How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (2024)

Your phone's keyboard can make or break your user experience. Most of us have wrestled with a default keyboard on an unfamiliar Android device. Other times, we've used keyboards with poor accessibility, making it difficult to see the keys. Even though some Android users prefer the pre-installed keyboard, you can always change it and ditch it for another trusted option. You can choose several keyboard options using a top Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or another Android smartphone or tablet. Our guide illustrates some of the best, most famous examples while showing you how to switch your Android keyboard.

Why should you change the default keyboard on your Android phone?

The default Samsung keyboard could be better. For example, word prediction and touch response could use some improvements. Still, the Samsung keyboard is functional. Some notable features include sending text, searching the internet, and customizing the design. However, it falls short compared to Google's keyboard (Gboard) and some third-party providers.

You may prefer to change the default keyboard if you have a Samsung device. It's simple to replace, and you can try new options until you've found the perfect one. You can do this with any Android phone.

What are your keyboard options on Android?

Unlike Apple, Google doesn't hamper third-party keyboard functionality. When you change a keyboard on Android, the system applies the change across the entire device. iOS switches to the default keyboard where it can, like when typing a password.

Before we look at some options, proceed with caution. Keyboard apps are simple to make, which makes them attractive to hackers. An unknown keyboard app from a sketchy developer can slow down your device and compromise your data. There's at least one well-known instance of a large personal data leak from a bogus keyboard app developer.

Here are a few top-end keyboard apps to try for the best experience.

Gboard

Gboard received a Material You makeover in 2021, and it's continued to receive design updates over the years. This makes it among the best-looking Android keyboard apps. It's the default keyboard app on most Android devices.

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Gboard syncs your data, like learned words, across devices and your Google account. It is also packed with useful add-ons. Some notable features include support for stickers, GIFs, Google Translate, and one-handed mode.

Microsoft SwiftKey

Microsoft SwiftKey is a popular choice among tech-savvy users. It's known for its insightful next-word prediction, sophisticated clipboard, Microsoft Translate integration, diverse theme and layout options, and seamless Bing integration. Another plus for SwiftKey is its AI integration with Bing Chat.

Grammarly

The Grammarly keyboard scans your text input in real-time to fix spelling and grammar errors. If you use your Android device for work, a helping hand from Grammarly might not go amiss. You can also use Grammarly on the web when you're away from your phone or tablet.

That's a quick rundown of the biggest and best, but there are other contenders for the title of top keyboard app for Android, so shop around.

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The steps for changing the keyboard on Android may differ depending on the manufacturer. This guide shows the process on a Google Pixel device.

How to change the keyboard on Android

Stick to the Google Play Store if you're looking for a reliable and safe keyboard app for Android. Most keyboard apps allow you to set a new default app during the setup process, but you can do it manually.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Languages & input.
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (3)
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (4)
  3. Tap On-screen keyboard.
  4. Toggle on the keyboard you want to use and toggle off the default one.
  5. Tap OK when prompted.
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (5)
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (6)

If you want to try keyboard options on the Google Play Store, use Android's seamless keyboard switching feature and try multiple keyboards instantly.

How to use multiple keyboards on Android

If you can't decide which keyboard to use or prefer one in some situations and one in others, switching between two options is easy. Below, we use Microsoft SwiftKey and Gboard as examples.

  1. Toggle on the keyboards you want to use.
  2. Go to an empty text field and tap to open the default keyboard.
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (7)
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (8)
  3. Tap the keyboard icon at the bottom to open more options.
  4. Tap one of the keyboard options to switch and start using it.
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (9)
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (10)

How to change the Android keyboard from the keyboard app

This is probably the simplest way of activating a new keyboard. Here's the process on SwiftKey.

  1. Launch the Google Play Store app.
  2. Search for SwiftKey using the search bar.
  3. Tap Install.
  4. After it's installed, tap Open.
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (11)
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (12)
  5. Tap Enable SwiftKey to go to the On-screen keyboard settings.
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (13)
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (14)
  6. Toggle on SwiftKey, go back, tap Select SwiftKey, and select it in the Choose input method popup.
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (15)
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (16)
  7. Tap Finish up and sign in to activate the rest of the features.
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (17)
    How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (18)

SwiftKey is Gboard's strongest competitor. It has many features that general and niche audiences might like, such as its ability to sync your phone's clipboard with Windows.

Samsung uses a different settings app on One UI software. The default Samsung keyboard leaves much to be desired, and it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Maybe you don't need a new keyboard app

Of course, unless you have issues with your default keyboard, you can always stick with what you have. Switching means learning the new keyboard's quirks, which takes time. Most keyboard apps have a shallow learning curve. But when you're used to a particular keyboard after many years of usage, it requires putting in the work.

After finding a keyboard that suits you, improve your experience by exploring its settings. Gboard has many neat tricks. You can also alleviate some issues by changing the settings of your Samsung keyboard.

How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet (2024)

FAQs

How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet? ›

To change your keyboard on Android, go to Settings > System settings > Keyboard and input method > Current keyboard and choose the keyboard (the steps might differ a little depending on your phone). You can download third-party keyboards from the Google Play Store.

How do I change the keyboard on Android? ›

To change the keyboard, go to your device's Settings, then navigate to "System" or "Language & input" (depending on your Android version). Look for "Virtual keyboard" or "On-screen keyboard." From there, you can select the default keyboard and manage additional keyboards you have installed.

How do I change my keyboard settings? ›

Android (Gboard):
  1. Open Settings app on Android device.
  2. Tap System.
  3. Tap Languages & input.
  4. Tap On-screen keyboard.
  5. Select Gboard.
  6. Select Languages, and then adding QWERTY for the language you're learning.

How do I manage the on-screen keyboard? ›

Go to Start , then select Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, and turn on the On-Screen Keyboard toggle. A keyboard that can be used to move around the screen and enter text will appear on the screen. The keyboard will remain on the screen until you close it.

How do I manually change my keyboard? ›

On a hardware keyboard, press and hold the Windows logo key , and then press the Spacebar to cycle through your input methods. If you have a touchscreen, you can switch your touch keyboard layout by tapping or clicking the keyboard icon, and then tapping or clicking the keyboard layout you want to switch to.

How do you switch between keyboards? ›

Keyboard shortcut: To switch between keyboard layouts, press Alt+Shift. Note: The icon is just an example; it shows that English is the language of the active keyboard layout. The actual icon shown on your computer depends on the language of the active keyboard layout and version of Windows.

How do I reset my keyboard on? ›

To reset a wireless keyboard:
  1. Turn off your keyboard.
  2. With the keyboard turned off, hold down the ESC key.
  3. While holding down the ESC key, turn on your keyboard.
  4. After about 2 to 5 seconds, release the ESC key. You will see the keyboard lighting flash if the reset is successful.

What are the different keyboard settings? ›

What are the most common types of keyboard layouts? Keyboard layouts vary globally across regions and languages, with popular types like QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ, and Dvorak. The QWERTY layout, named after its top row letters, is the standard worldwide.

How do I unlock my keyboard settings? ›

The first key to try is the 'FN' key, which is typically located at the bottom left of the keyboard. While pressing down this key, try pressing 'Scroll Lock', 'Num Lock', or any other key on your keyboard - this should reset the lock allowing you to use your device again.

Why is my Android keyboard acting up? ›

One of the common reasons why your phone's keyboard may not be working as expected is due to software updates and compatibility issues. When your phone's operating system undergoes an update, it can sometimes lead to incompatibility issues with certain applications, including the keyboard.

What is the best keyboard for Android? ›

Google Gboard

Considering its amazing features such as the Emoji kitchen, voice typing, custom themes, clipboard, swipe gestures, and built-in translation widget, it is the ultimate keyboard app for Android.

How to bring up the keyboard on an Android tablet? ›

Open or close the on-screen keyboard
  1. Open your device's Settings app. .
  2. Tap Hub Mode. At a glance. Search your tablet.
  3. Turn on Always show keyboard.

How do I manage keyboard settings? ›

Change how your keyboard looks
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app. .
  2. Tap System. Languages & input.
  3. Tap Virtual Keyboard. Gboard.
  4. Tap Theme.
  5. Pick a theme. Then tap Apply.

How do I manage on screen keyboards on Android? ›

Open Settings. Go to System > Languages & input. Tap On-screen keyboard. Toggle on the keyboard you want to use and toggle off the default one.

What is the on-screen keyboard on Android? ›

Your smartphone or tablet has a keyboard built in to enable you to type. Instead of having physical keys, your device will show pictures of keys on the screen, which you can tap on.

What is the default keyboard for an Android phone? ›

OPTION #2: Gboard is your default keyboard, but you don't have the "Change Keyboard" key. To switch back to your regular keyboard, tap on the ABC key and select your regular keyboard.

How do I reset my keyboard? ›

For all other keyboards:
  1. Unplug your keyboard.
  2. With the keyboard unplugged, hold down the ESC key.
  3. While holding down the ESC key, plug the keyboard back into your computer.
  4. After about 5 seconds, release the ESC key. You will see the keyboard lighting flash if the reset is successful.

How do I change the keyboard mode on my Samsung? ›

Navigate to Settings, and then tap General management. Tap Samsung Keyboard settings, and then tap Mode. You can choose from the following keyboard modes: Standard keyboard: This is the normal keyboard view, with your phone's on-screen keyboard stretched to fill the main screen.

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