You can change your iPhone keyboard in Settings by adding a new keyboard language or switching to a third-party keyboard app

Your iPhone comes with one keyboard language installed by default, but you can add others and switch between them while typing. The built-in method takes about two minutes and works on all iPhone models. If you want a completely different keyboard experience—like swipe typing or a custom layout—you can read a third-party keyboard app from the App Store instead.

Both methods are free. The choice depends on whether you need a different language, a different way of typing, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap General, then Keyboard to add a new keyboard language without downloading anything.
  • Once you add a keyboard, a globe icon appears on your keyboard while typing—tap it to switch between languages when ready.
  • Third-party keyboard apps like Gboard or SwiftKey offer features like swipe typing and custom themes that the built-in keyboard does not have.
  • Third-party keyboards require permission to access your typing in Settings > Apps > Keyboard > Full Access before they work.
  • You can have multiple keyboards active at once and switch between them mid-sentence.

Adding a New Keyboard Language Through Settings

This is the fastest way to add a second language keyboard. Open the Settings app on your home screen, then tap General. Scroll down and tap Keyboard. You will see a section labeled Keyboards with your current keyboard listed. Tap Add New Keyboard.

A list of available languages appears. Scroll through and tap the language you want—for example, Spanish, French, or Japanese. Some languages have multiple regional versions (like English US, English UK, English Australia). Tap the specific version you prefer. The keyboard is now added to your list and ready to use.

When you open any text field and start typing, a globe icon appears at the bottom left of the keyboard, next to the space bar. Tap the globe to cycle through your active keyboards. Each tap switches to the next language. The keyboard layout and language change when ready.

Downloading a Third-Party Keyboard App

If you want features the built-in keyboard does not offer—like swipe typing, voice dictation with better accuracy, or a completely different layout—read a third-party keyboard from the App Store. Popular options include Gboard (Google's keyboard), Microsoft SwiftKey, and Grammarly Keyboard. Search for the keyboard name in the App Store, tap Get, then Install.

After installation, the app opens. Tap Enable Keyboard or Add Keyboard (the exact wording varies by app). You will be sent to Settings automatically. Tap Keyboards under the app name, then toggle the switch next to the keyboard to turn it on. The keyboard is now available to use.

The first time you use a third-party keyboard, iOS asks for permission to access your typing. This is required for the keyboard to work. Tap Allow Full Access when prompted. Without this permission, the keyboard cannot function.

Switching Between Keyboards While Typing

Once you have multiple keyboards active, switching between them is straightforward. When you tap into any text field—an email, a text message, a search box—the keyboard appears. Look for the globe icon at the bottom left, next to the space bar. Tap it once to switch to your next keyboard. Tap it again to cycle to the next one. Keep tapping until you reach the keyboard you want.

If you have only two keyboards, one tap switches between them. If you have three or more, you cycle through them in the order they appear in your Keyboard settings. You can rearrange this order by going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, then tapping Edit and dragging keyboards up or down.

Removing a Keyboard You No Longer Use

If you added a keyboard and no longer need it, remove it to clean up your list. Open Settings, tap General, then Keyboard. Under Keyboards, tap Edit. A red minus icon appears next to each keyboard. Tap the minus icon next to the keyboard you want to remove, then tap Delete. Tap Done when finished.

If you remove all keyboards except one, the globe icon disappears from your keyboard while typing, since there is nothing to switch to. You can always add keyboards back later using the same method.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

If the globe icon does not appear, you likely have only one keyboard active. Add a second keyboard through Settings > General > Keyboard > Add New Keyboard, and the globe will reappear.

If a third-party keyboard is installed but not working, check that Full Access is enabled. Go to Settings, scroll down to find the keyboard app name, tap it, then tap Keyboard. Make sure the toggle next to the keyboard name is on. Then go to Settings > Privacy > Full Access and confirm the keyboard app is listed and toggled on. Without Full Access, third-party keyboards cannot function.

If you cannot find a language you need, some languages are not available in all regions. Check the App Store for specialized keyboards—for example, keyboards designed for less common languages or scripts. You can also install multiple third-party keyboards if one offers a language the built-in option does not.

Customizing Keyboard Settings

Beyond adding keyboards, you can adjust how your keyboard behaves. In Settings > General > Keyboard, you will find toggles for Auto-Capitalization, Auto-Correction, and Check Spelling. Turn any of these off if they interfere with your typing.

You can also enable Predictive Text, which shows word suggestions above the keyboard as you type. This works across all languages and keyboards. Some people find it helpful; others turn it off to reduce distractions. The choice is yours.

Third-party keyboards often have their own settings. After installing one, open the app itself (not just Settings) to find options for themes, sound, gesture controls, and language-specific features. These settings vary widely depending on which keyboard you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can add as many keyboards as you want in Settings > General > Keyboard > Add New Keyboard. The globe icon lets you switch between them while typing. You can also mix built-in keyboards with third-party apps—for example, use the built-in Spanish keyboard and Gboard in the same text field.

Do third-party keyboards cost money?

Most popular third-party keyboards are free to read from the App Store. Some offer in-app purchases for extra themes or features, but the core keyboard works without paying. Check the App Store listing before downloading to see if there are costs.

Will changing my keyboard affect my autocorrect or spell-check?

Built-in keyboards use the same autocorrect and spell-check across all languages. Third-party keyboards have their own autocorrect systems, which may work differently. You can turn autocorrect off in Settings > General > Keyboard if you prefer to type without suggestions.

What happens if I delete a keyboard and then want it back?

You can add it again anytime. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Add New Keyboard and select the language or read the app again. Your typing history and preferences are not affected.

Can I set a default keyboard so I do not have to switch every time?

iOS does not have a default keyboard setting. The keyboard you used last is the one that appears when you next open a text field. To use a specific keyboard consistently, tap the globe to switch to it, and it will be the default until you switch again.