If you’re like me, you might struggle to type a coherent sentence with Samsung’s default keyboard because of its lack of a competent auto-complete. Instead of fighting your way through each text message or email with Samsung’s default keyboard, do yourself a favour and switch keyboards. You have a few different options, including Microsoft’s SwiftKey andGoogle’s Gboard.
In some regions - like Europe - SwiftKey is preinstalled onSamsung phonesin addition to the Samsung keyboard. If that’s the case where you live, you can follow the directions below to change your default keyboard, or you can install another keyboard on your Samsung phone from the Play Store.
The process takes just a few minutes of your time, and will undoubtedly save you plenty of time and headaches going forward.
How to change the default keyboard on your Samsung Galaxy phone
After installing something likeSwiftKeyorGboard, you need to set it as the default keyboard on your phone. The quickest way to do that is to open the respective app, which will walk you through the process which consists of enabling the keyboard in the Settings app, then setting it as the default keyboard.
Using Gboard as an example, when you open the app for the first time, you’ll see a button asking you to enable Gboard in Settings. Tap the button to open Settings to the exact page you need, then slide the switch next to Gboard to the on position and accept the warning.
Next, go back to the Gboard app and tap theSelect Input Methodbutton, followed by selecting Gboard on the subsequent pop-up.
That’s all there is to it. The process is exactly the same with SwiftKey.
You can always change your mind
If you decide that Gboard or another third-party keyboard isn’t for you, you can disable the keyboard with a few taps.
Open theSettingsapp on your phone, then scroll down and selectGeneral Managementfollowed byKeyboard list and default.
There you’ll find a list of all keyboards currently installed on your phone, along with the default keyboard. You’ll also notice there’s a Giphy keyboard preinstalled on your phone, which you’re able to enable and use for quick access to animated images while typing. You can quickly switch between enabled keyboards whenever you’re typing by tapping on the small keyboard icon at the bottom of the screen.
SelectDefault Keyboardat the top of the screen followed by the keyboard you want to use as your default going forward. To disable a keyboard completely, slide the switch next to any of the listed keyboards to the off position.
How to supercharge your keyboard
While changing your keyboard is a good starting point, it’s not just about tapping the keys - your keyboard will do a whole lot more. Gboard, for example, has a settings cog you can tap allowing you through to change all sorts of settings and options. That includes things like theming your keyboard if you want it to look more exciting, but it also gives access to glide typing which is really useful for single-handed entry. You can also opt to turn on the number row and show the emoji key, for example - as well as controlling haptics and sounds.
Ultimately the message is this: don’t just settle for what you see - dive into the settings, see what you can change and if you don’t like it, you’re free to try as many different keyboards as you like.
Samsung Galaxy S23
Which is the best keyboard for your Samsung phone?
This will come down to personal preference, but for many users, Google’s Gboard is the keyboard of choice. It’s just a better keyboard to use than Samsung’s default input - it’s faster, it’s more accurate and easier to use. Go on - give it a try!
