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How to Disable or Enable Repeat Keys in Ubuntu

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 12, 2022 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
Enable Auto Login on Ubuntu Linux: Step-by-Step Guide
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Repeat keys in Ubuntu control whether letters and symbols repeat on your screen when you hold down a key. This built-in setting makes a single keystroke turn into a long string of characters until you let go.

Releases like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS let you change how long you must hold a key down before it starts repeating, which stops you from typing extra letters by accident. You can also speed up or slow down how fast those extra characters appear on your screen.

⚡ Quick Answer

In Ubuntu, open Settings, navigate to Accessibility, then Typing, and finally select Repeat Keys. Toggle the switch to enable or disable repeat keys, or adjust the Delay and Speed sliders for customization.

How to turn on or off the repeat key in Ubuntu Linux

System settings manage repeat key behavior on Ubuntu Linux. The main control panel houses options for adjusting how fast a character repeats during a sustained press.

Here’s how to manage or disable it in Ubuntu Linux.

Open the main configuration panel by clicking the system menu in the top-right corner of the desktop and selecting System Settings.

Ubuntu Linux activities overview screen
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, locate the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar.

From there, select Settings.

Ubuntu Linux system menu with settings option
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

In the Settings app, click on the Accessibility tile to open that panel.

Ubuntu Linux accessibility settings panel
ubuntu linux accessibility

In the System Settings -> Accessibility panel, under Typing, select Repeat Keys.

Ubuntu Linux repeat keys enable or disable settings
ubuntu linux enable disable repeat keys

The Repeat Keys setting on the Repeat Keys window allows control over repetition speed during sustained presses. Toggling the Repeat Keys button to the On position activates the repeat function, making keys repeat faster when held.

To disable it, toggle the button to the Off position.

Ubuntu Linux repeat keys button in settings
ubuntu linux repeat keys button

The Delay slider sets the required hold duration before repetition kicks in. Modifying the Speed slider controls the frequency of repeated characters.

Ubuntu Linux repeat keys options and sliders
ubuntu linux repeat keys options

Configuration finishes here, and the Settings app closes normally.

Conclusion:

  • Adjusting the repeat rate or disabling repeat keys can prevent unintentionally repeated characters when holding down a key.
  • In Ubuntu Linux, you can manage repeat keys through the System Settings panel under Accessibility > Typing > Repeat Keys.
  • Alternatively, users can adjust the delay and speed sliders to control key press repetition.
  • These steps provide greater control over keyboard input behavior, enhancing the user experience for Ubuntu Linux users.

How do I turn off key repeat in Linux?

Disabling key repeat on Linux requires navigating to Settings and then Keyboard. Unchecking 'Key presses repeat when a key is held down' turns off the feature.

How do I change the key repeat in Ubuntu?

Accessibility settings control key repetition behavior in Ubuntu. The Typing section contains toggles for Repeat Keys alongside delay and speed adjustment sliders.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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