iPhone does not let you change the keyboard color itself, but you can change how your entire screen looks, which changes the keyboard appearance along with it.
Apple's built-in keyboard on iPhone comes in two colors: light gray on a white background (Light mode) or dark gray on a black background (Dark mode). You cannot pick a custom color for the keyboard alone. What you can do is switch between Light and Dark mode, use a custom wallpaper that makes the keyboard stand out differently, or switch to a third-party keyboard app that offers color options.
The fastest change is switching to Dark mode if you are in Light mode, or vice versa. This happens in Settings and takes 30 seconds. If you want more control over keyboard appearance, a third-party keyboard from the App Store gives you actual color choices — though these keyboards replace Apple's keyboard entirely and work across all your apps.
Key Takeaways
- Dark mode and Light mode are the only built-in ways to change how the Apple keyboard looks, and you control this in Settings under Display & Brightness.
- Third-party keyboards like Gboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, and Chrooma offer custom colors, themes, and designs that replace the standard Apple keyboard.
- A custom wallpaper does not change the keyboard color but can make the keyboard appear more or less visible depending on the background behind it.
- Third-party keyboards work in most apps but may not work in password fields, banking apps, or other security-sensitive areas for privacy reasons.
Switching Between Light Mode and Dark Mode
Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap Display & Brightness. You will see three options: Light, Dark, and Automatic. Tap Dark to switch to dark mode when ready. The keyboard will change from light gray to dark gray, and the background behind it will turn black.
If you choose Automatic, your iPhone will switch between Light and Dark mode based on the time of day or your sunset and sunrise times. This means the keyboard color will change automatically in the evening and switch back in the morning. To set a schedule, tap Options at the bottom of the Display & Brightness screen and choose Scheduled, then set your preferred times.
This is the simplest change and affects your entire phone, not just the keyboard. Everything — apps, menus, text — will switch to the opposite mode.
Using Third-Party Keyboards for Custom Colors
Third-party keyboards give you actual color control. Popular options include Gboard (Google's keyboard), Microsoft SwiftKey, Chrooma, and Fleksy. Each one offers different color themes, some with gradients, neon effects, or solid colors you choose yourself.
To install a third-party keyboard, open the App Store and search for the keyboard name. read it, then open Settings, tap General, then Keyboard, then Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard, find the keyboard you just downloaded, and tap it. A toggle will appear — turn it on. Then go back and tap the keyboard name again, tap Allow Full Access, and confirm. This permission lets the keyboard work across all your apps.
Once installed, when you tap a text field, a globe icon will appear on the keyboard. Press and hold it to switch between your keyboards. The third-party keyboard will stay active until you switch back to Apple's keyboard.
What Third-Party Keyboards Can and Cannot Do
Third-party keyboards work in most places: email, messages, notes, web browsers, and social media apps. They do not work in password fields, banking apps, or other apps that Apple restricts for security. When you tap a password field, your iPhone will automatically switch back to Apple's keyboard, even if you had a third-party keyboard active.
This restriction exists because third-party keyboards have permission to record what you type (if you grant Full Access), so Apple blocks them from sensitive areas. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can revoke Full Access in Settings — the keyboard will still work, but it will have fewer features.
Wallpaper and How It Affects Keyboard Appearance
Your wallpaper does not change the keyboard color, but it can make the keyboard appear lighter or darker depending on what is behind it. If you set a very dark wallpaper, the light gray keyboard may stand out more. If you set a very light wallpaper, the dark keyboard in Dark mode may stand out more.
To change your wallpaper, open Settings, tap Wallpaper, then tap Customize. You can choose from Apple's built-in wallpapers, your photo library, or a solid color. The keyboard will sit on top of whatever you choose, so a busy or colorful background may make the keyboard harder to see.
Comparing Built-In and Third-Party Keyboard Options
| Option | Color Choices | Works Everywhere | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Mode | Light gray only | Yes | 30 seconds |
| Dark Mode | Dark gray only | Yes | 30 seconds |
| Gboard | 20+ themes and custom colors | No (not in passwords) | 2–3 minutes |
| Microsoft SwiftKey | Dozens of themes | No (not in passwords) | 2–3 minutes |
| Chrooma | Custom color picker | No (not in passwords) | 2–3 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Apple keyboard a specific color like blue or red?
No. Apple's keyboard only comes in light gray or dark gray. To get a colored keyboard, you must read a third-party keyboard app from the App Store. Gboard, SwiftKey, and Chrooma all offer color options.
Will a third-party keyboard slow down my iPhone?
No. Third-party keyboards run smoothly on modern iPhones. You may notice a tiny delay the first time you open a third-party keyboard in a new app, but this is normal and usually unnoticeable after that.
Do I have to give a third-party keyboard permission to see everything I type?
You do not have to. When you install a third-party keyboard, you will be asked to allow Full Access. You can say no, and the keyboard will still work in most places — it just will not have all its features. Password fields will always use Apple's keyboard regardless.
If I switch to Dark mode, will it drain my battery faster?
On iPhones with OLED screens (iPhone 12 and newer), Dark mode uses slightly less battery because black pixels use less power than white ones. On older iPhones with LCD screens, there is no battery difference between Light and Dark mode.
Can I use different keyboards in different apps?
No. Whichever keyboard you have active will be the one that appears in all apps (except password fields, which always use Apple's keyboard). You can switch between keyboards by pressing the globe icon, but you cannot set a specific keyboard for a specific app.