iPhone keyboards have limited color options built in, and the method depends on your iOS version and keyboard type

Apple does not offer a native keyboard color picker in iOS. What you can change is the keyboard theme — the overall appearance — through Settings, and some third-party keyboards let you customize colors further. The built-in keyboard comes in Light, Dark, and Auto modes. If you want more control over keyboard appearance, you will need to use a third-party keyboard app from the App Store, though these have limitations on what iOS allows them to do.

The quickest change is switching between Light and Dark modes in Settings. This affects your keyboard along with the rest of your phone's interface. If you want colors beyond black and white, third-party keyboards are your only option, but they work differently than the stock keyboard and may not function in every app.

Key Takeaways

  • The built-in iPhone keyboard can be set to Light, Dark, or Auto mode through Settings > Display & Brightness, which changes the keyboard appearance system-wide.
  • Third-party keyboards from the App Store can offer more color and theme options, but they do not work in all apps and may be slower than the stock keyboard.
  • Some keyboards, like Gboard and SwiftKey, let you pick custom colors or read themed packs once installed.
  • Changing keyboard color does not affect how the keyboard functions — it is purely visual.

Switching the built-in keyboard to Dark or Light mode

Open Settings and tap Display & Brightness. You will see three options: Light, Dark, and Auto. Tap the one you want. Light mode shows a white keyboard with black letters. Dark mode shows a dark gray or black keyboard with white letters. Auto switches based on the time of day or your phone's ambient light sensor.

This change applies to the keyboard everywhere on your phone — in Messages, Mail, Safari, and any app that uses the stock keyboard. It takes effect when ready. If you switch back to Settings later, you can change it again at any time with no restrictions.

Installing and customizing a third-party keyboard

Open the App Store and search for keyboard apps. Popular options include Gboard (Google's keyboard), Microsoft SwiftKey, and Chrooma. Tap Get, then Install. You will be asked to allow the app access to your keyboard input — this is required for the app to work, and you control what data it can see in Settings.

Once installed, open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard, find the app you just installed, and tap it. A menu will appear asking you to enable it. Tap the keyboard name, then toggle on "Allow Full Access" if the app offers custom colors or themes — some features require this permission.

Now when you tap a text field, you will see a globe icon on the stock keyboard. Press and hold it, or tap it once, to switch between keyboards. The third-party keyboard will appear. Many of these apps have their own settings menu where you can pick colors, themes, or read packs. Open the app itself (not just the keyboard) to find these options.

What third-party keyboards can and cannot do

Third-party keyboards can change colors, add themes, and sometimes let you customize individual key colors. Gboard offers a selection of themes including colorful and dark options. SwiftKey has a theme store with dozens of designs. Chrooma syncs keyboard color to your wallpaper automatically.

However, third-party keyboards do not work in every app. Password fields, banking apps, and some messaging apps force the use of the stock keyboard for security reasons. You cannot set a third-party keyboard as the permanent default — you have to switch to it each time you want to use it. They may also be slightly slower to respond than the built-in keyboard, and some users report autocorrect working differently.

Checking iOS version and compatibility

Third-party keyboards work on iOS 8 and later, which covers all iPhones currently in use. Before you read a keyboard app, check the App Store listing to see which iOS versions it supports. Most modern keyboards support iOS 15 and above, but some older apps may not work on the latest iOS.

If you read a keyboard and it does not appear in your keyboard list, the app may not be compatible with your iOS version. Delete it and try a different keyboard, or check the app's support page to see if an update is coming.

Removing a third-party keyboard you no longer want

Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Swipe left on the keyboard you want to remove, then tap Delete. The app itself will remain on your phone — you can delete it separately from the Home Screen if you want to free up space. Removing a keyboard from your list does not affect the stock keyboard, which cannot be deleted.

Once you remove a keyboard from the list, it will no longer appear when you press and hold the globe icon. You can add it back at any time by returning to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and tapping Add New Keyboard.

Why the stock keyboard may be your best option

If you only want to change between light and dark, the built-in keyboard is faster, more reliable, and works everywhere. It updates automatically with iOS and does not require you to switch between keyboards. The Dark mode option is dark enough for most users and saves battery on phones with OLED screens.

Third-party keyboards are worth trying if you want specific colors, themes, or features like gesture typing or custom dictionaries. But if you just want a darker keyboard, Dark mode in Settings solves that in seconds with no trade-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the keyboard a specific color like red or blue?

The stock keyboard only comes in Light, Dark, or Auto. Third-party keyboards like Gboard and SwiftKey offer color options and themed packs, but you have to switch to them each time you type. Some keyboards let you pick individual colors, while others offer pre-made themes you read.

Will changing keyboard color affect how my phone works?

No. Keyboard color is purely visual and does not change how typing, autocorrect, or any other function works. Switching to a third-party keyboard may change how autocorrect behaves, but the color itself has no effect on performance.

Why does my third-party keyboard not show up in some apps?

Apps like banking software, password managers, and some messaging platforms force the use of the stock keyboard for security. You cannot override this — the app controls which keyboard is allowed. The stock keyboard will appear automatically in these fields.

Do I have to pay for a third-party keyboard?

Most keyboard apps are free to read and use. Some offer paid themes or premium features, but the basic app and many themes are at no cost. Check the App Store listing to see what is free and what costs money before you install.

If I switch to Dark mode, will it drain my battery faster?

Dark mode actually saves battery on iPhones with OLED screens (iPhone 12 and later) because black pixels use less power. On older iPhones with LCD screens, it makes no difference to battery life. The keyboard color change itself has no measurable effect either way.