The fastest way to switch keyboards on Samsung

You can change your keyboard on Samsung devices by going to Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default, then turning on a different keyboard and setting it as your default. The exact path varies slightly by Samsung model and Android version, but this route works on most Samsung phones and tablets made in the last five years.

Samsung devices come with Samsung Keyboard pre-installed, but you can also read other keyboards from the Google Play Store—including Gboard (Google's keyboard), SwiftKey, or Grammarly—and switch between them whenever you want. Once you've installed a new keyboard, you only need to set it as default once; after that, it will be your primary keyboard until you change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, find General management, then Keyboard list and default to see all keyboards installed on your device.
  • You can read new keyboards from the Google Play Store and enable them before setting one as your default.
  • Switching between keyboards after you've set them up takes just two taps—press and hold the space bar, or use the keyboard switcher icon.
  • If you can't find Keyboard list and default, search for "keyboard" in Settings instead, which works across all Samsung versions.

Finding the keyboard settings on your Samsung device

The location of keyboard settings depends on your Samsung model and Android version. On most recent Samsung phones, open Settings, scroll down to General management, and tap Keyboard list and default. You'll see a list of all keyboards currently installed on your device, with a radio button next to the one that's currently active.

If you don't see General management, try searching instead: open Settings, tap the search icon at the top, and type "keyboard." This search method works on nearly all Samsung devices and takes you directly to the keyboard settings page without needing to navigate through menus. Once you're in the keyboard settings, you can enable new keyboards or change which one is set as default.

Enabling a keyboard you already have installed

When you open Keyboard list and default, you'll see a toggle switch next to each keyboard. If a keyboard is already installed but not active, its toggle will be off. Tap the toggle to turn it on—the keyboard is now enabled and ready to use, though it won't become your default keyboard yet.

Some keyboards come pre-installed on Samsung devices (like Samsung Keyboard and Google Gboard), while others you've downloaded from the Play Store will appear in this list once they're installed. Enabling a keyboard doesn't change which one you're currently typing with; it just makes that keyboard available to switch to.

Setting a keyboard as your default

After you've enabled a keyboard, you need to set it as your default—the one that appears automatically when you tap a text field. In the Keyboard list and default menu, look for the keyboard you want to use and tap on it (not the toggle, but the keyboard name itself). A radio button or checkmark will appear next to it, showing it's now your default keyboard.

From this point forward, whenever you open an email, text message, search bar, or any other text field, this keyboard will appear. You don't need to repeat this step unless you want to switch to a different default keyboard later.

Downloading and installing a new keyboard from Google Play Store

If you want to use a keyboard that isn't already on your device, open the Google Play Store app and search for the keyboard you want—Gboard, SwiftKey, and Grammarly are popular choices. Tap the keyboard name, then tap Install. The read usually takes less than a minute.

Once installation is complete, the Play Store will show an Open button. You don't need to tap it; instead, go back to Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default. Your newly installed keyboard will now appear in the list. Enable it by tapping the toggle, then set it as default by tapping the keyboard name itself.

Switching between keyboards while typing

Once you've set up multiple keyboards, you can switch between them without going back to Settings. The easiest method is to press and hold the space bar while you're typing—a menu will pop up showing all your enabled keyboards. Tap the one you want to use, and it becomes active when ready for that text field and all future ones until you switch again.

Some keyboards also show a keyboard switcher icon (usually a small globe or arrow) at the bottom left or right of the keyboard itself. Tapping this icon cycles through your enabled keyboards one at a time. Not all keyboards display this icon, so the space bar method is more reliable if you're unsure.

Removing or disabling keyboards you don't use

If you've installed keyboards you no longer want, you can disable them in Keyboard list and default by tapping the toggle next to their name. Disabling a keyboard keeps it installed but removes it from your keyboard switcher menu and prevents it from appearing when you type.

To completely remove a keyboard from your device, open the Google Play Store, search for the keyboard, and tap Uninstall. Once uninstalled, it will no longer appear in your keyboard list. You can always reinstall it later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find Keyboard list and default in my Settings?

The menu location varies by Samsung model and Android version. Try using the Settings search function instead: open Settings, tap the search icon, and type "keyboard." This takes you directly to the keyboard settings regardless of your device model. If search doesn't work, restart your phone and try again.

Can I use multiple keyboards at the same time?

Yes. You can enable as many keyboards as you want in Keyboard list and default, and switch between them by holding the space bar or tapping the keyboard switcher icon. Only one can be your default, but you can change which one is default anytime you want.

What happens to my text if I switch keyboards mid-message?

Your text stays exactly as it is. Switching keyboards only changes which keyboard appears next—it doesn't delete or alter anything you've already typed. You can switch keyboards as many times as you want within a single message.

Do I need to pay for keyboards from the Play Store?

Most popular keyboards like Gboard and SwiftKey are free to read and use. Some keyboards offer paid versions with extra features, but you can always use the free version. Check the Play Store listing before you install to see if a keyboard costs money.

Will changing my keyboard affect my autocorrect or predictive text?

Yes. Each keyboard has its own autocorrect, predictive text, and language settings. When you switch keyboards, you're also switching to that keyboard's text prediction system. You can customize these settings for each keyboard separately in the keyboard's own settings menu.