If we are already tired of the appearance and certain functions of the keyboard of our phone, we can always opt for set up android keyboard according to our tastes and preferences. There are many possibilities at our fingertips, from increasing the size of the buttons to changing the sound of the key presses. In this post we explain how to do it all, step by step.
Depending on which keyboard we choose, we will have some functions or others. It is best to know in detail each of its aspects and characteristics before deciding to change. For example, you can choose a default keyboard, or download and install a completely new one, with different colors, new emojis, and other details.
What aspects can be changed on the keyboard?
The idea of changing the keyboard of our mobile phone is twofold: on the one hand, we can get a new aesthetic, a new “look” for our keyboard; on the other, we can get exciting new features. Here's a brief summary:
- Colors and design. When modifying a keyboard there is the possibility of changing the background color and also that of the keys and letters, the typography style, etc.
- Size, both the keyboard itself and the keys. In some cases, its orientation can also be modified.
- Voice typing. This is a very practical function and widely used by many users. Especially suitable for people who, due to illness or advanced age, have certain difficulties when sending text messages.
- Custom toolbar from which to access, for example, the Google search engine or the translator.
- Display Modes . For example, so that the text is on the left side while we write on the right side.
- Language selection keyboard.
- writing preferences, such as turning automatic capitalization on or off, vibration when pressing a key, etc.
- Spelling correction, with the option to show suggestions.
- Accounts and privacy: synchronization of our accounts in the cloud, deletion of data, etc.
Aspects and design: with this option we can apply different available themes that change the appearance of the keyboard, in addition to the option to select the style of its input. - Gestural writing to write simply by moving our fingers over the screen of our Android.
- Other options: Press and enlarge, press and display the available symbols, etc.
Download a new keyboard
Lots to choose from. In the Google Play store there are countless options of tools that we can use to configure an Android keyboard just the way we want to do it. However, if it is a question of narrowing down the options a bit, there are some that are especially useful and popular, such as Gboard o SwiftKey.
GBoard
It is the official Google keyboard, which is installed by default in many smartphone models. GBoard It comes with many basic features and gives us the ability to customize its look with a number of colors and themes. In addition, it has the additional advantage of having Google Search integrated, which allows us to carry out searches from the same keyboard.
Link: GBoard
Swiftkey
Those who use it are clear: Swiftkey it's an even better option than the Google keyboard. Among its many qualities we can highlight a highly accurate text prediction tool and a really practical automatic correction system. Another advantage that must be appreciated is its high degree of keyboard customization. All of Swiftkey's features are free, although access to some themes will require a fee.
Link: Swiftkey
Set up the new keyboard on Android
Whatever our choice (there are many more options besides GBoard or Swiftkey), to set up a new keyboard on Android, the steps to follow are always the same, with only a few minor variations in the process on certain brands and models. These are the steps to follow:
Select the new keyboard
- First, we access the Settings of our device.
- Then we will "System".
- In the next menu, we select "Languages and text introduction".
- We chose the option "On-screen keyboard".
- Then we press "Manage on screen".
At this point we will be able to see all the keyboards installed on our phone: the one that comes by default and the ones that we have downloaded. All we have to do is select the one we want to use on Android (and uncheck the one we already had selected).
Configure the new keyboard
After selecting the new keyboard, we have the possibility of choosing the most suitable configuration for our preferences and needs. This is how you access the settings menu:
- First we go to the phone Settings.
- Then we will "System".
- In the next menu, we select "Languages and text introduction".
- Now click on "On-screen keyboard" and we choose the keyboard to configure, following the instructions that are detailed.
These steps will also be very useful if you do not want to change the keyboard, but simply configure the one we already have. This is what many GBoard users do, for example.