You can switch to a different keyboard in Settings, or add multiple keyboards to switch between them

The keyboard that comes with your iPhone is called the standard Apple keyboard. You can replace it entirely with a different keyboard app, or you can keep the Apple keyboard and add other keyboards to use alongside it. Most people add keyboards rather than replace them, because you can swipe between keyboards while typing without leaving the message or email you're working on.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you want to add a new keyboard or change which keyboard appears by default. Both take less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add third-party keyboards like Gboard, SwiftKey, or Grammarly from the App Store, then enable them in Settings under Keyboards.
  • Once a keyboard is installed and enabled, you can switch to it while typing by holding the globe icon on the standard keyboard.
  • The standard Apple keyboard remains available even after you add others, so you can switch back at any time.
  • Some keyboards require microphone or full access permissions to work properly, which you grant in Settings under Keyboard Permissions.
  • Changing your default keyboard does not delete your other keyboards — you can still access them by tapping the globe icon.

How to add a new keyboard from the App Store

Open the App Store and search for the keyboard you want. Common options include Gboard (Google's keyboard), SwiftKey (Microsoft's keyboard), Grammarly, or Fleksy. Tap Get, then tap Install. You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

Once the app finishes installing, go to Settings, then Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard, find the keyboard app you just installed in the list, and tap it. The keyboard is now added to your device. You do not need to open the keyboard app itself — the keyboard works from within Messages, Mail, Safari, and any other app where you type.

How to switch between keyboards while typing

When you have more than one keyboard installed, a globe icon appears on the standard keyboard. Hold down the globe icon (or tap it repeatedly) to see all your available keyboards. Tap the one you want to use. The keyboard switches immediately, and you stay in the same message or document.

You can also change your default keyboard so one appears first when you start typing. Go to Settings, then Keyboards, then Edit. Drag the keyboard you want to use most to the top of the list, then tap Done. That keyboard will now appear by default, but you can still switch to others using the globe icon.

How to enable full access for a keyboard

Some keyboards ask for full access to work properly. This permission lets the keyboard see what you type so it can offer better suggestions or corrections. You do not have to grant it — the keyboard will still work without it, but some features may be limited.

To enable full access, go to Settings, then Keyboards. Tap the keyboard you want to adjust, then toggle on Allow Full Access. A warning appears explaining what the keyboard can see. Read it, then tap Allow if you want to proceed. You can turn this off later by returning to the same screen and toggling it off.

How to remove a keyboard you no longer use

Go to Settings, then Keyboards. Tap Edit in the upper left corner. A red minus sign appears next to each keyboard. Tap the minus sign next to the keyboard you want to remove, then tap Delete. The keyboard is removed from your device and no longer appears when you tap the globe icon.

You can reinstall the keyboard later by downloading its app again from the App Store and following the steps above. Removing a keyboard does not delete the app itself — it only removes the keyboard from your typing options.

Troubleshooting: keyboard not appearing or switching

If a keyboard you installed is not showing up in your Keyboards list, open the app itself and look for a prompt to enable the keyboard. Some keyboard apps require you to tap a button inside the app before they appear in Settings. Close the app completely and try again.

If the globe icon is not appearing on your keyboard, you may only have one keyboard installed. Add a second keyboard using the steps above, and the globe icon will appear. If you have multiple keyboards but the globe icon still does not show, restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on.

If a keyboard is installed but will not switch when you tap the globe icon, go to Settings, then Keyboards, and make sure the keyboard is toggled on (the switch should be green). If it is already on, try removing it and reinstalling it from the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party keyboard as my default?

Yes. Go to Settings, then Keyboards, then Edit. Drag the third-party keyboard to the top of the list and tap Done. That keyboard will appear first when you start typing. You can still switch back to the Apple keyboard using the globe icon.

Will changing my keyboard affect my autocorrect or predictive text?

Each keyboard has its own autocorrect and prediction system. The Apple keyboard learns from your typing over time. Third-party keyboards like Gboard and SwiftKey also learn, but they may work differently. You can switch between keyboards to compare which one you prefer.

Do I need to pay for third-party keyboards?

Most popular keyboards like Gboard, SwiftKey, and Fleksy are free to download from the App Store. Some offer optional paid features or subscriptions for extra themes or advanced features, but the basic keyboard works without paying.

What happens to my passwords and data when I enable full access?

Full access lets a keyboard see what you type, including passwords and sensitive information. Only enable it for keyboards from companies you trust. You can turn off full access at any time in Settings without affecting your data.

Can I use the same keyboard on my iPad?

Yes. Download the keyboard app on your iPad, then go to Settings, Keyboards, and add it the same way. Your iPad and iPhone keyboards work independently — adding a keyboard to one device does not automatically add it to the other.