How to get out of one-handed mode or floating mode in Gboard

Gboard One Handed Mode Floating Mode Lifestyle
Gboard One Handed Mode Floating Mode Lifestyle (Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Gboard may be the best keyboard app for Android, but it's not infallible. Don't you hate it when you somehow end up in one-handed or floating mode in Gboard? If you're in a similar rut and don't know how to revert back to the full-fledged keyboard, we can help you out. Here's how to get out of one-handed mode or floating mode in Gboard.

How to get out of one-handed mode in Gboard

While one-handed mode is designed for ease of use, many find it challenging to exit out of it. Thankfully, getting out of one-handed mode in Gboard is extremely simple and a matter of seconds.

  1. Open any app and start typing so you can open Gboard.
  2. Tap on the expand icon on the right.

Gboard One Handed Mode Cropped

Source: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Once you've tapped on the expand icon, you'll be out of the one-handed mode in a jiffy. After you've found it the first time, you'll realize how easy it really was to exit the one-handed mode.

How to get out of floating mode in Gboard the easy way

Getting out of the floating mode in Gboard isn't nearly as straightforward. For starters, there's no button to press to exit floating mode. Instead, there are two ways to return to the full-fledged Gboard layout. Here's how you can get out of floating mode in Gboard easily.

  1. Open any app and start typing so you can open Gboard.
  2. Tap and hold the little button at the bottom of the floating keyboard.
  3. Drag the floating keyboard downward.Source: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

  1. Keep moving the keyboard to the bottom of your screen until it docks in the usual place.

How to get out of floating mode in Gboard the long way

  1. Open any app and start typing so you can open Gboard.
  2. Tap the three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner of your keyboard.
  3. Tap the Floating icon to exit floating mode.Source: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

This second way isn't very drawn out, but it's relatively longer than the first version. If for whatever reason, you have a hard time dragging and docking your floating keyboard, it's a failsafe method to achieve the same result.

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Aside from helpful accessibility settings, saving your words, swipe texting, and smart auto-replies, Gboard also has a ton of other fun features. For example, you can mash up emojis to create your own and get blob emojis in Gboard using a hidden trick. Download and install Gboard to use it as your keyboard of choice today — if you aren't already, that is.

Namerah Saud Fatmi
Senior Editor — Accessories

Namerah enjoys geeking out over accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of smart tech. She spends her time guzzling coffee, writing, casual gaming, and cuddling with her furry best friends. Find her on Twitter @NamerahS.