How to Enable the On-Screen Keyboard in Ubuntu | Step-by-Step Guide

How to Enable On-Screen Keyboard in Ubuntu | Step-by-Step Guide

Published on: July 2026 | By: Lovejeet Singh, CodeSardar

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Introduction

Hello friends! 👋

Have you ever been in a situation where your physical keyboard stopped working and you couldn't type anything? I've been there — it's frustrating. 😅

Luckily, Ubuntu includes a built-in On-Screen Keyboard that lets you type using your mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen. It's a lifesaver when your keyboard is damaged, disconnected, or just not working properly.

In this guide, I'll show you how to enable and use the On-Screen Keyboard in Ubuntu — step by step.

💡 My Experience: I once spilled coffee on my laptop keyboard, and the Ubuntu On-Screen Keyboard saved me from losing important work. It's simple, reliable, and works great!

What Is the On-Screen Keyboard?

The On-Screen Keyboard is a virtual keyboard displayed on your screen. Instead of pressing physical keys, you click or tap the keys shown on the display.

It can be used for:

• ⌨️ Typing text
• 🔑 Entering passwords
• 📝 Filling out forms
• 🌐 Browsing the web
• ♿ Accessibility support
• 📱 Touchscreen devices

It works in most applications that accept keyboard input.

When Should You Use the On-Screen Keyboard?

The On-Screen Keyboard is helpful in situations such as:

• 🔹 Physical keyboard not working — dead keys or connection issues
• 🔹 Laptop keyboard damaged — due to spills, drops, or wear
• 🔹 External keyboard unavailable — you don't have a spare
• 🔹 Touchscreen devices — like 2-in-1 laptops or tablets
• 🔹 Accessibility requirements — for users with mobility challenges
• 🔹 Temporary troubleshooting — while waiting for a replacement keyboard

Method 1: Enable the On-Screen Keyboard from Settings

This is the easiest and most common method.

Step 1

Open the Settings application. You can find it in the system menu or search for "Settings" in the Activities overview.

Step 2

Scroll down and select:

Accessibility

Step 3

Locate the option:

Screen Keyboard

or

On-Screen Keyboard

(depending on your Ubuntu version).

Step 4

Turn the switch On.

The virtual keyboard will automatically appear whenever you select a text input field.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want the keyboard to stay visible all the time, you can also add it to your panel (taskbar) for quick access.

Method 2: Enable the Keyboard from the Login Screen

If your physical keyboard is unavailable before signing in, you can still enable the On-Screen Keyboard:

1. Open the Ubuntu Login Screen.
2. Click the Accessibility icon (usually a person or gear icon).
3. Enable:

Screen Keyboard

The virtual keyboard will appear, allowing you to enter your password and log in.

Using the On-Screen Keyboard

Once enabled, using it is simple:

1. Click any text field (like a search bar, document, or login prompt).
2. The keyboard appears automatically.
3. Click or tap the desired keys.
4. Use Shift for uppercase letters.
5. Use Backspace to delete characters.
6. Press Enter to submit text.

The keyboard behaves much like a physical keyboard.

Supported Keyboard Functions

The Ubuntu On-Screen Keyboard includes most standard keys:

🔤 Letters

A-Z (both uppercase and lowercase)

🔢 Numbers

0-9 and number pad

🔧 Modifier Keys

Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Super (Windows key)

🔹 Special Keys

Backspace, Enter, Spacebar, Tab

Some layouts may also include emoji or special character options.

How to Disable the On-Screen Keyboard

If you no longer need it, disabling is just as easy:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Accessibility.
3. Turn Screen Keyboard off.

The keyboard will no longer appear automatically.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: Keyboard Does Not Appear

Why: Accessibility settings might not be enabled, or the system needs a restart.

Solution:

• Check that Screen Keyboard is enabled in Settings.
• Try restarting your session (log out and log back in).
• Make sure you're clicking inside a text field.

Issue 2: Keyboard Appears but Doesn't Type

Why: The text field might not have focus, or there might be a temporary system issue.

Solution:

• Click inside the text box again to give it focus.
• Try a different application to see if it works.
• Restart the system if the issue persists.

Issue 3: Keyboard Doesn't Appear on Login Screen

Why: The Accessibility menu option might not be enabled.

Solution:

• At the login screen, click the Accessibility icon.
• Enable Screen Keyboard from there.

Alternative On-Screen Keyboards for Ubuntu

If you need more features, Ubuntu also supports third-party virtual keyboards. Some options include:

• Florence: A customizable virtual keyboard with multiple layouts
• Onboard: A simple and lightweight keyboard with word prediction
• Matchbox-keyboard: A minimal keyboard for embedded systems

These can be installed through Ubuntu's software repositories.

Best Practices for Using the On-Screen Keyboard

• ✅ Keep Ubuntu updated — Updates often improve accessibility features.
• ✅ Use the built-in keyboard when possible — It's optimized for Ubuntu.
• ✅ Connect a USB keyboard for long typing sessions — Virtual keyboards are slower for extended typing.
• ✅ Enable accessibility features only when needed — Disable after use to avoid unwanted pop-ups.
• ✅ Test the keyboard after major system updates — Sometimes updates can affect accessibility.

Conclusion

Ubuntu's built-in On-Screen Keyboard is a convenient and reliable accessibility feature that can save you when your physical keyboard isn't available. Whether you're using a touchscreen device, troubleshooting a faulty keyboard, or just need a temporary typing solution, enabling the virtual keyboard takes only a few clicks.

I've personally used this feature many times, and it always works when I need it. It's one of those small but essential tools that every Ubuntu user should know about.

If you found this guide helpful, please subscribe to CodeSardar for more Linux and tech tutorials!

Happy computing! 🐧🚀

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Ubuntu include a built-in On-Screen Keyboard?

Yes. Most modern Ubuntu versions include a built-in virtual keyboard as part of the Accessibility features.

2. How do I enable the On-Screen Keyboard in Ubuntu?

Go to Settings → Accessibility and enable Screen Keyboard.

3. Can I use the On-Screen Keyboard at the login screen?

Yes. You can enable it from the Accessibility menu on the Ubuntu login screen.

4. Does the On-Screen Keyboard work with touchscreens?

Yes. It is designed to work with touchscreens as well as a mouse or touchpad.

5. Can I disable the On-Screen Keyboard later?

Yes. Simply return to Settings → Accessibility and turn Screen Keyboard off.

6. Does the On-Screen Keyboard work with all applications?

It works with most applications that accept text input, including browsers, text editors, and terminal windows.

7. Are there third-party On-Screen Keyboards for Ubuntu?

Yes. Options like Florence, Onboard, and Matchbox-keyboard are available for additional features.

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