How to Change the Keyboard on Your Android Device

Link to the Written Procedure/Downloads for this Video:

To start this off, let's begin with one of the first things I do when getting a new Android device --the keyboard. It's the fastest way for me to get a sense of familiarity and it is the first thing that annoys me about a lot of manufacturer's custom interfaces (just like how you've come to learn the layout of the keyboard for most computers, I've come to get used to a specific way I want my Android keyboard. Thanks, conditioning!).

If you type "keyboard" into the Play Store, you'll be presented with a lot of interesting options for replacements. There's ones that allow you to swipe the keys to form words, ones with unconventional keys with multiple letters per key that guess the letter you actually want, ones in crazy colors and styles, and most have a lot more customization options than the one your manufacturer thought you'd like.

Swapping out the keyboard is a lot like downloading any other app; find the keyboard you want from the Play Store and install it. The difference is that you need to set it up after downloading it. And although some will walk you through this process when you install the keyboard, not all do so it's probably best to know how to do it manually regardless. Here's how:

So it has occurred to me that a lot of people don't realize the extent of how much you can customize on an Android device. From the home screen launcher to the theme to the phone dialer, messaging, email app, the list is endless. It's one of the beauties of Android --total freedom to replace what you don't like with a developer's better attempt. I think this warrants a small series of videos here on the site (if not a PSA blasted across the country).

To start this off, let's start with one of the first things I do when getting a new Android device --the keyboard. Here's how to replace whatever keyboard your manufacturer put on the device with any of the plethora of other ones in the Play Store (and there are a LOT).

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[spambunny]

thanks for the vid switched from iOS to Android a few months ago I missed voice type until this video!! now I have it again

[RoxannLarson]

I'm glad you were here. My cell phone service couldn't provide me with an answer to finding a new keyboard. The one I had on my phone was archaic. Thank you for your information.

[paradesimunuru]

Really very thanks because I don't know what happened to my keyboard it has suddenly changed to unusual color & settings for me...
By watching u' r video I had understood the problem and according to that u have explained ...I was able to change my keyboard back as like I used before...thank u ..😊😊😊😊

[ZrxTeamGreen]

thank you so much for helping me, my space bar was missing so this vireo helped me get my space bar back with a cool keyboard thanks man

[MrKevnn]

awesome series start! can't wait for more custumization tips!!!

[zensagge]

Finally my eyes can't be burnt into brightness

[skrfyuzz]

instructions unclear phone is microwaving me now

[suryapatil]

very helpful video for switching keypad from one to different..

[syedyadullah]

Bundle of thanks to Steve, this information is very helpful

[Douginsac]

You are great in what you do here. Thanks for cutting all the BS and providing the solution

[FantaziiLive]

OK my ish went small, now I have this nice huge Super cool keyboard. I luv it thanx!

[Branchking_vr]

There's another way to change your keyboard It's press the setting button on your keyboard (if you have it) Look for a gradient or make an image Then use that image and there you go

[geuphe]

My Keyboard looks so cute! This helped slot!!!

[BRANDON]

Really thankful to u.... I have got my old keyboard ⌨️⌨️⌨️⌨️⌨️ now....

[BEV]

Whoa, wait a minute, I've got so many apps downloaded on my phone right now, they're bogging my phone down!!! 🤦 I don't need to download yet ANOTHER ONE! I'll have to pass on this one.

[lindakrutsky]

Hi Steve, thank you for this informative info, as I have an Oppo R9 and the keyboard that comes with it is thee most frustrating and annoying keyboard I have come across. I recently changed from the Samsung, which still is a great phone. I took your advise and installed a new keyboard. So much better, all the way fro Perth WA

[yorhinesssherellheinzmilli]

Wow it really worked thank you for your instructions

[calliesteen]

Thanks for the heads up.Helped slot.I was stuck

[HappyandJoyWorld]

Thank u Sir. U have helped me a 😎 Well done

[SubaruWRC]

on my HTC M9 I've downloaded kika keyboard, which you can download ones or create your own. which means you can do text type and color the backgrpund and background color. its really good.