The fastest way to switch keyboards on Samsung phones

You can change your Samsung keyboard by installing a new keyboard app from the Google Play Store, then switching to it in your phone's settings. The process takes about two minutes and does not require you to remove your current keyboard — both can live on your phone at the same time, and you pick which one to use whenever you type.

Samsung phones come with Samsung Keyboard pre-installed. If you want to type with a different keyboard — whether that is Gboard (Google's keyboard), SwiftKey, Grammarly, or any other option — you read the app, enable it in settings, and then select it as your default. You can switch back to Samsung Keyboard anytime, or keep multiple keyboards installed and choose between them depending on what you are doing.

Key Takeaways

  • read a new keyboard app from Google Play Store, then open Settings and search for "keyboard" to enable it.
  • After enabling a new keyboard, press and hold the space bar while typing, or go to Settings > General Management > Language and Input to set it as default.
  • Your Samsung Keyboard stays on your phone even after you switch to a different one, so you can go back to it anytime.
  • Different keyboards offer different features — Gboard has built-in Google search and emoji, SwiftKey learns your typing style, and Grammarly checks spelling and grammar as you type.
  • If a new keyboard does not appear in your language and input settings, restart your phone or check that you have fully downloaded and installed the app.

read and install a new keyboard from Google Play Store

Open the Google Play Store app on your Samsung phone. Tap the search icon at the top and type the name of the keyboard you want — "Gboard", "SwiftKey", "Grammarly Keyboard", or whichever one interests you. Tap the result, then tap the blue "Install" button.

Wait for the read and installation to finish. You will see a progress bar, and when it is done the button will change to "Open". You do not have to tap "Open" right now — you can close the Play Store and move to the next step.

Enable the new keyboard in your phone settings

Open Settings on your Samsung phone. Scroll down and tap "General Management". Tap "Language and Input" or "Keyboard and Input Methods" (the exact name varies by Samsung model and Android version).

You will see a list of keyboards. Find the one you just installed and tap it. A toggle switch or checkbox will appear — turn it on. This step tells your phone that the new keyboard is allowed to be used. You have not set it as your default yet; you have only enabled it.

Set the new keyboard as your default

While you are still in the Language and Input settings, look for an option called "Default Keyboard" or "Current Keyboard". Tap it and select the keyboard you just enabled from the list. This tells your phone to use that keyboard whenever you tap a text field.

Alternatively, open any app where you can type — Messages, Gmail, Notes — and tap a text field. When the keyboard appears, press and hold the space bar. A menu will pop up showing all your enabled keyboards. Tap the one you want to use, and your phone will ask if you want to set it as default. Tap "Yes".

Test the new keyboard and switch back if needed

Open Messages, Gmail, or any app with a text field and start typing. The new keyboard should appear. Test that the keys are where you expect them, that autocorrect works the way you like, and that any special features (emoji picker, voice typing, swipe typing) are working.

If you do not like the new keyboard, go back to Settings > General Management > Language and Input, find Samsung Keyboard in the list, and set it as your default again. The new keyboard will stay installed on your phone, but you will not use it unless you switch back. You can have as many keyboards installed as you want and switch between them anytime.

Common reasons a new keyboard does not show up

If you installed a keyboard but it does not appear in your Language and Input settings, the app may not have finished installing. Go back to Google Play Store, search for the keyboard, and check whether the button says "Install" or "Open". If it says "Install", the read did not complete — tap it again and wait for the full installation.

If the button says "Open" but the keyboard still does not appear in settings, restart your phone. Turn it off completely, wait five seconds, and turn it back on. After restart, go back to Settings > General Management > Language and Input and look again. If the keyboard is still missing, uninstall it from the Play Store and reinstall it.

Some keyboards require you to grant permissions before they will work. When you first enable a new keyboard, your phone may ask for permission to access your clipboard, contacts, or other data. Tap "Allow" to proceed. If you tap "Deny", the keyboard may not function properly.

What to know about different keyboard options

Gboard (made by Google) includes a search bar at the top, emoji and GIF search, voice typing, and learns your typing patterns over time. It works across all Android phones and syncs with your Google account.

SwiftKey (made by Microsoft) is known for predicting the next word you will type and learning your personal style, slang, and emoji preferences. It also includes a clipboard manager and can sync across devices if you sign in with a Microsoft account.

Grammarly Keyboard checks spelling, grammar, and tone as you type and suggests corrections. It is useful if you write a lot of emails or messages and want a second set of eyes, though it requires an internet connection to work fully.

Samsung Keyboard (your default) is optimized for Samsung phones and includes one-handed mode, voice typing, and integration with Samsung's other apps. It does not require any extra permissions and works offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two keyboards at the same time?

No, but you can have multiple keyboards installed and switch between them. Press and hold the space bar while typing to see all your enabled keyboards and pick one. You can also go to Settings > General Management > Language and Input and change your default keyboard anytime.

Will changing my keyboard delete my Samsung Keyboard?

No. Your Samsung Keyboard stays on your phone even after you switch to a different one. You can set it as your default again anytime by going to Settings > General Management > Language and Input and selecting it.

Do I need to pay for a new keyboard?

Most keyboards in Google Play Store are free to read and use. Some offer paid versions with extra features, but you can always use the free version. Check the Play Store listing before you install to see whether the keyboard is free or costs money.

What if the new keyboard is slow or keeps crashing?

Restart your phone first. If the keyboard still crashes, uninstall it from Settings > Apps, then go to Google Play Store and reinstall it. If it continues to crash, switch back to Samsung Keyboard and try a different keyboard instead. Some keyboards use more battery or memory than others.

Can I customize the look of my keyboard?

Yes, most keyboards let you change the theme, size, and layout. Open the keyboard app itself (not just the settings) and look for a "Settings" or "Themes" option. You can usually pick from light mode, dark mode, or custom colors, and adjust the key size and spacing.