iPhone keyboards have limited color options built in, but you can change the appearance through accessibility settings and third-party keyboard apps

Apple's default keyboard on iPhone does not offer a dedicated color picker. Instead, you adjust keyboard appearance through two main routes: the system-wide dark mode and light mode settings, or by installing a third-party keyboard app that supports custom colors. The built-in method takes seconds and works when ready. Third-party keyboards give you more control but require you to grant them permission to access your typing.

Most iPhone users see keyboard color change through their device's appearance settings rather than within the keyboard itself. If you use dark mode, your keyboard becomes dark with light text. If you use light mode, the keyboard stays light with dark text. Some third-party keyboards let you pick specific colors—blues, greens, purples, custom gradients—but these apps live separately from your main keyboard and require you to switch to them when you want to type.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change keyboard color is to turn on dark mode or light mode in your iPhone settings, which changes the keyboard appearance system-wide.
  • Third-party keyboard apps like Gboard, SwiftKey, and Chrooma offer custom color options that the Apple keyboard does not include.
  • Third-party keyboards must be enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards before you can use them in any app.
  • When you switch to a third-party keyboard, you give it permission to see what you type, so choose apps from trusted developers.
  • You can switch between keyboards while typing by holding the globe icon (or space bar) on the keyboard itself.

Using Dark Mode or Light Mode to Change Keyboard Color

The simplest way to change your keyboard color is to switch your iPhone between dark mode and light mode. Open Settings, then tap Display & Brightness. You will see three options: Light, Dark, and Auto. Tap Dark to make your keyboard dark gray or black with white text. Tap Light to keep it white or light gray with black text. Tap Auto if you want your iPhone to switch automatically based on the time of day.

This change affects not just your keyboard but your entire iPhone interface—apps, menus, and text all shift to match. The keyboard color follows whatever mode you choose. If you want the keyboard to look different from the rest of your phone, you will need to use a third-party keyboard app instead, because the built-in keyboard always matches your system appearance setting.

Installing and Enabling a Third-Party Keyboard App

Third-party keyboard apps let you pick specific colors and styles that the Apple keyboard does not offer. Popular options include Gboard (Google's keyboard), SwiftKey (Microsoft's keyboard), and Chrooma (a keyboard focused on color customization). Search for any of these in the App Store, tap Get, then Install. You will need to sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.

After installation, the app does not automatically replace your Apple keyboard. You must enable it in Settings first. Open Settings, tap General, then Keyboard, then Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard, find the keyboard app you just installed, and tap it. A screen will appear asking you to allow the keyboard full access. Tap Allow if you want to use that keyboard. You can now switch to it whenever you type.

Switching Between Keyboards While Typing

Once you have enabled a third-party keyboard, you can switch to it without leaving the app you are using. When you tap a text field to start typing, your current keyboard appears. Look for a globe icon on the bottom left of the keyboard (on some keyboards it appears on the space bar itself). Press and hold that icon, and a menu shows all your enabled keyboards. Tap the one you want to use.

You can also tap the globe icon once to cycle through your keyboards one at a time. This means you can use your Apple keyboard for everyday typing and switch to a colored third-party keyboard only when you want the visual change. The switch happens when ready and does not require you to restart any app.

Customizing Color in Third-Party Keyboard Apps

Each third-party keyboard app handles color customization differently. Gboard lets you choose from preset themes by opening the app itself (not while typing), tapping the Settings icon, and selecting Themes. You can pick from dozens of colors, gradients, and patterns. SwiftKey works similarly—open the app, go to Themes, and browse available colors. Chrooma is built specifically for color, so it offers the most granular control, letting you pick custom RGB values or upload your own images as keyboard backgrounds.

Some keyboards also let you change the text color, key shape, and sound separately from the background color. Explore the settings within each app to find all available options. Remember that you are customizing the app itself, not your iPhone's system keyboard, so these colors only appear when you actively switch to that keyboard.

Understanding Keyboard Permissions and Privacy

When you enable a third-party keyboard and grant it full access, you are allowing that app to see everything you type. This includes passwords, messages, and personal information. Apple shows this warning because third-party keyboards have broader access than the built-in keyboard. Only enable full access for keyboards from developers you trust.

You can revoke full access at any time by going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tapping the keyboard name, and toggling Allow Full Access off. The keyboard will still work, but with limited functionality. If you are uncomfortable with any keyboard's access level, delete it by tapping Edit in the Keyboards list, tapping the red minus icon, and confirming the deletion.

Troubleshooting Keyboard Color Changes

If you switched to dark mode but your keyboard did not change, restart your iPhone. Press and hold the power button until the shutdown slider appears, drag it to power off, wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. The keyboard should now match your appearance setting.

If a third-party keyboard is not showing your chosen color, open that keyboard's app and check its settings. Some keyboards require you to explore a theme before it takes effect. If the keyboard is not appearing at all when you tap a text field, go back to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and confirm the app is listed there. If it is missing, reinstall it from the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change just the keyboard color without changing my whole phone to dark mode?

No, the built-in Apple keyboard always matches your system appearance setting. To get a keyboard color that differs from the rest of your phone, you need to install a third-party keyboard app and switch to it. You can keep your phone in light mode and use a dark-colored third-party keyboard, or vice versa.

Do third-party keyboards slow down my iPhone?

Third-party keyboards use minimal resources and do not noticeably slow down most iPhones. However, keyboards with animated backgrounds or heavy visual effects may use slightly more battery. If you notice a difference, try a simpler keyboard or disable animations in that keyboard's settings.

What happens if I delete a third-party keyboard app?

Deleting the app removes it from your keyboard list automatically. Your iPhone reverts to the Apple keyboard for typing. Any custom colors or settings you created in that app are lost, but you can reinstall the app later and set it up again.

Can I use a third-party keyboard in all apps?

Most apps support third-party keyboards, but some do not. Banking apps, password managers, and certain security-focused apps may force you to use the Apple keyboard for sensitive fields. You will see the Apple keyboard appear automatically in those cases, even if you have a different keyboard enabled.

Is it safe to give a keyboard app full access?

Keyboards from major developers like Google (Gboard) and Microsoft (SwiftKey) are safe and widely used. Before enabling full access, check the app's reviews and privacy policy. If you are unsure about a smaller or unfamiliar keyboard, you can use it without full access, though some features may not work.