You can change your keyboard by opening Settings and picking a different one from your installed options

Android lets you install multiple keyboards and switch between them whenever you want. The keyboard you see when you type is called an input method, and you control which one appears through your device settings. Most Android phones come with one default keyboard, but you can download others from Google Play Store and toggle between them in seconds.

The process is the same whether you want to switch to a keyboard you already have installed or download a new one first. You'll go into Settings, find the keyboard section, enable any new keyboards you've downloaded, and then set your preferred one as the default. If you want to switch keyboards while typing, you can also use a quick toggle without going back to Settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default keyboard is set in Settings under Language & Input or Input Methods, depending on your Android version.
  • You must enable a keyboard in Settings before you can use it, even if you've already downloaded it from Google Play Store.
  • Once enabled, you can switch keyboards mid-typing by holding the space bar or using the keyboard switcher button.
  • Popular alternative keyboards include Gboard, SwiftKey, and Grammarly, all available free from Google Play Store.
  • Switching keyboards does not delete your old one — both remain installed and you can toggle between them anytime.

How to change your default keyboard in Settings

Open the Settings app on your Android phone. Scroll down and tap System or Advanced (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Look for Languages & Input or Input Methods — Samsung devices often call it Keyboard List & Default. Tap whichever option appears on your phone.

You'll see a list of keyboards you have installed. Find the one you want to use and tap it. On most phones, tapping the keyboard name automatically sets it as your default. On some Samsung or other brand devices, you may see a radio button or toggle next to each keyboard — tap that to select your choice. Close Settings and open any text field (like a text message or email) to confirm the new keyboard appears when you tap to type.

Enabling a keyboard you've downloaded but haven't used yet

If you downloaded a new keyboard from Google Play Store but it doesn't show up in your keyboard list, you need to enable it first. Go back to Settings, then Language & Input (or Input Methods). Look for an option called On-Screen Keyboard, Virtual Keyboard, or Keyboard — tap it to expand a list of available keyboards.

Find the keyboard you downloaded and tap the toggle or switch next to it to turn it on. The toggle will change color (usually to blue) when enabled. Now go back and set it as your default following the steps above. If you still don't see it listed, restart your phone — sometimes newly downloaded keyboards don't appear until you reboot.

Switching keyboards while you're typing

You don't have to go back to Settings every time you want to change keyboards. While typing, hold down the space bar for one to two seconds. A menu will pop up showing all your enabled keyboards. Tap the one you want to switch to and it will appear immediately.

On some keyboards, you'll see a small keyboard icon or globe icon in the bottom left or right corner of the keyboard itself. Tap that icon to cycle through your enabled keyboards without opening the space bar menu. This is faster if you switch keyboards frequently. The keyboard you select this way becomes your temporary choice for that text field only — your default keyboard remains unchanged in Settings.

Downloading a new keyboard from Google Play Store

Open Google Play Store and search for the keyboard you want. Popular options include Gboard (made by Google), Microsoft SwiftKey, Grammarly Keyboard, and Chrooma. Read the reviews and permissions before installing — keyboards need access to what you type, so check that the app is from a trusted developer.

Tap Install and wait for the download to finish. Once installed, go back to Settings and enable it in your keyboard list (following the steps in the section above). Then set it as your default or switch to it while typing. You can have as many keyboards installed as you want without affecting your phone's performance.

What to do if your keyboard isn't showing up in Settings

If you enabled a keyboard but it still doesn't appear when you try to type, restart your phone. Hold the power button until you see the power menu, tap Restart, and wait for your phone to turn back on. This fixes most keyboard visibility issues.

If restarting doesn't work, go to Settings, then Apps or Application Manager. Search for the keyboard app, tap it, and check that it's not disabled. If you see a Disable button (rather than an Enable button), the app is already on. If you see Enable, tap it. You may also need to give the keyboard permission to access your device — go to Settings, Apps, find the keyboard, tap Permissions, and turn on Microphone and Camera if the keyboard offers voice or emoji features.

Removing a keyboard you no longer want

To stop using a keyboard, go to Settings, Language & Input, and find the keyboard in your list. Tap the toggle next to it to turn it off. The keyboard stays installed on your phone but won't appear when you type. You can turn it back on anytime by toggling it again.

If you want to completely remove a keyboard from your phone, open Google Play Store, search for the keyboard, and tap Uninstall. Confirm the removal. The app will disappear from your phone entirely. You can always download it again later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two keyboards at the same time?

You can have multiple keyboards enabled and switch between them while typing, but only one can be your default. When you open a text field, your default keyboard appears first. Use the space bar hold or keyboard icon to switch to another enabled keyboard without closing the text field.

Why does my keyboard keep switching back to the old one?

Some apps force their own keyboard or reset your default when you use them. Check Settings to confirm your preferred keyboard is still set as default. If a specific app keeps overriding it, try clearing that app's cache: go to Settings, Apps, find the app, tap Storage, and tap Clear Cache.

Do I lose my keyboard settings if I restart my phone?

No. Your default keyboard choice and all enabled keyboards stay the same after a restart. Restarting only fixes problems like a keyboard not appearing — it doesn't change your preferences.

Can I use a keyboard from a different country or language?

Yes. Download any keyboard from Google Play Store regardless of language. You can enable multiple language keyboards and switch between them. Some keyboards like Gboard let you type in several languages at once without switching.

What if my phone doesn't have a Language & Input option in Settings?

The location varies by Android version and manufacturer. Try searching for "keyboard" in Settings using the search bar at the top. You can also look under System, Advanced, or Apps. If you still can't find it, check your phone manufacturer's support site for your specific model.