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GuidesKeep special keys visible

Keep special keys visible

The special-key toolbar is shown on the console screen. It overlays the text by default and normally hides after a short pause. However, you can keep it visible using an app-wide setting which keeps it from overlaying the text.

Keep Ctrl, Esc, arrows, and other terminal keys within reach.

From the Host List, tap the three-dot menu in the top corner.

Recorded with ConnectBot git-v1.10.9-144-ga89483f3. AI-generated narration.

Narration transcript

From the Host List, tap the three-dot menu in the top corner.

Choose Settings. This changes ConnectBot's app-wide settings, rather than the settings for an individual host.

Scroll down to the Keyboard section. Look for Special keys always visible.

Turn on Special keys always visible. This keeps the terminal's special-key toolbar on screen

Go back to the Host List. Your setting is saved automatically.

Open a terminal session. The special keys now stay visible and doesn't overlap the terminal.

Step by step

  1. Open the Host List menu

    From the Host List, tap the three-dot menu in the top corner.

    Watch this step
  2. Open Settings

    Choose Settings. This changes ConnectBot's app-wide settings, rather than the settings for an individual host.

    Watch this step
  3. Find the Keyboard section

    Scroll down to the Keyboard section. Look for Special keys always visible.

    Watch this step
  4. Keep the special keys visible

    Turn on Special keys always visible. This keeps the terminal's special-key toolbar on screen

    Watch this step
  5. Return to the Host List

    Go back to the Host List. Your setting is saved automatically.

    Watch this step
  6. Try a terminal session

    Open a terminal session. The special keys now stay visible and doesn't overlap the terminal.

    Watch this step

To customize the keys themselves, see Set up a Terminal Keyboard.

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