How to Dismiss the Keyboard in Appium Using Java

How to Dismiss the Keyboard in Appium Using Java

10 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When automating Android applications with Appium and Java, managing the on-screen keyboard can be a common challenge, especially when it appears after using the sendKeys method. Knowing how to dismiss the keyboard effectively can improve the reliability of your tests. This guide will walk you through the various methods to achieve this.

Method 1: Using driver.hideKeyboard()

The simplest and most straightforward way to hide the keyboard is by using the hideKeyboard() method provided by AppiumDriver. This method is included in the Appium Java client library and is effective for most scenarios.


@Test
public static void test_demo() throws Exception {
    WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("mytextfield"));
    element.sendKeys("test");
    driver.hideKeyboard(); // This will hide the keyboard
}

This method works seamlessly with the Appium Java client version 2.2.0 and above. Make sure your project is using the appropriate version to avoid compatibility issues.

Method 2: Using the Back Button

Another approach is to simulate a press of the back button, which can also dismiss the keyboard. This method is particularly useful for older versions of Appium.


driver.navigate().back(); // For older version of Appium

While this method is effective, it may interfere with the app’s navigation if not handled correctly. Use it judiciously within your test flow.

Method 3: Desired Capabilities Adjustment

If you prefer to prevent the keyboard from appearing altogether during your tests, you can modify the desired capabilities in your test setup:


capabilities.setCapability("unicodeKeyboard", true);
capabilities.setCapability("resetKeyboard", true);

These settings ensure that a default keyboard is used, which does not obstruct the UI during testing, thus eliminating the need to manually dismiss it.

Additional Considerations

In some cases, especially when the hideKeyboard() method fails, introducing a delay before hiding the keyboard can enhance test stability:


try {
    Thread.sleep(5000); // Wait for the keyboard to appear
} catch (Exception e) {
    e.getMessage();
}
driver.hideKeyboard();

Ensure that any added delays are optimized to prevent unnecessarily long test execution times.

Enhancing Test Automation with Repeato

For those looking to streamline their mobile testing process even further, consider using Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android. Unlike traditional automation frameworks, Repeato leverages computer vision and AI, making it particularly fast and intuitive to create and run tests. If you find Appium’s setup and execution times cumbersome, Repeato offers a more efficient alternative. For more information, you can explore our Android Testing Tool section or learn about switching between devices during a test run.

By following these strategies, you can effectively manage the keyboard in your Appium tests, ensuring smoother and more reliable automation workflows.

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