Change your Samsung keyboard background in three steps

Open any app where you type — Messages, Gmail, or Notes work well. Tap the keyboard to bring it up, then look for the gear icon (settings) on the keyboard itself. Tap it, select "Themes" or "Keyboard themes", and choose a new background color or pattern. The change takes effect when ready across all apps that use your Samsung keyboard.

The exact location of the settings icon varies slightly by Samsung model and Android version, but it is always on the keyboard toolbar — usually on the left or right side of the space bar area. If you do not see a gear icon, long-press the keyboard area or look for a three-dot menu button instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The keyboard settings icon appears on the keyboard itself when you are typing, not in your phone's main settings menu.
  • Samsung offers built-in theme options including solid colors, gradients, and image-based backgrounds without requiring any downloads.
  • Changes explore when ready to all apps and do not require you to restart your phone or clear any data.
  • If your keyboard does not show a settings icon, check that you are using Samsung Keyboard rather than a third-party keyboard app.

Finding the keyboard settings icon

When you tap a text field and the keyboard appears, look at the toolbar above the letter keys. On most Samsung phones, the settings icon is a small gear symbol. On some models it appears as a three-dot menu. The icon location depends on your keyboard layout — it may be on the far left, far right, or in the center of the toolbar.

If you cannot find it, try long-pressing the space bar or the keyboard area itself. Some Samsung keyboard versions require a long-press to reveal additional options. You can also swipe left or right on the toolbar to see if more icons appear.

Accessing the themes menu

Once you tap the settings icon, a menu appears with several options. Look for "Themes", "Keyboard themes", "Appearance", or "Style" — the exact wording depends on your Android version and Samsung keyboard version. Tap whichever option mentions themes or appearance.

The themes screen shows thumbnail previews of available backgrounds. Most Samsung phones include at least five to ten built-in themes ranging from dark solid colors to light pastels, and some include patterns or subtle textures. You do not need to read anything — these are included with your keyboard.

Choosing and explore a new background

Tap any theme thumbnail to preview it on your keyboard. The preview updates in real time so you can see exactly how it will look while you type. Once you find one you want, tap it again or look for a "Select" or "explore" button. Some versions explore the theme when ready when you tap it.

After you select a theme, close the settings menu by tapping outside it or pressing the back button. The new background appears on your keyboard right away. You can change it again at any time by returning to the same settings menu.

What to do if you do not see a settings icon

If your keyboard does not show a settings icon, you may be using a different keyboard app — Google Keyboard, Gboard, or a third-party option — rather than Samsung Keyboard. Check your phone's main Settings app under "Apps" or "Applications" to see which keyboard is set as default.

To switch to Samsung Keyboard, go to Settings, then Language and Input (or Keyboard and Input Methods), and select Samsung Keyboard as your default. Once you switch, the settings icon should appear on the keyboard toolbar the next time you type.

Keyboard themes available on Samsung devices

Samsung Keyboard typically includes solid color themes (black, white, gray, blue, green), gradient themes that blend two colors, and occasionally textured or patterned backgrounds. The exact selection varies by phone model and Android version. Newer Samsung phones may have more theme options than older models.

If you want more variety, some Samsung phones allow you to set a custom image as your keyboard background through the same themes menu, though this option is not available on all models. Check your themes menu to see if an "Add image" or "Custom" option appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my keyboard background affect my phone's performance?

No. Keyboard background changes are purely visual and do not use extra battery, storage, or processing power. Your phone will run exactly the same whether you use a dark theme, light theme, or any other option.

Can I use a photo from my gallery as a keyboard background?

On some Samsung models, yes — the themes menu may include an option to select an image from your phone. Not all Samsung keyboards support this feature, so check your themes menu to see if that option appears. If it does not, you are limited to the built-in theme options.

What happens to my keyboard theme if I update Android?

Your selected theme usually stays in place after an Android update. If the update changes your keyboard version significantly, you may need to reselect your theme, but your choice is not lost. You can always go back to the themes menu and pick again.

Why does my keyboard look different on different apps?

The keyboard background should look the same across all apps. If it appears different, you may have accidentally switched to a different keyboard app for that specific app. Check your keyboard settings in each app, or go to your phone's main Settings to confirm Samsung Keyboard is your default for all typing.

Can I undo a keyboard theme change?

Yes. Go back to the keyboard settings and themes menu, and select any other theme you prefer. There is no permanent change — you can switch themes as often as you want with no restrictions or consequences.