What You Can Change on Your iPhone Keyboard

You cannot physically swap out the keyboard hardware on an iPhone — the keyboard is built into the screen and cannot be removed or replaced. However, you can change how the keyboard looks and behaves by switching to a different keyboard app, adjusting keyboard settings within iOS, or enabling different language keyboards. The most practical change for most people is installing a third-party keyboard from the App Store, which replaces Apple's default keyboard with one that has different features, layout options, or design.

If you are looking to change the keyboard's appearance or add features like custom themes, autocorrect behavior, or gesture typing, a third-party keyboard is your main option. If you want to type in a different language or use a different layout (like Dvorak or Colemak), you can add those through Settings without installing an app.

Key Takeaways

  • Third-party keyboards from the App Store can replace Apple's default keyboard with alternatives like Gboard, SwiftKey, or Fleksy, each with different features and designs.
  • You can add multiple language keyboards and switch between them by tapping the globe icon, without installing any third-party apps.
  • Third-party keyboards require permission to access your typing data, and you must enable them in Settings before they appear as an option in any text field.
  • Some third-party keyboards offer gesture typing, custom themes, or specialized layouts that the Apple keyboard does not include.
  • You can always switch back to Apple's keyboard at any time by selecting it in Settings or tapping the globe icon while typing.

Installing and Enabling a Third-Party Keyboard

To use a different keyboard app, you first read it from the App Store, then enable it in your iPhone Settings. Open the App Store, search for a keyboard (popular options include Gboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, or Fleksy), and tap Get to read it. The app will ask for permission to access your device — read the warning carefully, as third-party keyboards can see what you type.

After installation, go to Settings, then Keyboard, then Keyboards, and tap Add New Keyboard. Find the keyboard app you just installed and tap it. A screen will appear asking you to allow full access — toggle this on if you want the keyboard to work with autocorrect and other features. Once enabled, the keyboard will appear as an option whenever you tap a text field. You can switch between keyboards by tapping the globe icon on the keyboard itself.

Adding Language Keyboards Without a Third-Party App

If you only want to type in a different language or use a different layout (like Dvorak), you do not need to install anything. Go to Settings, tap Keyboard, then Keyboards, then Add New Keyboard. Scroll through the list of languages and layouts — you can add English (Dvorak), French, Spanish, Japanese, and many others. Each language may have multiple layout options.

Once added, these keyboards appear in your keyboard switcher. Tap the globe icon while typing to cycle through all your active keyboards, or press and hold the globe to see a menu of all available keyboards. You can add as many as you need, and switching between them takes one tap.

Popular Third-Party Keyboard Options and What They Offer

Gboard (Google's keyboard) includes gesture typing, built-in search, emoji suggestions, and the ability to search and insert images directly from the keyboard. It works across iOS and Android if you use both devices.

Microsoft SwiftKey offers predictive text that learns your typing style, theme customization, and support for multiple languages at once. It also syncs your preferences across devices if you use SwiftKey on Android or Windows.

Fleksy is a lightweight keyboard with extensive customization options, including custom themes, gesture controls, and a minimalist design. It is useful if you want a faster, less cluttered typing experience.

Chrooma provides color-changing themes that match your wallpaper, gesture typing, and a focus on visual design. It is a good choice if you want your keyboard to look different from the default.

Switching Back to Apple's Keyboard

If you install a third-party keyboard and later want to go back to Apple's default, you can switch at any time. While typing, tap the globe icon and select the Apple keyboard from the list. You do not have to uninstall the third-party app — it straightforward stops being your active keyboard.

If you want to remove the third-party keyboard entirely, go to Settings, Keyboard, Keyboards, and swipe left on the keyboard name, then tap Delete. This removes it from your keyboard list but does not uninstall the app itself. To uninstall the app, go to the App Store, find the app, and tap Remove.

Adjusting Keyboard Settings Without Changing the Keyboard

Before installing a third-party keyboard, you can adjust how Apple's keyboard behaves. Go to Settings, Keyboard, and you will see options for Auto-Capitalization, Auto-Correction, Check Spelling, and Enable Caps Lock. You can turn any of these on or off depending on your preference.

You can also adjust the keyboard size and layout. In Settings, Keyboard, Hardware Keyboard, you can change the layout if you have a physical keyboard connected. For the on-screen keyboard, the size and spacing are fixed, but some third-party keyboards offer adjustable key sizes.

Common Issues When Using Third-Party Keyboards

Third-party keyboards sometimes fail to appear in text fields even after you enable them. If this happens, go back to Settings, Keyboard, Keyboards, and toggle the keyboard off, then back on. Restart your iPhone if the keyboard still does not appear.

Some apps (like banking apps or password managers) do not allow third-party keyboards for security reasons. If a keyboard does not work in a specific app, that app has blocked it intentionally. You will need to use Apple's keyboard in that app.

If a third-party keyboard is slow or causes typing lag, try restarting your iPhone or uninstalling and reinstalling the keyboard app. Older iPhones may experience lag with keyboards that use heavy animations or themes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple third-party keyboards at the same time?

Yes. You can enable as many third-party keyboards as you want in Settings, Keyboard, Keyboards. Tap the globe icon while typing to switch between them. Most people use two or three at most, since switching becomes slower with more options.

Do third-party keyboards steal my passwords or personal data?

Third-party keyboards can see everything you type, including passwords, if you enable full access. Only enable full access for keyboards from companies you trust. If you do not enable full access, the keyboard will not work with autocorrect or predictive text. You can always disable full access in Settings if you change your mind.

Why does my third-party keyboard not work in certain apps?

Some apps (banking apps, password managers, and security-focused apps) block third-party keyboards by design. This is a security feature and cannot be overridden. You will need to use Apple's keyboard in those apps.

Can I customize the appearance of Apple's keyboard?

Apple's keyboard appearance is fixed — you cannot change its colors, size, or layout on the on-screen keyboard. If you want a customizable keyboard, you will need to install a third-party option like Chrooma or Fleksy.

What happens to my keyboard settings if I update iOS?

Your keyboard settings and enabled keyboards are preserved during iOS updates. Third-party keyboards may need to be updated separately through the App Store after a major iOS update, but they will not be removed automatically.