Some Letters Not Working on iPhone

Stacy Norman

an iphone, ear buds, and laptop on a table

Experiencing issues with the iPhone keyboard can be frustrating, especially when certain letters don’t work. It’s common for users to face problems with specific keys not responding. One simple fix is to reset the keyboard dictionary within the phone’s settings which often resolves the issue.

Restarting the device can also help. Sometimes a reboot clears any temporary glitches. Cleaning the screen and removing any cases or screen protectors can also make a difference.

If the problem persists, it might be necessary to check for software updates or consider reaching out to Apple Support. Ensuring the phone is updated can sometimes resolve these issues quickly.

How to Fix Some Letters Not Working on iPhone Keyboard

If certain letters on your iPhone keyboard are unresponsive or not typing correctly, try these troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.


1. Restart Your iPhone

  • Press and hold the power button (and volume button on newer models) until the slider appears.
  • Slide to power off.
  • Wait 30 seconds, then turn your iPhone back on.
  • This simple step can clear temporary glitches affecting the keyboard.

2. Remove Any Screen Protectors or Cases

  • Sometimes, a poorly fitted screen protector or case can interfere with the touchscreen sensitivity.
  • Remove any screen protector or case and test the keyboard again.

3. Reset Keyboard Dictionary

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary.
  • This clears any custom words or typing data that might be causing keyboard issues.

4. Update iOS to the Latest Version

  • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • If an update is available, download and install it.
  • Updates often fix bugs related to keyboard and touchscreen responsiveness.

5. Force Quit the Problematic App

  • If the issue happens only in a specific app, try force quitting it:
    • On iPhones with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom and pause to open the app switcher.
    • Swipe the app off the screen to close it.
  • Reopen the app and test the keyboard.

6. Try Using a Different Keyboard

  • Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
  • Add a new keyboard, such as Gboard or SwiftKey, from the App Store.
  • Switch to the new keyboard and check if the letters work.

7. Reset All Settings

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
  • This resets system settings (Wi-Fi, preferences) but keeps your data.
  • Sometimes fixes keyboard and touchscreen issues.

8. Restore Your iPhone

  • Backup your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes.
  • Restore your iPhone to factory settings via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Set up your iPhone as new and test the keyboard before restoring your backup.

9. Contact Apple Support

  • If none of the above work, the issue could be hardware-related (e.g., touchscreen damage).
  • Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for diagnosis and repair.

Additional Tips

  • Clean your screen gently with a microfiber cloth.
  • Avoid using your iPhone with wet or oily fingers.

Key Takeaways

  • Resetting the keyboard dictionary can resolve letter issues.
  • Restarting the iPhone may clear temporary glitches.
  • Cleaning the screen and checking for software updates can help.

Identifying and Resolving Keyboard Issues

When your iPhone keyboard isn’t working, it could be due to hardware issues or software glitches. Each problem requires different troubleshooting steps to resolve.

Hardware Checks and Basic Troubleshooting

First, check physical factors. Clean the screen and ensure no debris or dirt might be affecting the touch sensitivity. If you use a screen protector, try removing it and test the keyboard again. A worn-out screen protector can cause touch issues.

Restart your iPhone. Press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This simple step can fix minor bugs.

Software Solutions and Settings Adjustments

Review software settings. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for any available updates. Updating iOS can fix bugs affecting keyboard performance.

Reset the Keyboard Dictionary if specific keys are unresponsive. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary and follow the prompts. This won’t delete your data but will remove custom words.

If issues persist, try resetting all settings. Note that this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

If the problem persists, restore your iPhone to factory settings using Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. This will wipe all data, so back up your device first.

For complex issues, use iOS system recovery tools. Connect your iPhone to a computer, open iTunes or Finder, and follow the steps to restore the device. This often resolves deep software problems.

If none of these steps work, contact Apple Support. There could be a hardware defect needing professional service.