How to change iPhone keyboard

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To change the keyboard on your iPhone, navigate to Settings General > Keyboard > Keyboards. From there, you can add new keyboards or change the current one.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before changing your iPhone keyboard, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •iPhone running iOS 12 or later (iOS 15 recommended for best features).
  • •Access to the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • •Wi-Fi or cellular data for downloading third-party keyboards.
  • •Backup important data if you plan to install third-party keyboards.

Method 1: Changing the Default Keyboard

This method is used when you want to switch between installed keyboards or add a new one.
  • •Step 1: Open the Settings app by tapping the gear icon on your home screen.
  • •Step 2: Scroll down and tap on 'General'.
  • •Step 3: Tap on 'Keyboard'.
  • •Step 4: Tap on 'Keyboards' to see the list of installed keyboards.
  • •Step 5: To add a new keyboard, tap 'Add New Keyboard...', select your desired keyboard from the list, and tap on it.
  • •Step 6: To change the default keyboard, tap 'Edit', drag the desired keyboard to the top of the list, and tap 'Done'.
  • •Step 7: Verify the change by opening any app that uses the keyboard (e.g., Messages) and checking the keyboard layout.
  • •Step 8: If the keyboard does not appear, restart your iPhone and repeat the steps.

For iOS 15 and Later

iOS 15 introduced new features for keyboards.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: You can now enable 'Predictive' text and 'Smart Punctuation' in the keyboard settings for enhanced typing.

For iOS 14 and Earlier

The steps remain largely the same but without some of the new features.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: Note that some keyboard options may not be available.

Method 2: Installing Third-Party Keyboards

Use this method if you want to explore additional keyboard options not available by default.
  • •Step 1: Open the App Store and search for 'keyboard'.
  • •Step 2: Choose a third-party keyboard app (e.g., Gboard, SwiftKey) and tap 'Get' to download it.
  • •Step 3: Once installed, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
  • •Step 4: Tap 'Add New Keyboard...' and select the newly installed keyboard from the list.
  • •Step 5: Tap on the keyboard name and enable 'Allow Full Access' if prompted for additional features.
  • •Step 6: Verify the installation by opening an app and switching to the new keyboard by tapping the globe icon on the keyboard.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while changing your keyboard, refer to the following solutions.
  • •Error: Keyboard not appearing - Solution: Ensure the keyboard is enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
  • •Issue: Third-party keyboard crashes - Fix: Uninstall and reinstall the keyboard app from the App Store.
  • •Problem: Keyboard layout not changing - Workaround: Restart your iPhone and check the keyboard settings again.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your keyboard experience with these tips.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Double-tap the spacebar - Inserts a period and space.
  • •Hidden feature: Swipe typing - Enable in Settings > General > Keyboard > Slide to Type.
  • •Customization: Change keyboard themes in third-party apps for a personalized look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For a seamless typing experience, consider using a third-party keyboard that suits your typing style and needs.