Switch to a Different Keyboard in Three Steps

You can change your keyboard on Android by downloading a new keyboard app, enabling it in your settings, and then selecting it when you type. The process takes about two minutes and does not affect any other phone functions. Your original keyboard stays on your phone — you are straightforward choosing which one to use.

Android lets you install multiple keyboards and switch between them whenever you want. You might use one keyboard for work emails and another for texting friends, or you might prefer a keyboard with a different layout, language support, or visual style. The steps are the same regardless of which keyboard you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • read a keyboard app from Google Play Store, then go to Settings > System > Languages and Input to enable it.
  • Once enabled, hold down the space bar or tap the keyboard icon while typing to switch between your installed keyboards.
  • Your phone comes with a default keyboard (usually Gboard), and you can always switch back to it at any time.
  • Different keyboards offer different features — some focus on speed, others on customization, and some add emoji or GIF support.
  • Disabling a keyboard you no longer use frees up phone storage but does not delete it permanently.

read a Keyboard App from Google Play Store

Open Google Play Store on your Android phone and search for a keyboard by name. Popular options include Gboard (Google's default), SwiftKey, Grammarly Keyboard, and Fleksy. Read the reviews and check the read count to see what other users think. Tap Install and wait for the read to finish.

You do not need to pay for most keyboards — they are free to read. Some offer paid versions with extra features like themes or advanced autocorrect, but the basic version works for typing. Once the app finishes installing, you will see an Open button instead of Install.

Enable the Keyboard in Your Phone Settings

Go to Settings on your Android phone. Tap System, then Languages and Input (the exact name varies slightly by phone brand — Samsung calls it General Management, for example). Look for On-Screen Keyboard or Virtual Keyboard.

Tap the keyboard you just downloaded from the list. You will see a toggle switch next to it — turn the switch on to enable it. This tells your phone that the keyboard is ready to use. You may see a popup warning that the keyboard can access everything you type; this is normal and applies to any keyboard app. Tap OK or Enable to confirm.

Switch to Your New Keyboard When You Type

Open any app where you type — Messages, Gmail, Notes, or a search box. Tap in the text field to bring up the keyboard. Look for a keyboard icon (usually at the bottom right of the keyboard) or hold down the space bar. A menu will appear showing all your enabled keyboards. Tap the one you want to use.

Your phone will remember which keyboard you last used in that app, so you may not have to switch every time. If you want to change keyboards again, use the same method — tap the keyboard icon or hold the space bar and pick a different one from the list.

Customize Your Keyboard Settings

Each keyboard app has its own settings. Open the keyboard app itself (not just the settings menu) to find options for text size, key layout, sound, vibration, themes, and language. Some keyboards let you change the key shape, add a number row, or turn on autocorrect. Tap into the app and look for a Settings gear icon.

You can also change keyboard settings from your phone's main Settings menu. Go back to Settings > System > Languages and Input, find your keyboard in the list, and tap the gear icon next to it. This usually opens keyboard-specific options without having to open the app itself.

Remove or Disable Keyboards You Do Not Use

If you install a keyboard and decide you do not like it, you can disable it or uninstall it completely. To disable it without removing it, go to Settings > System > Languages and Input, find the keyboard in the list, and turn off the toggle switch. The app stays on your phone but will not appear in your keyboard menu.

To fully remove a keyboard, open Google Play Store, search for the keyboard app, and tap Uninstall. This removes the app from your phone entirely and frees up storage space. You can always reinstall it later if you change your mind. Disabling is useful if you want to keep the app but do not want to see it in your keyboard list.

Troubleshooting Common Keyboard Problems

If your new keyboard does not appear in the keyboard menu after you enable it, restart your phone. Sometimes Android needs a moment to register the change. Go to Settings > System > Languages and Input and check that the toggle is actually on — it should be blue or green, not gray.

If the keyboard keeps switching back to your old one, check your app settings. Some apps (like banking apps) force a specific keyboard for security reasons. You can also try clearing the cache of the keyboard app: go to Settings > Apps, find the keyboard, tap Storage, and tap Clear Cache. If the keyboard still does not work, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh from Google Play Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use more than one keyboard at the same time?

Yes. You can enable as many keyboards as you want in your settings, and they will all appear in your keyboard menu when you type. Switch between them by tapping the keyboard icon or holding the space bar. You can have five keyboards enabled and pick whichever one you want for each message or email.

Will changing my keyboard delete my messages or contacts?

No. Changing your keyboard only affects how you type — it does not touch your messages, contacts, photos, or any other data on your phone. Your old keyboard stays installed unless you uninstall it, so you can switch back anytime.

What is the difference between disabling and uninstalling a keyboard?

Disabling a keyboard turns it off so it does not show up in your keyboard menu, but the app stays on your phone and takes up storage space. Uninstalling removes the app completely. If you think you might use the keyboard again, disable it. If you are sure you do not want it, uninstall it to free up space.

Why does my new keyboard feel slow or laggy?

Some keyboards use more phone resources than others, especially if they have lots of animations or themes. Try turning off autocorrect, animations, or sound in the keyboard settings to speed it up. If it is still slow, the keyboard may not be optimized for your phone — try a different one. Gboard and SwiftKey are usually the fastest options.

Can I change the keyboard language without changing the keyboard app?

Yes. Most keyboards let you add multiple languages in their settings. Open the keyboard app, go to Languages, and tap Add Language. Then when you type, you can swipe or tap a language button to switch between them. This is faster than switching keyboard apps if you type in multiple languages.