For the longest time, Apple didn’t allow third-party keyboards to replace the stock iOS keyboard. With the rollout of iOS 8 on September 2014, Apple finally allowed third-party keyboard support. This means you can go to the App Store and check out different keyboard apps if you are unsatisfied with the stock keyboard. In my opinion, I love the stock iOS keyboard. I had a Samsung Galaxy S6 and found myself trying to find a keyboard that was similar to the iPhone. However, many people like the ability to customize so this tutorial will show you how to add other keyboards to your iPhone or iPad.
The first thing you’ll need to do is go to the App Store and find which third-party keyboard you want to download. Here are three popular keyboard apps.
Fleksy: (Free)
Fleksy provides a fun, customizable typing experience. Fleksy allows you to search for and quickly find GIFs, which is of utmost importance for the millenial generation. Themes can be designed to provide a keyboard template that shows off your own unique style. Extensions can also be added to increase productivity.
Swype: $0.99
Swype is a unique way to type. Swype uses a continuous swiping motion from letter to letter to type. Swype claims that you can type faster using this method. I personally didn’t find myself typing faster. It’s probably due to me being so used to tapping letters to type. However, one-handed typing is much more convenient because you don’t have to lift your finger from the screen.
Gboard: Free
The official Google keyboard is available for the iPhone and iPad. The layout looks similar to the the stock iOS keyboard. There is a Google Search icon, which conveniently allows you to search and send information through a text. Gboard also has Glide Typing, which is similar to the swiping seen in Swype.
How to add third-party keyboard
- Open Settings
- Tap on General
- Tap on Keyboard
- Tap on Keyboards at the top
- Tap Add New Keyboard
- Third-party keyboards will be right under suggested keyboards
- Tap on third-party keyboard of choice
- To make the third-party keyboard your default keyboard, tap edit on the top right
- Drag third-party keyboard to the top
Note: You can also add different languages as a keyboard to your iPad or iPhone.
How to switch keyboards in any app
You can still access the stock keyboard, or different languages.
- In the keyboard, hold the globe key found at the bottom left of the screen
- Tap the keyboard you wish to use
Note: All keyboards that are selected in Settings will be available.
That’s it! It is incredibly simple to change your keyboard if you are unhappy with stock keyboard. Third-party keyboards allow much more customization or a different method of typing. Happy typing!