How to Change the Keyboard on a Samsung

Switch keyboards on the fly too

By
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Senior Editor & Content Strategist
Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology editor and writer for over a dozen years. She runs product reviews for Lifewire, overseeing the process from hands-on testing to publishing.
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Updated on August 2, 2021
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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What to Know

  • Go to Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default > Default keyboard. Select a keyboard.
  • Switch keyboards: Launch an app > tap the text field. Then tap the keyboard icon on the bottom right and choose the keyboard from the list.

This article covers how to change the default keyboard on Samsung smartphones and how to switch between keyboards. The directions below apply to Android 11, Android 10, and Android 9.0 (Pie).

How to Change the Default Samsung Keyboard

Most apps walk you through the process of setting up a keyboard, including setting it as the default, but you can change the default anytime. You can see what the default keyboard is in Settings.

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Tap General management.

  3. Tap Keyboard list and default

  4. Tap Default keyboard.

  5. Select a keyboard.

How to Switch Keyboards on Samsung

Samsung smartphone users can download as many keyboard apps as they want, and you can switch between them easily. You can also switch to voice typing if you prefer or use a GIF keyboard or other specialized one.

  1. Launch the app you want to type in.

  2. Tap to display the keyboard.

  3. Tap the keyboard icon on the bottom right.

  4. Choose the keyboard from the list.

Viewing Samsung Keyboard Permissions

To see what permissions you've granted a keyboard app, go to Settings > Apps > Select a keyboard app from the list. Under Permissions, you'll either see a number or No permissions allowed. Tap Permission to see what they are.

Go to the Google Play Store listing or the company's website to find out more.

FAQ
  • How do you get the Samsung keyboard back to normal?

    Tap on the Settings gear within the Samsung Keyboard, then tap Keyboard size and layout. Select Reset, then Done. Alternatively, you can try simply restarting your Samsung device.

  • How do you disable the Samsung keyboard?

    Unfortunately, there's no good way to disable the Samsung keyboard if you have another preference. But you can install another keyboard, like Gboard, and make it the default by going to Settings > General Management > Language and input > On-screen keyboard > Default keyboard. Pick the one you want to use.

  • How do you make the Samsung keyboard bigger?

    You can customize the size, language, layout, themes, and more easily within the Samsung keyboard's settings. With the keyboard open, tap on the Settings icon, then adjust the keyboard height. Also, if you have the keyboard in one-handed typing mode, consider turning it off, so you get a full-sized keyboard to type on.

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