Install an Arabic keyboard on iPhone

The Arabic keyboard is built into iOS and iPadOS, so there is nothing to download: you only need to turn it on. This guide explains how to install the Arabic keyboard on iPhone or iPad, switch between languages and fix the most common small issues.

How to use

Open the Settings app, then tap General > Keyboard.
Tap Keyboards, then Add New Keyboard…
Scroll through the list or use the search field, then tap Arabic.
Tick one or more layouts, for example Arabic and Arabic – Najdi, then tap Done.
Open Messages or Notes and tap the globe key at the bottom of the keyboard to switch to Arabic.
Press and hold the globe key to see the list of keyboards and jump straight to the one you want.

Installing the Arabic keyboard on iPhone and iPad: what to know

The steps are the same on iPhone and iPad. Apple’s Arabic keyboard types from right to left, joins letters automatically and suggests Arabic words. In most apps, the text direction adjusts as soon as you type the first letter.

On iPad with a physical keyboard, a dedicated section of the keyboard settings lets you choose which Arabic layout that keyboard uses. You then switch languages with the keyboard’s globe key or with the shortcut iPadOS provides, which can vary with the keyboard model.

Switching between English and Arabic

A tap on the globe moves to the next keyboard in the list.
A long press on the globe opens the full list: slide your finger to Arabic and let go.
The order of keyboards can be changed in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards with the Edit button. Putting Arabic right after your main language saves taps.

iOS usually keeps the last keyboard you used until you change it, so remember to switch back before writing in another language.

Common small problems

Autocorrect changes your Arabic words. Suggestions follow the active keyboard language, so check that Arabic is selected. You can also turn off auto-correction in the keyboard settings.
A letter seems to be missing. Press and hold a nearby key: some variants, such as the forms of alif with hamza, may appear on a long press. The numbers and symbols key gives access to Arabic punctuation.
Arabic and English get mixed up on screen. A Latin word inside an Arabic sentence can make punctuation appear in an unexpected place. This is normal behaviour for bidirectional text, not a keyboard fault.

An alternative with no setup

If you would rather not add a keyboard, open the online Arabic keyboard in Safari. On iPhone it takes the place of the usual keyboard with touch-friendly keys, and the Phone keyboard button brings the iOS keyboard back. To reach it faster, add it to your Home Screen from the Share button. Its Phonetic and Words modes are ideal if you write Arabic in Latin letters.

More guides: Windows, Mac and Android.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the Arabic keyboard on my iPhone?

Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Add New Keyboard and choose Arabic. The Arabic keyboard is then available in every app through the globe key at the bottom left of the keyboard.

What is the difference between the Arabic and Arabic – Najdi keyboards on iPhone?

They are two layouts of the same Arabic letters that place the keys differently. Add both, try them on a few messages and keep the one that feels most natural to you.

Why can't I see the globe key on my iPhone?

If you have only one language keyboard plus emoji, iOS shows an emoji key instead of the globe. As soon as Arabic is added alongside another language, the globe key appears so you can switch between them.

How do I remove the Arabic keyboard from an iPhone?

Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Edit, then the red minus sign next to the Arabic keyboard. You can also swipe left on its row and tap Delete.

How do I type Arabic using English letters on iPhone?

The iOS Arabic keyboard works with Arabic letters. To type in Arabizi, open the online Arabic keyboard in Safari: in Phonetic mode 3 becomes ع and 7 becomes ح, and in Words mode salam followed by Space becomes سلام.

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