Have you ever felt frustrated trying to type quickly and accurately on your Android phone‘s small on-screen keyboard? Most of us spend hours daily entering text in emails, messages and social media apps. The default keyboard that comes with your device may not be the best fit for your typing style and preferences.
Customizing your Android keyboard can make a huge difference in productivity and enjoyment when using your device. But where do you start to change it up? Don‘t worry, I‘ve been an Android user for over 10 years, so I‘m here to help guide you through the full process step-by-step!
Why Consider Switching Your Android Keyboard?
The Android operating system powers over 73% of smartphones globally. With so many of us using Android phones, the makers of Android, Google, have invested in making them highly customizable to every user‘s needs.
One key way you can personalize your phone experience is by changing the keyboard. Rather than being stuck with the default option, Google allows you to choose from a variety of third-party keyboards in the Google Play app store.
These alternative keyboard apps provide benefits like:
- More accurate auto-correct suggestions
- Faster, more intuitive typing
- Support for multiple languages
- Custom themes and layouts
- Time-saving shortcuts and gestures
- Emojis, GIFs and stickers!
Let‘s explore some of the most popular Android keyboard options…
Top Third-Party Keyboard Contenders
| Keyboard | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Gboard | Voice typing, GIF/emoji search, glide typing |
| SwiftKey | Next word prediction, multiple language support |
| Grammarly | Grammar checker, sentence rewrites, plagiarism detector |
| Fleksy | Custom themes, extensions, private chats |
| TouchPal | Curve-based typing, emoji prediction, universal translator |
Now let‘s get into the step-by-step process of installing a new keyboard and customizing your typing experience…
Step 1: Download Your Chosen Keyboard App
First, open the Google Play Store app on your Android device. Tap into the search bar at the top and type "keyboard". This will display keyboard apps that you can download.
Browse the list and choose one that appeals based on reviews, ratings or special features offered. I recommend starting out with Gboard or SwiftKey if you want an easy transition.
Once you‘ve selected an app, tap "Install". Accept any requested permissions to enable all features of the app. After installation completes, select "Open" to begin the keyboard setup.
<div style="text-align:center">
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/GmRymvtK/play-store-keyboard.jpg" width="250px" />
</div>Searching "keyboard" apps in the Google Play Store
Now let‘s ensure your new keyboard is enabled and ready to use…
Step 2: Configure Your Chosen Keyboard
In the keyboard app you installed, you may be prompted to select options like default language, keyboard layout, and themes. Make these customizations to fit your preferences.
Next, open your Android Settings menu. Select "System", then choose "Languages & input > Virtual keyboard". Here you will see a list of all keyboard apps installed on your device.
Toggle the switch next to your newly installed keyboard to enable it. A message may pop-up explaining the app will have access to data you enter through the keyboard for features like predictive text. Select "Allow" to proceed.
<div style="text-align:center">
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/vHPvxsqk/system-settings.jpg" width="250px"/>
</div>Enabling a new keyboard in Android Settings
Almost done! Now we just need to make this our default keyboard…
Step 3: Make Your Keyboard the Default
While your new keyboard is now enabled, your phone likely still defaults to the original one that came pre-installed. Here‘s how to switch it:
Return to the "Languages & input" settings page from Step 2. Under "Virtual keyboard" tap into "Default keyboard" then select "Manage keyboards".
Turn on the toggle switch next to the keyboard app you want to use as the default. Then confirm by pressing the newly default keyboard‘s icon.
<div style="text-align:center">
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/vHhR7LB2/default-keyboards.jpg" width="250px"/>
</div> Making Google‘s Gboard your default Android keyboard
And voila! You have successfully changed your default keyboard app. Pretty easy right?
Now whenever you bring up the keyboard through apps like text messaging, email or social media, you‘ll have your customized keyboard experience. Feel free to personalize it further through the app‘s settings like layouts, themes or adding shortcut keys.
Some additional tips for mastering your new Android keyboard:
- Use gestures like swiping left to delete for faster typing
- Enable emojis/GIF access by tapping the smiley icon
- Try the voice typing microphone for hands-free messages
- Adjust height/transparency under "Floating keyboard" settings
- Explore the special features unique to that keyboard app
Hopefully switching your default keyboard gives you an improved, more enjoyable typing method on your Android device. But don‘t worry if you change your mind later! You can always come back to these settings and choose a different default keyboard to use. There are no limits on installing keyboard apps from the Google Play Store.
Let‘s recap the 3 key steps to change your Android keyboard:
- Install your chosen keyboard app
- Enable the keyboard under Settings
- Make it your phone‘s default
After following these steps, your Android messages will be more customized, speedy and expressive in no time. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions on personalizing your phone!
