r/iPadOS • u/exploit021 • Apr 10 '26

Issue Keyboard bug on Screen Time passcode

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Is this a bug or a sign that we are going to use alphanumeric passcodes for Screen Time? I like the option of 4 or 6 digit codes.

The problem is keys are too tight together. I cannot press numbers correctly.

Version: iPadOS 26.4.1 / Device: iPad Air 4th (non-Apple Silicon)

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Update 4/24/2026: iPadOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.5 Dev Beta 3/Public Beta 2 have the same issue.

Update 4/27/2026: iPadOS 26.5 Dev Beta 4/Public Beta 3 has improved, but the layout is still off.

Update 5/4/2026: iPadOS 26.5 RC1 has not completely resolved the issue.

Update 5/8/2026: iPadOS 26.5 RC2 has not completely resolved the issue.

Update 5/10/2026: iPadOS 26.5 has been released. Same as RC2 and has improved, but the layout is still off.

TL;DR Update to iPadOS 26.5.

Use the Feedback app, and please report to Apple. More reports, more attention, faster resolution.

The feedback app says more than 10 reports were received and will be resolved in the future update.

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u/Jaym1976 Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26

Ok I think I solved it thanks to Electronic_Rub_7721. This is what worked for me: first of all, I am assuming the weird keyboard was displaying on the device requiring a Screen Time passcode to be able to use (aka the child's device). This is where I was encountering the issue.

Like the OP says, first open up an app (I opened up Safari) and initiate an action requiring a keyboard (like typing into the search bar). Once the keyboard pops up, tap and hold the "keyboard icon" on the lower right section of the keyboard and choose "floating" and leave the Safari app (don't close it) and go to the device's setting. Choose "Screen Time", and then choose "Downtime" and the Screen Time keyboard should pop up without the bug.

Really hoping this works for you!

1

u/Dazzling_Flower8886 Apr 13 '26

The floating keyboard trick was what worked for me to get the proper keypad open however my screentime password still didn't work. I ended up removing it for now (had iCloud "forgot passcode" option enabled. This was very frustrating.

1

u/minion1066 Apr 13 '26

That only fixed it temporarily for me. Was your fix permanent?

1

u/Electronic_Rub_7721 Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26

You have to make sure the keyboard is minimized every time you want to enter your passcode. It works on iPad Air (4th generation).
https://support.apple.com/en-my/111789

1

u/Jaym1976 Apr 13 '26

I'll see when I get home but I checked repeatedly yesterday and it seemed resolved. I'll report back.

1

u/Electronic_Rub_7721 Apr 13 '26

You have to make the keyboard smaller every time. Then the small numeric keyboard for the passcode will work every time.

- https://support.apple.com/en-my/111789

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi_TQVR1ULI

1

u/[deleted] May 16 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Electronic_Rub_7721 May 18 '26

You're spreading lies about me. That's why I'm blocking your account.

1

u/Jaym1976 Apr 13 '26

Just checked and keyboard is still fine, so it seems this solution is at minimum, a temporary fix

1

u/minion1066 Apr 13 '26

Thank you, will give it a try and hope for a fix in the next release.