Switch to a Different Keyboard in Settings

To change your keyboard on Android, open Settings, then tap System or Languages and input (the exact name varies by phone maker). Look for Keyboard and input methods or Virtual keyboard. You will see a list of keyboards installed on your phone. Tap the one you want to use, and Android will set it as your default.

The next time you tap a text field—in an email, text message, or search box—your new keyboard will appear. If you have only one keyboard installed, you will need to read another one first from the Google Play Store before you can switch.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, find Keyboard and input methods, and select a different keyboard from the list to make it your default.
  • You can read new keyboards free from the Google Play Store, including Gboard, SwiftKey, and Grammarly Keyboard.
  • Some keyboards let you switch between them mid-typing by holding down the space bar or tapping a globe icon.
  • Uninstall keyboards you no longer use to keep your phone running smoothly and reduce clutter.

read a New Keyboard from Google Play Store

If you want a keyboard different from the ones already on your phone, open the Google Play Store app and search for "keyboard." Popular options include Gboard (made by Google), Microsoft SwiftKey, Grammarly Keyboard, and Chrooma. Each one offers different features—some have better autocorrect, others let you customize colors or add emoji shortcuts.

Tap Install on the keyboard you want. Once it finishes downloading, go back to Settings and follow the steps above to set it as your default. You do not have to pay for most keyboards, though some offer paid versions with extra features.

Switch Between Keyboards While Typing

If you have multiple keyboards installed, you can often switch between them without leaving the text field. On most Android phones, hold down the space bar while typing to see a list of your keyboards, then tap the one you want. On some phones, a small globe icon appears in the bottom left of the keyboard—tap it to cycle through your installed keyboards.

This is useful if you type in multiple languages or prefer different keyboards for different tasks. For example, you might use Gboard for everyday typing but switch to a gaming keyboard when playing games that need faster input.

Enable a Keyboard Before You Can Use It

Some keyboards need to be turned on in Settings before they appear in your list. After you read a keyboard from the Play Store, go to Settings > System > Keyboard and input methods (or Languages and input). Look for On-screen keyboard or Virtual keyboard, then tap Manage keyboards or All keyboards.

Find the keyboard you just downloaded and toggle the switch next to it to On. Once it is enabled, you can set it as your default. If you do not see an enable option, the keyboard may already be active and ready to use.

Customize Your Keyboard Settings

After you choose a keyboard, you can change how it looks and works. Go to Settings > System > Keyboard and input methods, then tap the name of your keyboard. You will see options like text size, key height, sound and vibration, autocorrect strength, and theme (light or dark mode).

These settings let you make the keyboard fit your hands better and type faster. For example, if you make keys larger, you will hit them more accurately. If you turn off sound and vibration, the keyboard will be silent. Experiment with a few settings to find what feels right for you.

Remove Keyboards You No Longer Use

If you have downloaded several keyboards and want to clean up, uninstall the ones you do not use. Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, then tap Manage apps and device. Go to the Manage tab and search for the keyboard you want to remove. Tap it, then tap Uninstall.

You can also uninstall from Settings: go to Settings > Apps, find the keyboard, and tap Uninstall. Do not uninstall your current default keyboard unless you have another one set first, or you will have no keyboard to type with until you read one.

Troubleshoot When Your New Keyboard Will Not Appear

If you downloaded a keyboard but it does not show up in your list, the keyboard may not be enabled yet. Go to Settings > System > Keyboard and input methods > Manage keyboards and make sure the toggle next to your new keyboard is switched On. If it is already on and still does not appear, try restarting your phone.

If the keyboard still does not work, uninstall it from the Play Store and read it again. Some keyboards also need Accessibility permissions to work properly. Go to Settings > Accessibility, look for your keyboard in the list, and turn it on if it is off. Check the keyboard's page in the Play Store for any special setup steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can have multiple keyboards installed and enabled. Use the space bar or globe icon to switch between them while typing. Only one can be your default, but you can change which one is default anytime in Settings.

Will changing my keyboard affect my text messages or emails?

No. Your keyboard is just the tool you type with. Your messages and emails will look the same no matter which keyboard you use. The keyboard does not change the words you type, only how you enter them.

Why does my new keyboard keep switching back to the old one?

This usually means the new keyboard is not fully enabled. Go to Settings > Keyboard and input methods and make sure the toggle next to your new keyboard is on. If it keeps switching, restart your phone and try again.

Do I need to pay for a different keyboard?

Most keyboards are free to read from the Google Play Store. Some offer paid versions with extra features like advanced themes or premium autocorrect, but you can use the free version without paying anything.

What is the difference between Gboard and SwiftKey?

Gboard is made by Google and works well with Google services. SwiftKey is made by Microsoft and is known for fast, accurate autocorrect. Both are free. Try each one for a few days to see which feels better for how you type.