So, I just bought a new keyboard + mouse combo that hooks up via USB-A dongle to the iPad (usb-a-> usb-c). The problem is that the function and escape keys are not picked up by the OS. I cannot seem to even select them inside “Hardware Keyboard” settings. I have tested the pair with a Windows PC, and have made sure that both keyboard and iPad are running their respective latest firmware. Any ideas?
iPad Air, iPadOS 15
That thread is referring to the specific "fn" key in Apple keyboards and some 3rd party keyboards. It has nothing to do with the top row of function keys.
If the keyboard has that key, it can be configured to be used as the Globe Key, but it's just the one key.
And it usually only works on Apple branded keyboards.
As I said, it usually only works on Apple keyboards, because it needs to send the appropriate signal, and not just alter the signals sent by other keys being pressed when held down.
It's a bit confusing, but on most non Apple keyboards the fn key merely alters what signal other keys send and does not on its own send a signal back to the device.
In most cases that key is not a real fn key that the iPad can use.
Yes! I am referring to the fn key specifically, not the f1-14 keys. The fn key doesn’t show up on my iPad.
gkriniasdmtr wrote:
Yes! I am referring to the fn key specifically, not the f1-14 keys. The fn key doesn’t show up on my iPad.
Fn and Globe are the same thing.
iOS has no support for such keys. No apps will respond to such key presses since its not supported in the Operating System. There are no "functions" in the OS for those keys.
What are you attempting to accomplish with the function and escape keys exactly?
I wanted to find a way to use the globe key natively. I have seen people on Apple Discussions talking about using fn key on iPadOS so I thought of it as a smart solution to my problem.
Link to aforementioned: Fn key on external Apple Bluetooth keyboa… - Apple Community
Most likely though it’s out of date as they’re talking about iOS 13.x , maybe some removed features?
fn, esc keys not found on iPadOS 15.4
