Learn how to fix an annoying issue that causes your iPhone to unexpectedly exit apps or bring up the App Switcher while typing on the keyboard.
If your iPhone shows the App Switcher when the virtual keyboard is active or suddenly yanks you into another app when typing for a fairly long time, this isn’t normal behavior.
Some iPhone owners have complained on online forums that their devices would switch to a different app while they were typing on the onscreen keyboard. This might happen due to liquid on the screen, irregular power input, or a bug affecting the iOS version installed on your iPhone. Here’s how to fix that.
Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS
An older version of iOS 17 was plagued with a bug causing this erratic behavior. Updating your iPhone to the latest compatible version of iOS should squish the bug and fix the problem.
Turn off Reachability
Reachability is an accessibility feature for one-handed iPhone use that lowers the top half of the screen, bringing buttons and controls within reach of your thumb. Turning off Reachability may reportedly help fix iPhone switching apps while typing, but this workaround may not work for every iPhone owner.
- Open the Settings app on your ‌iPhone‌.
- Select Accessibility in the main list.
- Tap Touch in the Physical and Motor section.
- Turn off Reachability.
Clean your iPhone screen
Liquids like water and juice on your iPhone’s display (or on your finger) interfere with touch sensing, causing problems such as involuntary app switching. Dry your fingers, wipe the display clean, and see if that fixes the issue for you.
Use a different power adapter
Charging an iPhone with a faulty adapter or USB cable, using cheap power banks, or plugging the device into a train or plane outlet can also lead to incorrect touch input, causing random apps to load. Be sure to use a USB cable that supports the correct wattage for your device, and a power adapter or power bank compatible with the USB Power Delivery protocol for fast charging, with safety features like overcharge and overcurrent protection. For more, peruse our dedicated tutorial on fixing an iPhone screen that isn’t responding to touch.