How To Change the Keyboard on an Android

As the world’s leading operating system, Android comes with a host of features. One of these is the ability to change keyboards. While many people are satisfied with the default keyboard pre-installed into their device, they may not be aware of the copious options to elevate their typing experience.

Whether you’re a fan of Gboard, Grammarly, or SwiftKey, switching your Android keyboard is as simple as it is useful. With the help of the Google Play Store, users can now alter their keyboards with just a few taps.

Here, we’ll be taking you on a step-by-step guide on how to change the keyboard on your Android device successfully.

Change Keyboard: Android

If you head to the Google Play Store and search for “keyboards,” you’ll notice there are many available options. It’s worth mentioning that no matter which keyboard you opt for, the installation process is the same. With countless Android variations out there, this method generally works with most devices.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Head to the Google Play Store and download the keyboard you want to use.
   
2. From your “Home” page, go to “Settings.
   
3. Tap “Systems,” then “Language and Input Settings.”
   
4. Select “Virtual Keyboard.”
   
5. Go to “Manage Keyboard.” You’ll be able to see the current keyboards activated on your device.
   
6. Switch on the toggle next to the name of the keyboard you wish to activate.
   
7. A warning will appear informing you that the keyboard must collect the text you type. Tap “OK.”
   

Now that you have enabled your new keyboard, you need to make it your default keyboard.

1. From the “Virtual Keyboard” page, select your keyboard.
2. A dialog box will appear with the heading “Change Keyboard.”
3. Select your downloaded keyboard from the list to start using your new keyboard.

Change Keyboard: Samsung

If you’re using an Android Samsung device, follow these steps to change your keyboard:

1. First, head to the Google Play Store (or your chosen app store) and download the keyboard you would like to use.
   
2. Head to “Settings” from your homepage.
   
3. Select “General Management.”
   
4. Tap “Language and Input.”
   
5. Hit “Onscreen Keyboard,” then “Default Keyboard.”
   
6. From the list of options, select the keyboard that you have downloaded.
   

Change Keyboard: Android Tablet

If you write a lot using your tablet, you might consider changing your keyboard to make typing easier. For instance, many writers install Grammarly into their keyboard to ensure spelling and grammar are always correct. This can be especially useful when writing on the go.

Changing the keyboard settings on your Android tablet is relatively straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Download your chosen keyboard from the Google Play Store or your preferred app store.
   
2. Head to “Settings.”
   
3. Select “System.”
4. Choose the option for “Language and Input.”
   
5. Select “Virtual Keyboard.”
   
6. Tap “Gboard” from the options you see.
   
7. Go to “Preferences.”
   
8. Select the keyboard you have downloaded.
9. It should now be activated on your device.

Change Keyboard: Android Emoji

When words fail you, why not use an emoji? Not only do they get certain emotions across better, but they also often add to the general tone of a conversation. What’s more, they are constantly evolving and being updated.

If you own an Android, you may have noticed that one feature that isn’t automatically part of your device is an emoji keyboard. There’s nothing more annoying than receiving a text from a friend with an iOS device and only seeing little squares. Unfortunately, if you own a version of Android earlier than 4.1, it won’t be possible to use emojis at all.

However, owners of older Androids need not be left behind. With a system update, users can install a third-party keyboard app to access emojis. It’s also worth mentioning that Facebook and WhatsApp are both apps that come with their own set of emoji options.

Fortunately, newer versions of Androids support the use of emoji keyboards.

Here’s how to activate an emoji keyboard on your Android device:

1. Go into “Settings.”
   
2. Select “Language and Input.”
   
3. Tap either “Pick Keyboard” or go to the “Google Keyboard” directly if given the option.
   
4. Choose “Preferences.”
   
5. Turn on the emoji option.
   
6. When you head back to your keyboard, you should notice a smiley emoji next to your space bar.

Another way to ensure your Android device stays up to date with all the latest emojis is to download Textra. This app offers an iOS plugin that lets users’ text emojis the same way someone with an iPhone would.

Additional FAQs

What Is a Virtual Keyboard?

A virtual keyboard on Android lets users input certain characters without the use of physical keys. For instance, you’ll be able to type directly in your language of choice. Interacting with a virtual keyboard generally occurs via the touchscreen interface.

What Are the Best Keyboard Apps for Android?

Ultimately, the keyboard you decide to go for comes down to personal preference. Depending on your goal, a particular keyboard may be better suited to you than someone else. That said, here are three of the most popular keyboard options for Androids available:

· Gboard – This is perhaps one of the more popular keyboard options out there. The app is host to many features such as word predictions, smooth glide typing, Google Assistant and Google Translation, multilingual typing, and more. Since Gboard is a Google app, it’s constantly updated and improved to enhance your overall typing experience.

· Chrooma – This option is for those who want to refresh the general aesthetic of their keyboard experience. The app adds color and adaptive themes based on the apps you’re using. It also includes useful features such as word predictions, split layout, gesture typing, and more.

· Swiftkey – This is another popular app among Android users. The main feature of this app is customization. You’ll have access to features like GIFS, stickers, auto-correct, translators, and more by downloading this app.

Become the Ultimate Keyboard Warrior

Changing the keyboard on your Android can be extremely useful. Whether you’re someone who likes writing for fun or you compose long emails while on the go, having the right keyboard can significantly enhance your experience.

Luckily, Android users have access to a wide range of options when choosing the perfect keyboard for their device.

Have you tried changing the keyboard on your Android? If so, what was your reason? Let us know in the comments below.