The keyboard is defaulting to floating size. Spreading two fingers apart does not work to make the keyboard full size.

This is not helpful! The tiny keyboard shows up and won’t expand back to regular size. It is not practical to shut down the iPad every time this happens. Please create a work around for this!

Jlarmon wrote:

This is not helpful! The tiny keyboard shows up and won’t expand back to regular size. It is not practical to shut down the iPad every time this happens. Please create a work around for this!

Have you enabled the Scribble feature? This feature uses a different mini-keyboard that does not respond to the two-finger zoom or pinch gestures.

Settings > Apple Pencil > Scribble - set to OFF

After disabling Scribble, you may need to force-restart your iPad:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

Otherwise, to restore the new Floating Keyboard to the normal on-screen keyboard presentation, use the two-finger “zoom” gesture (i.e., the reverse of the two-finger “pinch”).

If the Split Keyboard is restored instead of the full on-screen keyboard, you can either use two fingers (one on each of the two half-keyboards) and swipe the two halves together - or touch-and-hold the “keyboard” key, then slide your finger to the Merge & Dock option and release.

Use the floating keyboard on your iPad – Apple Support

Split and move the keyboard on your iPad – Apple Support

Hello peterfromerdenheim,

From what you've shared it sounds like you're taking the correct actions. The following guide shares information you need to know: If your iPad keyboard is small or split in half - Apple Support

"How to get your floating iPad keyboard back to normal

1. Place two fingers on the floating keyboard.
2. Spread your fingers apart to enlarge the keyboard back to full size, then let go."

Regards.

Hey there peterfromerdenheim,

Thanks for keeping us updated. Ever since this issue started to occur, have you been able to restart your iPad? If not, we recommend that you attempt this step. It usually helps refresh things: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support

1.) Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears.

2.) Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. If your device is frozen or unresponsive, force restart your device.

3.) To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.

After your device restarts, test to see if you're able to use your fingers to get the keyboard back to full size again. Also, if you have any pending updates available for your iPad, it would be a good idea to install them. Updates include various fixes. Just in case, the following resource can guide you through the update process:

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

1.)Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.

2.)Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.

3.)Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.

4.) If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.

5.) Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.

If the issue continues, please reach out to Apple Support. Use the following link to reach them: Get Support

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. Cheers.