How to change the keyboard on your Android phone
By Andrew Myrick published

Most stock keyboards on Android are pretty great, but whether you're after more customization options, want a new layout, or anything else in between, switching to a new keyboard takes just a few taps and a little bit of patience. Need some help figuring this out? Here's a step-by-step guide on exactly what this process looks like.
Products used in this guide
- The Google phone: Google Pixel 4 (From $627 at Amazon)
How to download a new keyboard
First thing's first, you need to download a new keyboard from the Play Store. Let's get that knocked out.
- Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
- Search "keyboard".
- Choose whichever keyboard you want to download (we're using SwiftKey for this example).
- Tap Install.Source: Joe Maring / Android Central
How to change your keyboard
Now that you've downloaded a keyboard (or two) you want to try, here's how to start using it.
- Open the Settings on your phone.
- Scroll down and tap System.
- Tap Languages & input.Source: Joe Maring / Android Central
- Tap Virtual keyboard.
- Tap Manage keyboards.Source: Joe Maring / Android Central
- Tap the toggle next to the keyboard you just downloaded.
- Tap OK.Source: Joe Maring / Android Central
- Open your keyboard (this can be in your texting app, Gmail, Google Search — anything that opens the keyboard).
- Tap the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the keyboard you want to switch to.Source: Joe Maring / Android Central
And with that, you're done! If you ever want to switch back to your old keyboard, just follow the steps above. Happy typing!
Our top equipment picks
Google Pixel 4
Flagship hardware, up-to-date software
Whether you want top-notch specs or a great software experience, the Pixel 4 delivers. It has a gorgeous matte glass design, 90Hz display, two rear cameras, and pure Android with guaranteed updates through October 2022.
Andrew Myrick is a Senior Editor at Android Central. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is collecting different headphones, even if they all end up in the same drawer.
Get the best of Android Central in in your inbox, every day!
Thank you for signing up to Android Central. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.