How to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet

Even though most of us don’t pay much attention to the keyboard on our Android phones or tablets, it can make or break your user experience. We’ve all struggled with a strange default keyboard on a new Android device or dealt with keyboards that are hard to see or don’t catch our typos.

The good news is that the Android operating system is all about the user’s choices, and that extends to your keyboard. You don’t have to stick with the default keyboard that came with your phone, and can choose one that works best for you. So, if you’re ready to switch to a new keyboard, here’s how to change the keyboard on your Android phone or tablet.

How to change the keyboard on your Android device

Thanks to Google’s open approach, you have full freedom with third-party keyboards on Android. When you switch keyboards, it changes system-wide. Most keyboards allow you to set them as default during setup, or you can do it manually in settings. Here’s how to change keyboards on your Android phone or tablet.

ALSO READ: Latest Android features to look out for

1. Head to the Settings app. 

2. Then, tap on ‘System’ and then on ‘Languages & input.’ 

3. Tap ‘On-screen keyboard.’ 

4. Toggle on the keyboard you want and disable the default one. 

5. Tap ‘OK’ if prompted.

And, voila! You have now successfully switched to a new keyboard. You can keep trying out new keyboards by downloading them from the Google Play Store, and then changing them easily and instantly, till you find the best fit for yourself.

How to use multiple keyboards on an Android smartphone

Having multiple keyboards on an Android smartphone gives you the flexibility to choose what works best for you in different situations. If you like having and using more than one keyboard, then Android allows you to easily switch between them. Here’s how to use multiple keyboards on Android:

1. Toggle on the keyboards you want to use. 

2. Then bring up the default keyboard by tapping on a text field.

ALSO READ: Hacks to set up your new Android phone

3. Look for the keyboard icon at the bottom and press it for more options. 

4. Tap and choose the keyboard you want to use.

And that’s it! You can now use more than one keyboard on your Android phone or tablet, and keep switching between them as and when you like!