How to Switch and Add New Keyboards in Android?

Switching between Android keyboards is a common need, whether you want to try a new keyboard or temporarily use a different one. Your Android device supports multiple keyboards, such as Gboard, SwiftKey, or other third-party options you install. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to change keyboards quickly and smoothly.

1. Open your device Settings. Unlock your Android device and tap on the Settings app. Typically, the Settings icon appears as a gear on your home screen or app drawer.
2. Navigate to Language & Input settings. Scroll down and find options like “System,” “General Management,” or directly “Language & Input,” depending on your device and Android version.
3. Tap on On-screen keyboard or Virtual keyboard. Inside this menu, you’ll see a list of installed keyboards such as Gboard, SwiftKey, or others. If you haven’t installed new keyboards, go to the Google Play Store to download your preferred keyboard app.
4. Select the keyboard you want to switch to. Tap on the desired keyboard to activate it. For example, choose Gboard or SwiftKey if they’re installed.
5. Enable the keyboard for use. If the keyboard isn’t already enabled, toggle the switch next to its name to activate it. Some devices may request permissions during this process.
6. Switch keyboards during typing. Open an app that requires typing, like Messages or a browser. Tap on a text input box to bring up the keyboard.
7. Access the keyboard switcher icon. On the keyboard itself, look for a globe icon or a keyboard icon—usually near the spacebar or bottom corner. Tap this icon to display the available keyboards.
8. Select your preferred keyboard from the list. Tap on the keyboard you want to use. Your device should switch to it immediately.

If you frequently switch between keyboards, consider adding shortcuts or enabling quick switch gestures. Many keyboards support a dedicated button or gesture for faster access. Remember, you can also change your default keyboard in the Settings menu or toggle keyboards via the keyboard switcher icon at any time.

By following these procedures, you can effortlessly switch between different Android keyboards to enhance your typing experience, whether for better predictions, themes, or language options.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding New Android Keyboards

If you’d like to improve your typing options, adding new keyboards to your Android device is simple. Whether you’re seeking different languages, specialized layouts, or more user-friendly interfaces, this guide will walk you through installing and activating new Android keyboards safely.

1. Open the Google Play Store. Locate the Play Store app on your device and tap to open it. Most third-party keyboards are available here for download.
2. Search for a keyboard app. Use the search bar to type the name of the keyboard you want, such as Gboard, SwiftKey, or Grammarly. Read reviews and ratings to select reputable options.
3. Install the keyboard app. Tap the app in search results, then tap “Install.” Wait for the download and installation to complete. Some apps may request additional permissions; grant these when prompted.
4. Open your device Settings. Access Settings from your home screen or app drawer once the app is installed.
5. Navigate to Language & Input. Scroll and tap on “Language & Input” or similar, often found under “System” or “General Management.”
6. Tap on Virtual keyboard or On-screen keyboard. A list of installed keyboards appears—select this to manage input methods.
7. Select and enable the new keyboard. Find the app you just installed and toggle it on. You may be prompted to set it up now or later.
8. Configure the keyboard settings (if needed). Tap the keyboard’s name to customize themes, language options, and other preferences. Follow on-screen instructions for setup.
9. Switch to the new keyboard. Open any app with text input, like Messages. When the keyboard appears, tap the keyboard icon at the bottom right or hold the space bar to select your new keyboard from the list.

If issues arise, double-check that the keyboard app has all permissions and is enabled. Some keyboards may require additional updates or downloads. Always choose trusted apps for security.

Top Tips for Customizing Your Android Keyboard

Personalizing your Android keyboard enhances your typing speed, comfort, and style. Whether it’s changing themes, adjusting layouts, or enabling advanced features, customization options are plentiful. Here are some practical tips to optimize your keyboard for your needs.

1. Change the Keyboard Theme

   The simplest way to customize is by changing themes. Most keyboards like Gboard and SwiftKey offer various themes, including dark mode, colorful schemes, or custom backgrounds.

   To change themes:

   1. Open your keyboard and tap the gear icon for Settings.
   2. Select “Themes” or similar options.
   3. Browse and choose a preferred theme; tap to apply.
   4. If supported, select a photo from your gallery for a custom background.

2. Adjust Keyboard Layout and Size

   If your current layout feels cramped or too spacious, you can modify the size and arrangement of keys within the app settings.

   To adjust:

   1. Go to your keyboard’s Settings.
   2. Select “Layout” or “Keyboard size.”
   3. Use sliders or pick preset sizes to resize keys.
   4. Some apps allow rearranging keys or enabling split layouts for one-handed use.

3. Enable or Customize Auto-correct and Prediction

   This can significantly speed up your typing. Customize auto-correct and word prediction based on your preferences.

   Steps include:

   1. Open keyboard Settings.
   2. Find “Text correction” or “Suggestions.”
   3. Toggle auto-correct on or off. Adjust sensitivity if available.
   4. Add personal words to your dictionary to improve predictions.

4. Activate Gesture Typing or Voice Input

   Simplify typing by enabling gesture input, where you swipe across the keyboard, or voice input for hands-free use.

   To enable:

   1. Navigate to keyboard Settings.
   2. Look for options like “Gesture typing” or “Voice input.”
   3. Toggle the features on and test in your apps.

5. Install Custom Keyboard Themes and Plugins

   If default options are insufficient, consider third-party keyboards with extensive themes and plugins like Fleksy or Chrooma.

   Steps after installing:

   1. Enable the new keyboard in Settings under “Language & input.”
   2. Open the keyboard app to explore themes and extensions.
   3. Download additional themes or plugins for more customization.

6. Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

   • Backup your customizations if supported, to prevent data loss after updates.
   • Download themes and plugins only from trusted sources to ensure security.
   • Update your keyboard app regularly for access to new features and security patches.

With these tips, you can make your Android keyboard a personalized, efficient tool. Experiment with different themes, layouts, and features to find what best suits your typing style, making texting more enjoyable and effective.

Best Third-Party Android Keyboards to Try Now

If you want to upgrade your typing experience, third-party keyboards offer many advantages. They often come with advanced autocorrect, customizable themes, and unique layouts surpassing default options. Here are some top apps you should try. They are popular, reliable, and packed with features to enhance your device use.

1. Gboard – Google Keyboard

   Gboard is Google’s official keyboard, celebrated for its speed, accuracy, and feature set. It supports gesture typing, voice input, and a variety of themes. Its integration with Google Search allows quick access to search and sharing directly from the keyboard.

   Extensive emoji and GIF support make it fun, and multilingual typing makes switching languages seamless.

2. SwiftKey Keyboard

   Microsoft SwiftKey is renowned for its powerful autocorrect and prediction system. It learns your writing style over time to offer personalized suggestions. It also offers numerous themes, emoji, and customizable layouts.

   Swipe typing is a highlight for many users, and supporting multiple languages simultaneously makes it ideal for bilingual users.

3. Fleksy Keyboard

   Fleksy focuses on speed and innovative features. It includes themed extensions, stickers, and a highly accurate autocorrect system capable of understanding slang and abbreviations.

   Gesture controls, like swiping for punctuation or deleting words, speed up typing. If customization and speed are priorities, Fleksy is a solid choice.

4. Grammarly Keyboard

   Ideal for professional writing and emails, Grammarly Keyboard offers real-time grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks, helping you avoid mistakes.

   Though theme options are limited, its writing assistance and vocabulary suggestions significantly improve the quality of your texts.

5. Chrooma Keyboard

   This vibrant, adaptive keyboard changes its color scheme based on the app you’re using. It offers smooth performance, gesture typing, and night mode support for low-light conditions.

   With customizable size and layout options, Chrooma is perfect for users who prefer a colorful, visually appealing keyboard.

When selecting a third-party keyboard, think about the features that matter most—auto-correct, themes, multilingual support, or professional tools. Most of these apps are free, so try a few to see which fits your style and needs best.

How to Change Keyboard Language on Android

Switching your keyboard language on Android is straightforward and enhances multilingual communication. Whether you need to switch languages temporarily or add multiple for regular use, follow these steps. Most Android devices have built-in language switching options, which can improve your typing accuracy and ease of communication.

1. Open the Settings app on your device. Find it on your home screen or in the app drawer.
2. Scroll down and tap on System or General Management, depending on your device.
3. Select Languages & input.
4. Tap on Virtual Keyboard, then choose your active keyboard, such as Gboard.
5. Tap on Languages. You’ll see a list of enabled languages.
6. To add a new language, tap on Add Keyboard or + Add Language. Browse and select your desired language, such as Spanish or Chinese.
7. Choose regional variations or layouts if available and confirm your selection.
8. When typing, open any app with textual input. Tap the Globe icon or Language icon to toggle between your added languages. Holding this icon often reveals all available options.
9. Your keyboard will now display characters and suggestions based on the selected language.

Note that menu language names and options may slightly vary by device or keyboard app. Enabling quick toggle options makes switching languages seamless, especially if you type in multiple languages daily.

How to Delete or Disable a Keyboard on Android

Removing or disabling an unwanted keyboard on Android keeps your input options manageable. Whether you installed a third-party keyboard you no longer need or want to disable a default one, follow these steps.

1. Open your device Settings. Tap the gear icon from your home screen or app drawer.
2. Navigate to Languages & Input. Scroll and select “Languages & Input” or similar.
3. Tap on Virtual Keyboard or On-screen Keyboard. See the list of keyboards installed.
4. Select Manage Keyboards or Keyboard Settings. Toggle off or disable the keyboard you do not want to use. For third-party apps, you can also uninstall.

If the keyboard is a third-party app, you can uninstall it as follows:

1. Go to your app drawer and find the keyboard app.
2. Tap and hold the app icon. From the menu that appears, select “App Info” or the small gear icon.
3. Tap Uninstall. Confirm when prompted to remove the app from your device.

Disabling default keyboards may not always be possible, but in most cases, you can at least turn them off and switch to your preferred input method. Always keep at least one active keyboard to maintain input capabilities.

If issues persist with disabling or deleting keyboards, try restarting your device or updating your software. Be cautious to avoid disabling system-critical keyboards that may affect device functionality.

FAQs: Android Keyboard Settings You Should Know

Customizing your Android keyboard can significantly improve your typing efficiency and comfort. Here are answers to common questions to help you make the most of your keyboard settings.

1. How do I change the keyboard language on my Android?

1. Open your device Settings.
2. Tap on “System” or “Languages & input.”
3. Select “On-screen keyboard” or “Virtual keyboard.”
4. Choose your keyboard, such as Gboard.
5. Tap “Languages” and then “Add keyboard” or “Add language.”
6. Select your preferred language from the list, enabling multiple languages if desired.

2. How can I enable or disable autocorrect on my Android keyboard?

1. Open Settings and go to “System” or “Languages & input.”
2. Select your keyboard (e.g., Gboard).
3. Tap on “Text correction” or “Typing.”
4. Toggle “Auto-correct” on or off according to your preference.

Turning autocorrect off gives you manual control over your typing, which may suit certain users better.

3. How do I change the keyboard size or layout?

1. Open your keyboard in any input-enabled app.
2. Tap the gear icon (settings), often on the spacebar or in a menu.
3. Select “Preferences” or “Keyboard layout.”
4. Adjust “Keyboard height” or “Size” sliders or choose from preset options.
5. Some keyboards allow rearrangement of keys or enabling split layouts for one-handed use.

Resize for more comfortable typing or to see more keys at once.

4. How can I enable swipe typing or gesture input?

1. Visit your keyboard Settings via the gear icon.
2. Look for options like “Glide typing,” “Swipe,” or “Gesture input.”
3. Turn the feature on.
4. Follow prompts to calibrate if necessary.

This feature allows you to slide your finger over the keyboard to form words, often increasing typing speed.

5. How do I reset my keyboard settings to default?

1. Open Settings, then go to “System” or “Languages & input.”
2. Select your keyboard app, such as Gboard.
3. Scroll to find “Reset settings” or “Restore defaults.”
4. Confirm the reset when prompted.

This restores your keyboard to its original state if it behaves unpredictably or after extensive customization.