Skip to main content

iPadOS 15: How to use keyboard shortcuts in iPadOS 15

Apple has been offering excellent Magic Keyboards for iPad and iPad Pro models for some time now, with support for an iPad-friendly cursor and other long-awaited features that make it easier than ever to use the iPad as a laptop alternative. Now, with iPadOS 15, Apple has added another vital keyboard feature: Global key-based shortcuts.

These global shortcuts can make your iPad work much more efficient and faster — but you need to learn them first. Let’s take a look at exactly what to do.

Step 1: Make sure you have a compatible keyboard

iPad on table connected to a keyboard beside a potted plant.
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

For these shortcuts to work, you’ll need a keyboard that’s specifically designed for the iPad. The global shortcuts are fittingly made with the globe key, a special key with a globe icon on it. Keyboards without the globe key won’t be able to use these shortcuts reliably (remapping may be able to work, but that depends on individual keyboard software, so the results may be unpredictable).

Apple’s own iPad keyboards are an excellent place to start since they all the globe key. Third-party brands are also making certified iPad keyboards that include a globe key, but it’s always a good idea to double-check if you aren’t buying an Apple model.

Step 2: Open up the shortcut menu

iPad Keyboard Globe Key.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

iPad global shortcuts are designed for ease of use, so you can spend plenty of time getting to know them without having to memorize anything. To begin, connect your keyboard, log in to your iPad home screen, and press and hold the Globe key. This will bring up your global shortcut menu, where all the global shortcuts are collected.

Step 3: Go through the shortcut sections

Menu on iPad screen showing globe-key keyboard shortcuts.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With the shortcut menu open, start by reviewing the global shortcuts that will work no matter what you are doing. If you look at the bottom, you’ll notice four primary categories that you can switch between. This menu is also responsive to touchscreen controls, so you can explore as you see fit. Let’s go over what to expect from each category:

System: System shortcuts are for basic iPad management and navigation. If you want to go to a specific place or control how your iPad works, this is the section to learn. It deals with switching between apps, searching your iPad, activating Siri, and using your Control or Notification Center via the keyboard. It’s usually the best place to start when learning the new shortcuts and includes some of the most frequently used commands.

Multitasking: Multitasking is designed for managing many different apps at once and switching between them. If you use your iPad for work or research and find yourself frequently switching between a browser and your email, for example, you may find these shortcuts useful.

Split View: Split View is the iPad mode that allows you to put two apps at once on the screen and view them both at the same time. It’s especially effective on iPad Pros because of their larger screens. These commands will allow you to instantly switch between Split View apps, a feature this mode desperately needed which now makes it much more usable.

Slide Over: Slide Over allows you to place an app in a sort of pop-up window that slides over the primary app or apps that you are using. It’s a useful feature for monitoring chats or other ongoing processes while also viewing your primary app. This section includes shortcuts to control and position the Slide Over app just how you want it.

iPad with keyboard showing app shortcuts.

Step 4: Search for more specific shortcuts

Look at the lower-left corner of the menu, and you’ll see the Magnifying Glass icon. This allows you to search for something specific. You can use this tool when you are learning shortcuts and don’t want to go through all the menu sections again to find what you were looking for. It works best if you type in the thing you want to control, such as “Control Center,” “Siri,” or “Split View.”

So far, we’ve only been talking about the new global shortcut commands. However, iPadOS also supports more specific shortcuts depending on the app. If you are interested in learning these shortcuts for frequently used apps, you can also open a menu to view them by pressing and holding the Command key. Don’t mix up the global shortcuts and the app-specific shortcuts — and note that either the Command key or the globe key may be used for global shortcuts.

Step 5: Master your most useful shortcuts

Man at cafe using the iPad Magic Keyboard.
Apple

Once you are comfortable with the global shortcut menu, start practicing with the shortcuts that you’ll be using frequently. Before long, muscle memory will take over and you will be able to apply these shortcuts instantly whenever you want. Some of the most useful shortcuts to start with include:

Globe + H: Go to the home screen.

Globe + C: Open the Control Center.

Globe + N: Open the Notification Center.

Shift + Globe + A: Show App Library.

Command + Left/Right: Switch to the previous or next app.

Command + Space: Open search.

Globe + A: Show the Dock.

Globe + Q: Create a Quick Note.

Globe + S: Open Siri.

We encourage you to look through the global menu and find some specific, useful shortcuts based on how you use your iPad. You’ll be moving between apps and adjusting settings in no time.

Editors' Recommendations

Tyler Lacoma
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
The best iPhone 15 cases in 2023: our 9 favorites so far
New cases for the iPhone 15.

Waiting on an iPhone upgrade? Now is the time to pounce, as the newest additions to Apple's legendary roster have been confirmed at its September 2023 event. The belles of the ball this year have to be the upgraded iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models, which have finally received the design update the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max received last year. Now equipped with the Dynamic Island across the hole-punch selfie camera, the gulf between the iPhone and iPhone Pro has lessened again.

If you're eagerly awaiting your upgrade, or if this is your first iPhone, you'll be wanting to keep it safe. Smartphones tend to be with us throughout our day, and that means they can fall prey to any one of a number of hazards. Bumps, drops, even scratches from sharing your pocket with keys or coins; the list is near endless. The last thing you want is for your new phone to end up scratched, chipped, or even completely broken. Thankfully, a good protective case can stop that from happening. Here are some of the best Apple iPhone 15 cases you can buy right now.

Read more
Does the iPhone 15 have a SIM card?
The iPhone 15 in black and pink colors.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro were announced at Apple's September 2023 event — and there's a lot to like! All models now have the Dynamic Island, USB-C has officially replaced Lightning, and there are impressive camera upgrades across the board. But what's the deal this year with the iPhone 15 and SIM cards?

Last year, Apple made a subtle, but significant change to its iPhone 14 lineup. No, we’re not talking about the Dynamic Island or always-on display of the iPhone 14 Pro models, but rather the fact that Apple chose to eliminate the physical SIM card entirely on all U.S. iPhone 14 models.

Read more
Does the iPhone 15 fold? What you need to know
Someone using Find My with an iPhone 15.

Apple has revealed the next generation of iPhone with the iPhone 15 lineup at its Wonderlust event. This includes the standard iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

But one of the rising trends in smartphones is foldables. So, that naturally begs an important question: Do any of the iPhone 15 models fold? Let’s take a closer look.
Does the iPhone 15 fold?

Read more