In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to remap the Command, Option, Control, and other modifier keys on the external hardware keyboard connected to your iPad.
Imagine you want the Caps Lock key on your physical iPad keyboard to assume the function of the Escape key. Or how about rebinding the Globe key to a different function? iPadOS lets you change the behavior of some hardware modifier keys on your physical keyboard so you can customize it in a way that works best for you.
These customizations can also come in handy if you are using an iPad keyboard case, an external Bluetooth keyboard, or a Windows-based keyboard with a layout that’s different from what you’re accustomed to.
For instance, you may find yourself repeatedly hitting that Globe key instead of the Control key. Or, you may want to find a better use for the Caps Lock key if you don’t use UPPERCASE much. So, in these cases, you may want to reassign important keys like Command and Option to the right spot.
Remap iPad keyboard modifier keys
Follow these steps to remap your iPad keyboard modifier keys so they do something different than their default action when pressed.
1) Connect your keyboard to your iPad.
2) Open the Settings app and tap General.
3) Tap Keyboard.
4) Select the Hardware Keyboard option. Note that you will see this only when your external keyboard is indeed connected to your iPad.
5) Now tap Modifier Keys.
6) Choose a listed modifier key to change its behavior.
You can change the behavior of the following hardware modifier keys on external keyboards:
- Caps Lock (⇪)
- Control (⌃)
- Option (⌥)
- Command (⌘)
- Globe
7) Now choose a new action from the list that you’d like your chosen modifier key to perform when pressed or select No Action, which does just that.
You can remap modifier keys to the following actions:
- Caps Lock (⇪)
- Control (⌃)
- Option (⌥)
- Command (⌘)
- Escape (⎋)
- Globe
- No Action
To return the keys to their original settings, hit the option Restore Defaults.
Unfortunately, the Function key action (fn) is not an option here. I said “unfortunately” because it would have been awesome if I could change the rarely used Globe key to a Function key like Exposé without the emoji screen coming up.
How do you like remapping the iPad’s modifier keys? Let us know by posting your thoughts in the comments down below.
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