the light bulb key, and switch colors among red, yellow, purple, green, ice blue, blue, and white by the RGB key. When the keyboard is idle, the light will automatically turn off to save power.
- Broad Compatibility: Perfect for iPad A16 11th 10th 9th Gen, iPad Air Mini Pro iPhone, Android Samsung galaxy tab tablet smartphone cell phone, and so on mobile devices with built-in Bluetooth, and compatible with Android, iPad OS, iOS, etc. multiple operating systems. This Bluetooth keyboard is specially designed for small mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones. SO, NOT suitable for desktop devices such as laptops, computers, Macs, MacBooks, etc.
- Stable and Reliable Bluetooth Connection: The advanced Bluetooth technology can provide a stable reliable and powerful connection. The keyboard is easy to connect and easy to use. Don't worry about delay. The keyboard has shortcut hot keys, which makes your work easier and more efficient. Keyboard size: 9.65 x 5.91 x 0.24 inch.Weight: 6.53 ounce/0.4pounds.
- Rechargeable Battery: The Bluetooth keyboard has a built-in rechargeable battery, so there is no need to replace the battery frequently, you can use the included Type-C cable for charging. It will enter sleep mode after about 5 minutes of inactivity to save power, you can press any key to activate it and wait for 3 seconds to use it again. If not used for a long time, you can turn off the keyboard power.
- Quiet Typing and Ultra-Slim: The keyboard adopts a scissor switch structure to provide you with a quiet, sensitive and comfortable typing experience, so that you can focus on your work without worrying about disturbing others. The compact and portable design can be easily put into your bag or backpack, easy to carry, can be used at home school travel office. The back of the keyboard is aluminum alloy design, which is perfect for use with iPad/ tablet case with magnetic adsorption function.
In Samsung DeX, check the virtual keyboard setting
DeX can hide its virtual keyboard when a physical keyboard is connected or when you select an app from the DeX desktop or taskbar. To enable the on-screen keyboard in DeX, open Settings > Connected devices > Samsung DeX > Keyboard and turn on Show on-screen keyboard in Samsung DeX. Select a text field if the keyboard still needs to appear. See Samsung’s DeX keyboard guidance.
If only the navigation-bar keyboard button is missing
The keyboard button on the navigation bar is a control for opening the keyboard; its absence does not necessarily mean the keyboard itself is broken. On Galaxy S23-series devices, Samsung’s manual gives this path: Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default, then turn on Keyboard button on navigation bar. Other models may use different labels, so search Settings for “Keyboard button on navigation bar.” See the Galaxy S23-series manual.
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If the keyboard is still missing after the steps above, resetting its stored data may help. This removes keyboard settings and saved words, so use it only if you are willing to lose that personalization.
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Open the filter or menu and enable Show system apps.
- Select Samsung Keyboard, then tap Force stop.
- Open Storage, tap Clear data, and confirm.
- Try typing again and adjust the keyboard settings as needed.
Samsung warns: “This will erase all your keyboard settings, including saved words.” The exact labels may vary; see its keyboard troubleshooting guide for the US support steps.
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