Yes, you can change your iPhone keyboard in two ways
You can change your iPhone keyboard by switching to a different built-in keyboard layout (like QWERTY to Dvorak) or by downloading a third-party keyboard app from the App Store. Apple's built-in keyboards are faster and more reliable because they have full system access. Third-party keyboards work in most apps but have limitations — they cannot access your passwords, and some apps block them entirely.
The method you choose depends on what you want to change. If you just need a different letter arrangement or language, use Apple's built-in option. If you want a completely different design, autocorrect style, or specialized keys (like for coding or another language), a third-party app is your only choice.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's built-in keyboards let you switch between QWERTY, AZERTY, Dvorak, and dozens of language layouts without downloading anything.
- Third-party keyboard apps from the App Store offer custom designs and features but cannot access passwords or work in all apps.
- To enable a third-party keyboard, read the app, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Add New Keyboard, and toggle Allow Full Access if you want it to work everywhere.
- You switch between keyboards by holding the space bar or tapping the globe icon on the keyboard itself.
- Some apps like banking and password managers block third-party keyboards for security reasons.
How to add and switch between Apple's built-in keyboards
Open Settings, tap General, then Keyboard, then Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard and scroll through the list. Apple includes QWERTY, AZERTY, Dvorak, Colemak, and layouts for dozens of languages and regions. Select the one you want and tap it to add it to your keyboard list.
Once you have added a second keyboard, a globe icon appears on your keyboard's space bar. Tap it to cycle through your keyboards, or hold it down to see all available options and pick one. You can add as many keyboards as you want — the globe icon will cycle through all of them in the order you added them.
To remove a keyboard you no longer use, go back to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Edit, tap the red minus icon next to the keyboard name, and tap Delete.
How to read and enable a third-party keyboard app
Open the App Store and search for a keyboard app. Popular options include Gboard (Google's keyboard), SwiftKey, Fleksy, and Chrooma. Read the reviews and screenshots carefully — keyboard apps vary widely in design, autocorrect behavior, and what data they collect. read the one you want.
After installation, the app opens and asks you to enable it. You can also enable it manually: go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Add New Keyboard, find the app name in the list, and tap it. A toggle for "Allow Full Access" appears. If you turn this on, the keyboard can work in password fields and send data to the app's servers. If you leave it off, the keyboard works in most apps but not in banking apps, password managers, or other security-sensitive fields.
Once enabled, the new keyboard appears in your keyboard list. Switch to it using the globe icon on any keyboard, just as you would with Apple's built-in options.
What third-party keyboards can and cannot do
Third-party keyboards can offer custom themes, different autocorrect algorithms, gesture typing, emoji shortcuts, and specialized keys for coding or other languages. Some let you customize the layout entirely. They work in email, messaging, web browsers, and most note-taking apps.
They cannot access your passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data stored in your phone — iOS blocks them from password fields unless you explicitly turn on Allow Full Access, and even then, many banking and security apps refuse to let third-party keyboards work. They also cannot access your contacts, location, or photos unless you grant permission in the app's own settings. Some apps, including Apple's own Mail and Notes, may block third-party keyboards even with full access enabled.
Comparing built-in keyboards to third-party apps
| Feature | Apple Built-In Keyboards | Third-Party Keyboard Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Work in password fields | Yes, always | Only if you enable Allow Full Access; some apps still block them |
| Custom design and themes | Limited — basic color options only | Extensive — many apps offer dozens of themes |
| Gesture typing | No | Yes, in most apps |
| Autocorrect customization | Limited to Apple's system settings | Yes, many apps let you adjust aggressiveness |
| Speed and reliability | Fastest; no lag | Slightly slower; occasional lag in some apps |
| Privacy concerns | None — data stays on your phone | Depends on the app; read the privacy policy |
Troubleshooting: keyboard not appearing or not working
If you added a keyboard but do not see the globe icon, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button and volume button together, slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then hold power again until the Apple logo appears. This fixes most keyboard glitches.
If a third-party keyboard is slow or keeps crashing, try disabling Allow Full Access and see if that helps. Some keyboards are poorly optimized and perform better with limited access. If it still crashes, delete the app and try a different keyboard. If the keyboard works in some apps but not others, the app itself is blocking it — this is normal for banking, password managers, and Apple's own apps.
If you cannot find the Add New Keyboard option, make sure you are in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, not just Settings > General > Keyboard. The Keyboards submenu is where you add and remove keyboards.
Which third-party keyboards are worth downloading
Gboard is the most popular choice because it includes Google Search, translation, and emoji search built in, and it syncs your custom dictionary across devices if you use Android elsewhere. SwiftKey is known for accurate prediction and learns your typing style over time. Fleksy focuses on speed and customization. Chrooma offers extensive theming and gesture typing.
All of these are free, though some offer paid upgrades for extra themes or features. Before committing to one, try it for a few days. Keyboard preference is personal — what feels fast to one person feels clunky to another. Read recent reviews in the App Store, because keyboard apps are updated frequently and older reviews may not reflect the current version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a third-party keyboard in iMessage?
Yes, if you have enabled Allow Full Access. If you have not, the keyboard will not appear in iMessage. Some users report that third-party keyboards occasionally revert to Apple's keyboard in iMessage even with full access enabled — if this happens, try disabling and re-enabling the keyboard in Settings.
Will changing my keyboard affect autocorrect or spell-check?
Apple's built-in keyboards use the same autocorrect and spell-check system regardless of layout. Third-party keyboards have their own autocorrect, which may be more or less aggressive than Apple's. You can usually adjust this in the keyboard app's settings.
Can I use multiple third-party keyboards at the same time?
Yes. You can add as many third-party keyboards as you want, and they will all appear in your keyboard list. Use the globe icon to cycle through them, or hold the globe icon to pick one from a menu.
Does using a third-party keyboard drain my battery faster?
Slightly, but not noticeably. Third-party keyboards use a small amount of extra processing power, but the difference is negligible on modern iPhones. If you notice significant battery drain, the keyboard app itself may have a bug — try uninstalling it and trying a different one.
What happens if I delete a third-party keyboard app?
The keyboard is automatically removed from your keyboard list. If it was your active keyboard, your iPhone switches back to Apple's default QWERTY keyboard. No data is lost, and you can reinstall the app later if you change your mind.