How to Change the Keyboard on an Android Device (Video)
So it has occurred to me that a lot of people don’t realize the extent of which you can customize 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 some developer’s better attempt.
It’s the sheer number of people I’ve met that are still using TouchWiz and cursing at it that has brought me to think that it warrants a small series of videos here on the site (if not a PSA blasted across the country) on how to get the most out of the customization options of Android. So here goes.
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:
I. Download the New Keyboard
1. Open the Play Store.
2. Search for “keyboard”.
3. Choose a keyboard you want to try and install it.
II. Setup the New Keyboard
1. Go to Settings > Language and Input (this might be called something else depending on your device, but look for something that might contain keyboard settings).
2. Check the box next to the new keyboard name to enable it.
3. Tap on Default and then choose the new keyboard to set it as the default keyboard.
4. Open any app that has typing in it, and tap in the text field. The new keyboard should pop up.
Find any amazing keyboards? Share them in the comments below!
Head to our Android How To’s section and pick your device for more how to’s for that device.
