Official documentation
Dictate text while using an Apple external keyboard with iPad
Apple Support (iPad User Guide), 2026
Read the originalRead on October 17, 2026
- What it is
- Apple's user guide for dictation on an iPad with a Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard attached: the Dictation button in the Shortcuts bar and the keyboard shortcut that switches to dictation.
- How much weight it carries
- Apple's own iPad User Guide, current iPadOS 27 edition. It describes the keyboard shortcut in a tip; the key symbol itself is an icon, so this guide describes the shortcut in words only.
Facts taken from this source
- Apple says you can quickly switch to dictation with a shortcut on the Magic Keyboard for iPad or the Smart Keyboard.
“To quickly switch to dictation, press ... on the Magic Keyboard for iPad or Smart Keyboard.” (Tip, end of page)
- Apple says that with an external keyboard you tap the Dictation button in the Shortcuts bar at the bottom of the screen, then speak.
“Tap the Dictation button in the Shortcuts bar (at the bottom of the screen), then speak.” (Dictate text while using an Apple external keyboard with iPad)