How to type on an iPhone from a Windows 10 PC
iPads can be used with external keyboards and newer iPhone models can also work with Bluetooth keyboards but you may not always want to carry one with you, or you may not be able to. If you happen to work on a Windows 10 PC, you can use it to enter text on an iPhone. You won’t need to install anything on the PC itself but the iPhone and the PC will both have to be connected to the same WiFi network. On your iPhone, you’re going to have to install a free app called AirType.
Type on iPhone from Windows 10
On your iPhone, install AirType. Once installed, you will need to set the app up on your iPhone before you can use it.
On your iPhone, open the Settings app and go to General>Keyboards. Tap the add a keyboard option, and select AirType. Once AirType has been added, tap it again, and give it full access.
On your iPhone, open any app that allows you to input text e.g., the Messages app. Switch to the AirType keyboard and it will display an IP address. Note this address down.
On your Windows 10 PC, open any browser and visit the IP address that you noted before. Once it loads, it will give you a text input box. Everything you type in this box will be entered in the text input field on your phone.
AirType will only let you enter text, it will not let you interact with your iPhone in any other way. What this means is that while you can use this app to type on your iPhone from the comfort of your Windows 10 PC and it’s large physical keyboard, you cannot use it to tap the ‘send’ button in an email app, or a messaging app. For that, you’re going to have to pick up your phone and tap the button yourself.
This app is great for one simple reason; no lag. The text that was input on my desktop appeared right away in the text input field on my iPhone. With apps like these, lag can ruin their usability.
The app should not be used to input sensitive information on your iPhone. If you need to make an online purchase and are required to sign in to your Apple ID, do not use your desktop to enter the password. Additionally, if you’re on a public WiFi network, be extra careful about what you type.
