Your keyboard is the one app you use more than any other on your phone. Every message, search, and email passes through it, yet most people never change the one that came pre-installed. A better keyboard can mean faster typing and fewer mistakes. Changing it takes less than two minutes, and you can switch back just as easily.
How to Change Your Default Keyboard on Android
The menu names vary slightly by brand, but the steps are broadly the same on Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and most other Android phones.
- Install a keyboard app from the Google Play Store.
- Open Settings, then System, then Languages and input. On Samsung, go to General management, then Keyboard list and default.
- Turn on the new keyboard under Manage on-screen keyboards.
- Tap Default keyboard and choose your new keyboard. It is now active everywhere.
Many keyboard apps also offer guided setup the first time you open them, which does the same job. To go back, repeat the steps and pick your old keyboard as the default.
How to Switch Between Keyboards Quickly
You do not have to commit to one keyboard. When your keyboard is open, tap the small keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner, or long-press the spacebar, to see your enabled keyboards and pick another. The switch is instant.
How to Change Your Keyboard Language
In your keyboard’s settings, look for Languages, then Add keyboard or Add language. Gboard and SwiftKey let you switch by swiping the spacebar or tapping the globe key.
1. Gboard
Gboard is Google’s own keyboard and the default on Pixel phones. It is the safest starting point: fast, reliable, and packed with features people actually use, including glide typing, voice typing, emoji and GIF search, clipboard history, and translation inside the keyboard.
The trade-off is that Gboard is a Google product, so it works best if you are comfortable with Google’s data practices. You can turn off personalised suggestions in the settings.
Best for: most Android users who want a fast, reliable keyboard with smart features.
2. Microsoft SwiftKey
SwiftKey remains one of the best keyboards for people who type a lot. Its prediction engine is excellent, especially if you use slang or switch languages mid-sentence. It learns your writing style over time, so suggestions get better the longer you use it. It also offers a large theme library and a resizable keyboard.
The trade-off is that the settings menu is deep, and first-time users may need a few minutes to find everything.
Best for: heavy typists and multilingual users who want predictions that improve over time.
3. Samsung Keyboard
If you own a Samsung phone, the built-in Samsung Keyboard deserves a second look. It offers handwriting recognition, voice input, clipboard history, and good support for Samsung’s One UI features. Its main advantage is integration: it works smoothly with Samsung Notes and the S Pen on supported models.
The trade-off is that it is only available on Samsung phones, and its prediction and glide typing are not quite as polished as Gboard or SwiftKey.
Best for: Samsung phone owners who want a well-integrated keyboard without installing anything.
4. Fleksy
Fleksy is a smaller, independent keyboard that stands out for speed and customisation. Its gesture controls are its signature feature: swipe left to delete a word, swipe right to add a space, and swipe up and down to cycle through suggestions. Once the gestures become muscle memory, typing feels very fast.
The trade-off is that its autocorrect and predictions are not as strong as Gboard or SwiftKey, so you may correct more words yourself. Some extra themes are paid, although the core keyboard is free.
Best for: people who love gestures and customisation and want a fast, lightweight keyboard.
5. Grammarly Keyboard
Grammarly Keyboard is built around one idea: helping you write correctly. As you type, it checks spelling and grammar and suggests fixes, which makes it useful for emails and work messages where mistakes matter.
The trade-off is that the most useful features, such as advanced grammar suggestions, need a paid Grammarly plan.
Best for: anyone who writes a lot of work emails and wants help catching mistakes before sending.
A Quick Note on Keyboard Privacy
A keyboard app can see everything you type, including passwords, so it deserves more caution than most apps. Stick to well-known keyboards from reputable developers, download them only from the Google Play Store, and check the permissions they request. Read the privacy policy before enabling cloud sync. It is also worth reviewing the 12 Android security settings that protect your phone.
Make the Most of Your New Keyboard
Spend a few minutes in your new keyboard’s settings. Turn on glide typing, enable the number row if you type digits often, and set up clipboard history. Add your most-used phrases as text shortcuts — for example, typing “addr” to expand into your full address. If you like keeping your phone organised, learn how to hide apps on Android without root, and if notifications pull you away while you type, these Android notification settings that tame the chaos can help.
The Bottom Line
Changing your Android keyboard is a small change with a daily payoff. Gboard is the best all-rounder, SwiftKey is the pick for heavy and multilingual typists, Samsung Keyboard is the natural choice on Galaxy phones, Fleksy suits gesture lovers, and Grammarly Keyboard is ideal when correct writing matters most. Try one for a few days — predictions improve as the keyboard learns your style. For more phone tips, see how to use Google Lens on Android, and check the official Gboard Help pages for detailed guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the keyboard on my Android phone?
Install a keyboard app from the Play Store, then go to Settings, System, then Languages and input. Turn on the new keyboard under Manage on-screen keyboards, then choose it as the default.
Can I switch between two keyboards easily?
Yes. When the keyboard is open, tap the small keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner, or long-press the spacebar, and pick the keyboard you want. The switch is instant.
Is it safe to install a third-party keyboard?
It is safe if you stick to well-known keyboards from reputable developers and download them only from the Google Play Store. Avoid obscure keyboards and check the permissions it asks for.
Which Android keyboard is best in 2026?
There is no single best keyboard. Gboard is the best all-rounder, SwiftKey suits heavy and multilingual typists, Samsung Keyboard is ideal on Galaxy phones, Fleksy is great for gestures, and Grammarly Keyboard helps with correct writing.
How do I add another language to my keyboard?
Open your keyboard’s settings, go to Languages, and add the language you need. Most keyboards let you switch by swiping the spacebar or tapping the globe key.
