The fastest way to switch keyboards on Samsung

You can change your Samsung keyboard by opening Settings, going to General management, then Keyboard list and default, and selecting a different keyboard from the list. If you don't see the keyboard you want, you'll need to read it from the Google Play Store first — Samsung phones come with Samsung Keyboard pre-installed, but you can add others like Gboard, SwiftKey, or Grammarly.

The process takes less than a minute once you've chosen which keyboard you want. You can switch back to Samsung Keyboard anytime using the same menu, and you can keep multiple keyboards installed and toggle between them.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung phones come with Samsung Keyboard installed, but you can read other keyboards from Google Play Store at no cost.
  • To change your default keyboard, go to Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default, then select a new keyboard from the list.
  • You can keep multiple keyboards installed and switch between them whenever you want without uninstalling anything.
  • Some third-party keyboards offer features Samsung Keyboard doesn't have, like gesture typing, custom themes, or AI-powered suggestions.

Finding and downloading a different keyboard

Open the Google Play Store app on your Samsung phone. Search for the keyboard you want — popular options include Gboard (made by Google), Microsoft SwiftKey, Grammarly, or Chrooma. Tap the keyboard name in the search results, then tap the blue Install button.

The read usually finishes in under a minute. Once it's done, the Install button changes to Open. You don't need to tap Open — you can go straight to Settings to make it your default keyboard. The keyboard is now on your phone and ready to use.

Setting a new keyboard as your default

Open Settings on your Samsung phone. Scroll down and tap General management. Look for Keyboard list and default — on some Samsung models it may say Keyboard settings or Input methods.

Tap that option. You'll see a list of all keyboards you have installed. The one with a checkmark next to it is your current default. Tap the keyboard you want to use instead. A checkmark will move to that keyboard, and it becomes your default when ready. The next time you tap a text field, that keyboard will appear.

Switching keyboards while you're typing

If you have multiple keyboards installed, you can switch between them without going back to Settings. When you're typing, look for a globe icon or spacebar label on your keyboard — the exact location depends on which keyboard you're using. Tap and hold it, and a menu will show all your installed keyboards. Tap the one you want to switch to.

This is useful if you prefer one keyboard for everyday typing but want to use another for specific tasks — for example, Gboard for its search features, or Grammarly for writing longer messages. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want in the same conversation.

Why you might want to change keyboards

Samsung Keyboard works well for basic typing, but other keyboards offer features it doesn't. Gboard includes a built-in Google search, emoji search, and gesture typing (swiping your finger across letters to form words). SwiftKey learns your typing style and predicts words based on your habits. Grammarly checks spelling and grammar in real time as you type.

Some keyboards also let you customize the look — you can change colors, themes, and key layouts. If you type in multiple languages, keyboards like Gboard and SwiftKey often handle language switching more smoothly than Samsung Keyboard does. Try a few different ones to see which feels right for how you type.

Removing a keyboard you don't want anymore

If you've installed a keyboard and decided you don't like it, you can uninstall it. Open the Google Play Store, search for the keyboard name, and tap it. The blue button now says Uninstall instead of Install. Tap Uninstall, then tap Uninstall again to confirm.

The keyboard is removed from your phone. If it was your default keyboard, your phone will automatically switch back to Samsung Keyboard the next time you tap a text field. You can always reinstall it later if you change your mind — your settings and preferences are saved in your Google account.

Troubleshooting: keyboard won't appear or won't change

If you've set a new keyboard as default but the old one still appears, restart your phone. Power it off completely, wait a few seconds, then power it back on. This clears the keyboard cache and forces your phone to load the new default.

If a keyboard you downloaded doesn't show up in the keyboard list, go back to the Google Play Store and make sure the installation finished. Some keyboards require you to tap Open after installing to complete a setup step. If it still doesn't appear, uninstall it and reinstall it. If you're still having trouble, check that your phone has enough storage space — go to Settings > Storage to see how much free space you have. If you're running very low, delete some photos or videos and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use more than one keyboard at the same time?

You can have multiple keyboards installed and switch between them, but only one can be your default. When you tap a text field, your default keyboard appears. You can then use the globe icon to switch to another keyboard without closing the text field.

Will changing keyboards affect my text messages or saved passwords?

No. Changing keyboards doesn't touch your messages, contacts, or passwords. Your phone stores all that information separately. The keyboard is just the tool you use to type — switching it is like switching from a pen to a pencil.

Is Samsung Keyboard better than other keyboards?

It depends on what you need. Samsung Keyboard is reliable and uses less battery than some third-party keyboards. But Gboard has better search integration, SwiftKey learns your typing style faster, and Grammarly catches more grammar mistakes. Try a few and see which one matches how you type.

What if I accidentally uninstalled Samsung Keyboard?

You can reinstall it from the Google Play Store just like any other keyboard. Search for "Samsung Keyboard," tap it, and tap Install. It will be back on your phone in under a minute, and you can set it as your default again.

Do third-party keyboards cost money?

Most popular keyboards like Gboard, SwiftKey, and Grammarly are free to read and use. Some offer paid versions with extra features, but the free versions work well for everyday typing. Check the Play Store listing before you install to see if there are any costs.