iOS External Keyboard Shortcuts
iOS External Keyboard keyboard shortcuts with key combinations, actions, and usage notes.
How to use this reference
Use this category reference to find shortcuts for the platform shown. Start with the section for your operating system, read the action and description, and try the shortcut in an appropriate application. Keys joined with a plus sign are held together; alternatives let you choose the combination that works on your keyboard. A gesture requires a compatible touchpad or touch screen rather than a physical keyboard.
Before practicing, check which window has focus. Text fields, browser tabs, terminal sessions, and system dialogs can interpret the same keys differently. Save any open work before testing commands that close a window, delete content, or change system settings. Accessibility commands may need to be enabled in settings first, and a laptop may require the Fn key for function keys. If a combination is intercepted by an application or a custom keymap, consult its built-in help and your operating system settings. Follow the full platform guide for related commands and additional context.
iPhone
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Home Screen | Cmd + H | Go to the Home Screen (works with a connected Bluetooth or Smart Keyboard) |
| App Switcher | Cmd + Tab | Open the App Switcher to cycle through recent apps with an external keyboard |
| Switch to Next App | Cmd + Tab | Cycle to the next most recently used app |
| Quit App (from Switcher) | Cmd + Q | While in the App Switcher, press Cmd+Q to force-quit the highlighted app |
| Spotlight Search | Cmd + Space | Open Spotlight Search from anywhere on the Home Screen or in an app |
| Screenshot | Cmd + Shift + 3 | Capture a screenshot using a connected keyboard (same as Side + Volume Up) |
| Lock Screen | Cmd + L | Lock the iPhone immediately from an external keyboard |
| Find in App | Cmd + F | Open the in-app search bar in apps that support it (Safari, Notes, Messages, etc.) |
| Select All | Cmd + A | Select all text or items in the current context |
| Copy | Cmd + C | Copy the selected item to the clipboard |
| Cut | Cmd + X | Cut the selected item to the clipboard |
| Paste | Cmd + V | Paste from the clipboard |
| Undo | Cmd + Z | Undo the last action |
| Redo | Cmd + Shift + Z | Redo the last undone action |
| Show Keyboard Shortcuts | Cmd (hold) | Hold the Cmd key in any app to see a list of available keyboard shortcuts for that app |
| Bold | Cmd + B | Toggle bold text formatting in apps that support rich text (Notes, Mail, etc.) |
| Italic | Cmd + I | Toggle italic text formatting |
| Underline | Cmd + U | Toggle underline text formatting |
| New Line / New Item | Return | Create a new line or confirm an action |
| Navigate Fields | Tab | Move focus to the next form field or interactive element |