Are you trying to type in Japanese on your iPhone, but the keyboard just won’t cooperate? Whether you’re learning Japanese, texting friends, or working, a malfunctioning Japanese keyboard not working on iPhone can be frustrating.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many iPhone users face issues with their Japanese keyboard suddenly not switching, freezing, or missing characters. In this guide, we’ll explore why this happens and how to fix the Japanese keyboard not working on iPhone quickly.
By the end, you’ll be typing こんにちは (Konnichiwa) like a pro! Let’s dive in.
Read More: Japanese Language for Beginners
Why Is My Japanese Keyboard Not Working on iPhone?
Several factors can cause your Japanese keyboard to stop functioning, including:
Experiencing a Japanese keyboard not working on iPhone can disrupt your communication and learning process.
1. Keyboard Not Enabled in Settings
If the Japanese keyboard isn’t added to your active keyboards, it won’t appear.
✅ Fix:
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard
- Select Japanese (Romaji or Kana)
2. iOS Glitch or Software Bug
Sometimes, a temporary iOS bug can disable keyboard functions.
✅ Fix:
- Restart your iPhone (Hold Power + Volume button, then slide to power off)
- Update iOS (Settings > General > Software Update)
3. Incorrect Input Mode Selected
Even if the Japanese keyboard is enabled, you might be in the wrong input mode (e.g., Romaji vs. Kana).
✅ Fix:
- Tap the 🌐 globe icon to switch between keyboards
- Long-press the globe to select Japanese directly
4. Third-Party Keyboard Conflicts
Apps like Gboard or SwiftKey might interfere with the default Japanese keyboard.
✅ Fix:
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and disable third-party keyboards
5. Corrupted Keyboard Cache
A corrupted cache can prevent the keyboard from loading correctly.
✅ Fix:
- Reset keyboard dictionary: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary
Best Japanese Keyboard App for iPhone
If the default Japanese keyboard isn’t enough, try these third-party alternatives:
1. Google Japanese Input (by Google)
- Supports handwriting, voice input, and predictive text
- Great for typing long sentences quickly
2. Simeji (by Baidu)
- Popular in Japan, with emoji, stickers, and themes
- Includes slang and trendy phrases
3. SwiftKey (by Microsoft)
- AI-powered predictions for faster typing
- Supports multiple languages simultaneously
📌 Pro Tip: Some apps may require Full Access in settings for full functionality.
Read Also: Minna No nihongo N4 Listening
How to Type Small Kana (っ, ゃ, ゅ, ょ) on iPhone
Typing small kana (used in words like ちょっと or がっこう) is easy:
For Romaji Input:
- Type “xtsu” for っ (small tsu)
- Type “xya” for ゃ, “xyu” for ゅ, “xyo” for ょ
For Kana (Flick) Input:
- Swipe left/right on the base kana to find small versions
Japanese iPhone Keyboard Symbols Meaning
The Japanese keyboard has some unique symbols:
| Symbol | Meaning | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| 々 | Kanji repetition mark | 時々 (tokidoki – sometimes) |
| 〜 | Prolonged sound/wave dash | こんにちは〜 (Konnichiwa~) |
| ・ | Middle dot (separates words) | トム・クルーズ (Tomu Kurūzu) |
How to Remove Japanese Keyboard from iPhone
If you no longer need the Japanese keyboard:
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards
- Swipe left on Japanese and tap Delete
Japanese Keyboard Practice Worksheet
Practice typing these common phrases:
| English | Japanese (Romaji) | Japanese (Hiragana/Kanji) |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Konnichiwa | こんにちは |
| Thank you | Arigatou | ありがとう |
| Good morning | Ohayou gozaimasu | おはようございます |
| My name is… | Watashi no namae wa… | 私の名前は… |
📌 Tip: Use the Flick Input (Kana) for faster typing!
Still having trouble? Drop a comment below! 🚀
🔹 Follow us for more iPhone tips!
🔹 Share this guide if it helped!
FAQs
Why is my Japanese keyboard not switching?
Check if it’s enabled in Settings > Keyboard > Keyboards
Restart your iPhone if it’s stuck
Can I use voice input for Japanese?
Yes! Tap the 🎤 microphone on the keyboard and speak in Japanese.
Why are some kanji not showing?
Try typing in full words (e.g., “nihongo” → 日本語)
Update iOS for better dictionary support
How do I type dakuten (゛) and handakuten (゜)?
In Romaji mode, type “du” for づ or “pu” for ぷ
In Kana mode, press the ゛ or ゜ button after a character
Final Thoughts
A non-working Japanese keyboard on iPhone is usually an easy fix—whether it’s enabling the keyboard, restarting your device, or updating iOS.
Now that you’ve got it working, why not practice typing some Japanese phrases using our worksheet above? 🎌
Got more questions? Ask in the comments! Happy typing! ✍️