What "changing your keyboard" means and where to find it

When you want to change your keyboard, you are usually doing one of three things: switching to a different keyboard layout (like QWERTY to Dvorak), adding a second language so you can type in multiple languages, or changing how your keyboard behaves (like key repeat speed or accent marks). The steps are different for each, and they live in different places depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

The most common reason people search for this is to add a second language keyboard. If that is what you need, the process takes about five minutes and does not require restarting your device. If you are trying to physically connect a new keyboard to your computer, that is a hardware connection, not a settings change — your device should recognize it automatically once plugged in or paired via Bluetooth.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Time & Language, then Language, and add a new language from the list to get a second keyboard layout.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Keyboard, then Input Sources, and check the box next to the language or layout you want to add.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, Keyboards, Add New Keyboard, and select the language or layout from the list.
  • On Android, open Settings, System, Languages & Input, On-screen Keyboard, and tap the keyboard app you use to change its language or layout.
  • Once you add a second keyboard, you switch between them using a key combination (Windows and Mac) or a globe icon (iPhone and Android).

Adding a second keyboard on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click on "Time & Language" in the left sidebar. Then click "Language & Region" (Windows 11) or "Language" (Windows 10).

Scroll down to the "Preferred languages" section and click the blue "Add a language" button. A list of languages appears. Find the language you want — for example, Spanish, French, or German — and click it. Windows will ask you to confirm; click "Next," then "Install." This takes a minute or two. Once it finishes, that language's keyboard layout is now on your device.

To switch between keyboards while typing, press the Windows key and the spacebar together. A small menu appears showing your available keyboards. Click the one you want, or press the spacebar again to cycle through them. You can also click the language abbreviation in the bottom right corner of your screen (next to the clock) to switch keyboards.

Adding a second keyboard on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older Macs). Click "Keyboard" in the sidebar. Then click "Input Sources."

You will see a list of keyboards already on your Mac. To add a new one, click the plus sign (+) at the bottom left. A window opens showing available languages and layouts. Find the one you want — you can search by typing the language name — and click it, then click "Add." The new keyboard is now available on your device.

To switch between keyboards, press Control and the spacebar together. A menu appears showing your keyboards. Press the spacebar again to cycle through them, or click the one you want. On newer Macs, you can also click the flag or language abbreviation in the top right corner of the menu bar to switch keyboards.

Adding a second keyboard on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap "Keyboards" (you may need to scroll down to find it under General). Tap "Add New Keyboard." A list of languages and layouts appears. Scroll to find the one you want and tap it. If you see a list of variants — for example, "English (US)" versus "English (UK)" — choose the one you prefer, then tap "Done."

The new keyboard is now installed. While typing, press and hold the globe icon at the bottom left of your keyboard (or swipe left on the spacebar). A menu shows your available keyboards. Tap the one you want to switch to it. You can add as many keyboards as you need; they will all appear in this menu.

Adding a second keyboard on Android

Open Settings and tap "System" (or "System & Device" on some phones). Tap "Languages & Input," then "On-screen Keyboard" or "Virtual Keyboard." You will see the keyboard app you are currently using — usually Google Keyboard, Samsung Keyboard, or another option. Tap it.

Inside the keyboard app settings, look for "Languages" or "Language & Typing." Tap it. You will see a list of languages. Tap the plus sign or "Add Language" button, find the language you want, and tap it to add it. Some keyboards let you set a default language; others let you switch on the fly.

To switch keyboards while typing, tap and hold the spacebar, or look for a globe icon or language switcher button on your keyboard. A menu appears showing your available languages. Tap the one you want to use.

Changing how your keyboard behaves

If you want to adjust key repeat speed, the delay before a key repeats, or how accents work, those settings are separate from adding a new language. On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Keyboard, then scroll down to "Advanced Keyboard Settings." On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Key Repeat and Delay Until Repeat. On iPhone and Android, keyboard behavior options are usually inside the keyboard app's own settings, not in the main Settings app.

These adjustments do not change which language you are typing in — they only change how the keyboard responds to your fingers. For example, if you hold down the "a" key, key repeat speed controls how fast "aaaaaaa" appears on the screen. If you find your keyboard is repeating too fast or too slow, these are the settings to adjust.

Switching between keyboards while you are typing

Once you have added a second keyboard, you do not need to go back to Settings to switch. Every device has a quick way to cycle through your keyboards without leaving the app you are in. On Windows and Mac, it is a keyboard shortcut (Windows key + spacebar on Windows, Control + spacebar on Mac). On iPhone and Android, it is a button or gesture on the keyboard itself — usually a globe icon or language abbreviation.

If you have three or more keyboards, the shortcut cycles through them in order. If you want to skip one, use the menu instead of the shortcut. The menu appears when you press and hold the shortcut key (on Windows and Mac) or press and hold the globe icon (on iPhone and Android).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have multiple keyboards installed at the same time?

Yes. You can install as many keyboards and languages as you want on any device. They all stay installed until you remove them. You switch between them using a keyboard shortcut or on-screen button without restarting your device.

What if I physically connect a new keyboard to my computer and nothing happens?

If you plugged in a USB keyboard or paired a Bluetooth keyboard and your computer does not recognize it, try unplugging it and plugging it back in. If it is Bluetooth, forget the device in your Bluetooth settings and pair it again. Most keyboards work without installing drivers, but check the keyboard's manual or the manufacturer's website if the problem continues.

How do I remove a keyboard I no longer want?

On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language, find the language you want to remove, click it, and click "Remove." On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources, click the keyboard you want to remove, and click the minus sign. On iPhone, go to Settings > Keyboards, swipe left on the keyboard, and tap Delete. On Android, open the keyboard app settings and tap the minus sign or Remove next to the language.

Why does my keyboard keep switching languages by itself?

This usually happens if you have a keyboard shortcut enabled that you are pressing accidentally. On Windows, check Settings > Time & Language > Advanced Keyboard Settings for any shortcuts you did not intend. On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and look at the "Select the previous input source" option. You can disable or change these shortcuts if they are causing problems.

Can I change the keyboard layout without changing the language?

Yes. When you add a language, you can often choose different layouts for that language — for example, QWERTY, Dvorak, or Colemak for English. When you add the language, look for layout options in the list. If you only see one option, that language may only have one layout available on your device.