Android lets you change your keyboard by downloading a new one and setting it as default

Your Android phone comes with a built-in keyboard, but you can replace it with a different one. The process has three steps: download a keyboard app from Google Play Store, open your phone's settings, and tell Android to use the new keyboard instead of the default one. Once you set it as default, the new keyboard appears every time you type — in text messages, email, search boxes, anywhere on your phone.

You do not need to uninstall the original keyboard. Both keyboards stay on your phone, and you can switch between them whenever you want. If you change your mind later, you can go back to the original keyboard in the same settings menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Download a keyboard app from Google Play Store, then go to Settings > System > Languages and Input to set it as your default keyboard.
  • You must enable the keyboard in your phone's input settings before you can set it as default — the app alone is not enough.
  • Once set as default, the new keyboard appears in every text field on your phone until you change it again.
  • You can keep multiple keyboards on your phone and switch between them by holding down the space bar while typing, or by changing the default in settings.

Step 1: Download a keyboard app from Google Play Store

Open Google Play Store on your Android phone. Search for the keyboard you want — common options include Gboard (made by Google), SwiftKey, Grammarly Keyboard, or Fleksy. Read the reviews and check the download count to see what other users think.

Tap the keyboard app name, then tap the button that says "Install." Wait for the download and installation to finish. The button will change to "Open" once it is done. You can close Google Play Store at this point — you do not need to open the app itself.

Step 2: Enable the keyboard in your phone's input settings

Go to your phone's Settings app. Look for a section called "System," "Languages," or "Input Methods" — the exact name varies by phone brand and Android version. Tap it, then look for "Languages and Input," "Input Method," or "Keyboard Settings."

Find the keyboard you just downloaded in the list. Tap it, then look for a button or toggle that says "Enable," "Turn On," or "Activate." Tap that button. The keyboard is now installed and enabled, but it is not yet your default — your phone will still use the original keyboard until you tell it otherwise.

Step 3: Set the new keyboard as your default

Stay in the same Settings menu. Look for an option called "Default Keyboard," "Current Keyboard," or "Keyboard Selection." Tap it. A list of all enabled keyboards will appear. Tap the name of the keyboard you want to use.

Your phone will now use that keyboard every time you type. The change takes effect immediately — close Settings and open any text field (like a text message or email) to see the new keyboard appear.

How to switch between keyboards while typing

If you have more than one keyboard enabled, you can switch between them without going back to Settings. While you are typing, hold down the space bar for one or two seconds. A menu will appear showing all your enabled keyboards. Tap the one you want to use.

This switch is temporary — it only changes the keyboard for that one text field. The next time you open a different text field, your default keyboard will appear again. If you want to permanently change your default, go back to Settings and follow Step 3 again.

Removing a keyboard you no longer want

If you decide you do not like a keyboard, you can turn it off or delete it. To turn it off without deleting it, go to Settings > Languages and Input, find the keyboard in the list, and tap the toggle or button that says "Disable." The app stays on your phone but will not appear in your keyboard menu.

To delete it completely, open Google Play Store, search for the keyboard, and tap "Uninstall." This removes the app from your phone entirely. If you change your mind later, you can download it again from Google Play Store.

Troubleshooting: keyboard does not appear after you set it as default

If you set a new keyboard as default but the old one still appears, restart your phone. Turn it off completely, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This forces Android to reload your settings.

If the new keyboard still does not appear, go back to Settings and check that it is actually enabled. Some keyboards require you to tap "Enable" in a separate permissions screen before they work. If you see a button that says "Permissions" or "Grant Access" next to the keyboard name, tap it and follow the prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use more than one keyboard at the same time?

Yes. You can enable as many keyboards as you want, and they will all stay on your phone. Only one is set as default, but you can switch to a different one by holding the space bar while typing. To permanently change which one is default, go to Settings and select a different keyboard.

Will changing my keyboard affect my text messages or emails?

No. The keyboard is just the tool you use to type — it does not change how your messages are sent or received. Your contacts will not see any difference. The only thing that changes is what the keyboard looks like and how it works.

What if I accidentally delete my original keyboard?

You cannot delete the original keyboard that came with your phone — it is built into Android. If you uninstall a third-party keyboard and have no other keyboard enabled, Android will automatically switch back to the original one.

Do I need to pay for a different keyboard?

Most keyboards in Google Play Store are free, though some offer paid versions with extra features. You can download and use the free version of any keyboard without paying. Read the listing to see whether the keyboard is free or costs money before you tap Install.

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

This usually happens if the new keyboard is not fully enabled. Go to Settings > Languages and Input, find the keyboard, and make sure there is no warning message or disabled toggle next to it. Some keyboards also require you to grant permissions in a separate screen — look for a "Permissions" button and tap it if you see one.