Whether you’re a seasoned phone user or a newcomer, personalizing your smartphone can significantly enhance your overall experience. Among the various modifications you can make, changing the keyboard is one of the most impactful. Samsung devices offer multiple keyboard options, allowing users to select one that suits their typing style better. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to change the keyboard on Samsung devices, making your texting and typing experience faster and more enjoyable.
Why Change Your Keyboard?
Changing your keyboard can significantly improve your productivity and comfort while using your device. You might choose to switch keyboards for various reasons, including:
Enhanced Features
Many third-party keyboards come with unique features such as swipe typing, customizable themes, built-in dictionaries, emoji support, and even voice typing options.
Personal Preference
If the default Samsung keyboard isn’t meeting your needs—be it due to the layout, size, or overall design—you might prefer a keyboard that feels more intuitive or visually appealing.
Accessibility
Some keyboards are better designed for accessibility, featuring larger keys, voice commands, and other functionalities that accommodate different users’ needs.
How to Change Your Keyboard on Samsung Devices
Changing your keyboard is relatively straightforward. Below, we will walk you through the steps to change your default keyboard on Samsung devices.
Step 1: Access Your Settings
To initiate the keyboard change process, follow these steps:
- Open the app drawer on your Samsung device.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon.
Step 2: Navigate to General Management
Once you are in the settings menu:
- Scroll down and select “General Management.”
- Look for “Language and input” and tap on it.
Step 3: Select On-Screen Keyboard
Next, you will see options related to your keyboard settings:
- Tap on “On-Screen Keyboard.” This section displays the keyboard currently in use.
- Here you can see options for your installed keyboards.
Step 4: Choose Your Keyboard
In the On-Screen Keyboard section:
- Select “Samsung Keyboard” or tap on “Manage keyboards” to see third-party options.
- If you want to add another keyboard, enable it by tapping the switch next to its name.
Step 5: Customize Your Keyboard Settings
Once you choose your preferred keyboard:
- You can customize many aspects of it under its respective settings. For instance, if you opted for Gboard, tap on it and explore options like themes, Glide typing, and emojis.
- If you want to modify settings for the Samsung Keyboard, you can also tap on it to adjust its features.
Step 6: Set as Default
If you’re switching to a third-party keyboard, ensure it is set as your default option:
- Go back to “Language and input” in the General Management settings.
- Under “Default keyboard,” select your new keyboard from the list.
Step 7: Testing Your New Keyboard
After making all the adjustments, it’s time to test:
- Open any app that requires typing, such as Messages or Notes.
- Your newly selected keyboard will appear. Play around with it to familiarize yourself with its layout and features.
Popular Keyboard Options for Samsung Devices
If you’re looking for new keyboards to try on your Samsung device, here are a few popular options:
Gboard
Gboard, developed by Google, is known for its efficient features such as glide typing, GIFs, and multilingual input. It also supports emoji search and voice typing.
SwiftKey
SwiftKey is another robust option, recognized for its autocorrect features, personalized predictions, and customizable layouts. With its themes and color options, you can create a look that fits your style.
Fleksy
Fleksy is well-regarded for its speed and customization capabilities. With the ability to add extensions for additional features, it appeals to advanced users looking for efficiency.
AnySoftKeyboard
This open-source keyboard offers great flexibility and simplicity, with features tailored to users looking for a straightforward typing experience without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Chrooma Keyboard
Chrooma is a colorful and adaptive keyboard that changes color based on the app you’re using. It provides a unique typing experience along with excellent prediction capabilities.
Tips for Optimizing Your Keyboard Experience on Samsung
Once you’ve chosen your keyboard, consider these tips to maximize your typing efficiency:
Customize Key Settings
Most keyboards offer personalization options that allow you to adjust key sensitivity, key size, and other features. Take advantage of these settings to enhance your typing comfort.
Learn Shortcuts
Many keyboards support shortcuts for common tasks. Familiarize yourself with shortcuts available on your new keyboard to speed up your typing further.
Utilize Voice Typing
If your keyboard supports it, voice typing can be a useful feature, especially for those who find traditional typing cumbersome.
Explore Themes
Many keyboards allow you to change their appearance with themes. Find one that suits your preferences to make your typing environment more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Changing your keyboard on a Samsung device offers a unique opportunity to enhance your typing experience dramatically. Whether you’re looking for advanced features, improved accessibility, or simply a different aesthetic, there’s a keyboard out there to suit your needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll find it easy to switch keyboards and customize them to your liking.
With a wide variety of options at your disposal, your next typing adventure awaits—so don’t hesitate to explore and find the perfect keyboard for your Samsung device. Happy typing!
What are the steps to change the keyboard on my Samsung device?
To change the keyboard on your Samsung device, start by opening the “Settings” app. Scroll down and tap on “General management.” From there, select “Language and input.” You will see an option for “On-screen keyboard,” where you can choose the current keyboard in use. Tap on it to access the settings.
Once you’re in the keyboard settings, you can choose your preferred keyboard from the list or install a new one from the Google Play Store. After installation, return to the settings menu, select your new keyboard, and customize it according to your preferences.
Can I use third-party keyboards on my Samsung device?
Yes, you can use third-party keyboards on your Samsung device. To do this, you’ll first need to download your chosen keyboard app from the Google Play Store. Popular options include Gboard, SwiftKey, and Fleksy, among others.
Once the app is installed, go to the Samsung device’s “Settings,” then navigate to “General management,” followed by “Language and input.” You can then set your newly installed keyboard as the default input method. This will allow you to switch from the default Samsung keyboard to the third-party option seamlessly.
How do I customize my Samsung keyboard settings?
To customize your Samsung keyboard settings, navigate to “Settings,” then tap on “General management” followed by “Language and input.” From there, select “On-screen keyboard” and tap on “Samsung Keyboard.” This will open a range of options for you to modify.
You can change preferences such as keyboard size, theme, and input methods. Moreover, you can adjust features like predictive text, auto-correction, and word suggestions, ensuring that your typing experience is tailored to how you want to interact with your device.
Is it possible to change the keyboard layout on my Samsung device?
Yes, you can change the keyboard layout on your Samsung device. In the keyboard settings, navigate to the “Language and input” section and choose your current keyboard. Within the keyboard settings, you’ll find an option for “Languages” or “Keyboard layouts,” allowing you to select from various layouts, including QWERTY, AZERTY, and others.
After selecting your desired layout, it should take effect immediately in most cases. You can switch between layouts easily while typing by tapping the language icon on the keyboard if you have multiple layouts enabled.
Are there accessibility features available on Samsung keyboards?
Absolutely, Samsung keyboards come with several accessibility features. To access these, go to “Settings,” followed by “General management,” and then “Language and input.” Select “On-screen keyboard” and tap on “Samsung Keyboard.” Here, you can find features such as “High contrast keyboard” and “Large keyboard” options designed for better visibility.
Additionally, Samsung keyboards support voice input, which can be especially useful for users with mobility challenges. You can activate voice input by tapping the microphone icon on the keyboard, allowing you to dictate your text hands-free.
How can I revert back to the default keyboard after trying a new one?
If you wish to revert back to the default Samsung keyboard after trying a new one, simply go to “Settings,” then “General management,” followed by “Language and input.” Locate the “On-screen keyboard” option and tap on it. From the list of installed keyboards, you will see the default Samsung Keyboard.
Selecting the Samsung Keyboard will set it back as your primary keyboard. You may also want to delete the third-party keyboard app if you no longer need it, which can be done from the “Apps” section in your device settings.
Can I change the keyboard theme on my Samsung device?
Yes, changing the keyboard theme on your Samsung device is quite simple. Open “Settings,” navigate to “General management,” and select “Language and input.” Choose “On-screen keyboard” and tap on “Samsung Keyboard.” From there, you will see an option for “Themes.”
When you tap on “Themes,” you’ll have the choice to select from various pre-installed themes or download new ones from the Samsung Themes store. After choosing your desired theme, it will be applied to your keyboard immediately, giving your typing experience a fresh new look.
What should I do if my keyboard is not working properly?
If your keyboard is not functioning properly, the first step is to restart your device, as this can resolve many minor issues. If the problem persists, you can try clearing the cache of the keyboard app. Navigate to “Settings,” then “Apps,” and find your keyboard app. Clear the cache and any stored data.
If the issues continue even after these steps, consider checking for software updates for your device or the keyboard app. You can also uninstall and reinstall the keyboard app if it’s a third-party option, which often resolves persisting glitches or errors.