iOS app "next" key won't go to the next text field

Question

I have a simple scene (using storyboard in IB) with a Username and Password text box. I've set the keyboard to close when you are on the Password text field but can't get the next(return) button to work on the Username to switch the focus (or First Responder) to the Password text box.

I'm closing the keyboard while on the Password text field like this:

- (BOOL)textFieldShouldReturn:(UITextField *)theTextField {
if (theTextField == self.textPassword) {
    [theTextField resignFirstResponder];
}
return YES;
}

I know it is something similar to this but just can't nail it down.

Solution 1

The return key doesn't do anything special in a text field by default. You need to explicitly change the first responder:

- (BOOL)textFieldShouldReturn:(UITextField *)theTextField {
    if (theTextField == self.textPassword) {
        [theTextField resignFirstResponder];
    } else if (theTextField == self.textUsername) {
        [self.textPassword becomeFirstResponder];
    }
    return YES;
}

Solution 2

I use this code that allows me to control the form behavior in the storyboard:

-(BOOL) textFieldShouldReturn:(UITextField *)textField{
    if(textField.returnKeyType==UIReturnKeyNext) {
        UIView *next = [[textField superview] viewWithTag:textField.tag+1];
        [next becomeFirstResponder];
    } else if (textField.returnKeyType==UIReturnKeyDone) {
        [textField resignFirstResponder];
    }
    return YES;
} 

All you need is to assign the order value as tag, and returnkey according to Next or Done on each input control.

Solution 3

for those who want to use Swift language:

class MyClass: UIViewController, UITextFieldDelegate {

@IBOutlet weak var text1: UITextField!
@IBOutlet weak var text2: UITextField!
@IBOutlet weak var text3: UITextField!

override func viewDidLoad() {
    super.viewDidLoad()

    text1.delegate = self
    text2.delegate = self
    text3.delegate = self


}

//....

func textFieldShouldReturn(textField: UITextField) -> Bool{
    if textField == self.text1 {
        self.text2.becomeFirstResponder()
    }else if textField == self.text2{
        self.text3.becomeFirstResponder()
    }else{
        self.text1.becomeFirstResponder()
    }
    return true
 }

 //...

}

:-)

Solution 4

You have to add the UITextFieldDelegate in the header-file. Then you have to set

theTextField.delegate = self;

in the viewDidLoad-method. After that you can go on with

- (BOOL)textFieldShouldReturn:(UITextField *)theTextField {
    if (theTextField == self.textPassword) {
        [theTextField resignFirstResponder];
    } else if (theTextField == self.textUsername) {
        [self.textPassword becomeFirstResponder];
    }
    return YES;
}

Solution 5

Many solutions to this problem exist. See the responses posted to this question: How to navigate through textfields (Next / Done Buttons).

Read more in the UIResponder Class Reference.

View more solutions

Comments

[vinay chorpa]

Best answer among all !!

[setherj]

So how would you set tags for the text fields?

[setherj]

Is it as simple as exampleField.tag = 1; ?

[Esteve]

Yes, just set tag property. Use tags to keep editing order, and if you use storyboards is still easier.

[Uday]

Can you share the same for swift?

[Stefan]

This does not really answer the question. If you have a different question, you can ask it by clicking Ask Question. You can also add a bounty to draw more attention to this question once you have enough reputation. - From Review

[Ginés SM]

if UserName has tag set to 1 and return key 'UIReturnKeyNext', and Password has tag set to 2 and return key to 'UIReturnKeySend' or 'UIReturnKeyDone', the code solves the problem, at least in a xib file. Why does not this answer the question? My textfields are: - Name - Surname - Email - Password -Re-type Password. and the codes works perfectly.

[vrwim]

@RaphaelRoyer-Rivard you should set the delegate of the UITextField to the viewcontroller (or whatever class this code is added to)

[woody121]

@vrwin's comment should be part of the answer, this is step 1 to this answer working.

[Dhiru]

This also should be accepted as answer ,,,,,, best ways to navigate through UITextFiled

[Dany Balian]

Brilliant idea!