How to use function keys on bluetooth keyboards in Android without pressing Fn?

Question

I use an external Bluetooth keyboard Samsung EJ-BT230 with an Android device. I need F1-F12 keys to use SSH terminal remotely (eg. for mc). Now, I'm able to use function keys when holding Fn button on the keyboard.

Is it possible to switch the operation of F1-F12 to make them possible to be used without Fn button? Is there any solution like Fn-Lock which is present on laptops' keyboards or on laptops' BIOS? Or is there any way to remap the keys so I can swap the function key features?

Answer 1

Fn is not a real key that OSes recognize, since it doesn't produce a scan code (except on Mac keyboards). The keyboard controller sends the real scan code if you press Fn along with some other keys. Therefore if there's no physical Fn-lock key on your keyboard (which probably doesn't, as some one commented) you'll need to remap those keys on software

If you have root permissions there are various solutions to remap

• Map the keys manually by modifying the /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl layout file and copy it to /system/usr/keylayout
  • A custom android layout for logitech tablet keyboard
  • Remapping a Bluetooth keyboard on Android
• Use a software to do that heavy lifting
  • Button Mapper

If you have a non-rooted device then you can use External Keyboard Helper. Just remap the scancode for Home to F1 and vice versa. Similarly for other keys. You can see the remap tutorial that shows you how to get Esc without Fn like in your keyboard

For more information you can read

• Is there a keyboard application for setting an external keyboard to the Colemak layout
• Is there an app to change bt keyboard map?
• How to Use a Bluetooth Keyboard with Your Android Device
• How to Create Custom Shortcuts with Bluetooth Keyboard on Android
• how to remap the keys on a bluetooth gamepad