There are more keyboard apps available on Android than you'd care to try, but we do recommend trying at least a few of the best keyboard apps to find something you like. When you do, here's how to get it going on your Android phone.

First, a couple of notes. For our example, we'll be showing you how to switch to the SwiftKey Keyboard, but the process of switching to any other keyboard is the same. Also, we're using a OnePlus 6T device for this example. The method on your Android device should be similar, but with countless Android variations, it's hard to say for sure.

The first thing you'll need to is head to the Play Store and download the keyboard you want. If you want to follow along, you can go ahead and download the SwiftKey Keyboard we're using here. Once you've installed the app, head over to your device's settings.

install app and go to settings

Inside the settings, you'll need to head to the "Language and Input" settings. For some phones, it might be buried inside another menu, just like ours is under "System." If you can't find it, you can always perform a search.

search for keyboard settings

Once you see it, tap the "Languages and Input" option and then tap the "Virtual Keyboard" option. Some devices might list the setting as "Current Keyboard" instead.

select virtual keyboard settings

Tap the "Manage Keyboard" option to see the currently installed keyboards. You should see your newly installed keyboard app there as well, but it will be disabled. Tap the toggle next to the keyboard's name to enable it.

manage and add keyboard

A warning appears onscreen letting you know that the keyboard has to collect the text your type. Click "OK" and then head back to the "Virtual Keyboard" settings.

alternate keyboard installed

Note: Using a keyboard app on your smartphone is a privacy risk. If you do use them, we recommend using keyboard apps from companies you trust.

Now that the keyboard is installed and enabled, you just need to choose it as your default keyboard.

The following steps will probably look different for every keyboard that you install because each keyboard has a different setup process (and some might not have one at all). The overall idea is still the same.

Tap the SwiftKey Keyboard entry to bring up its installer. On the setup screen, tap the "Select Swiftkey" option.

tap on swiftkey

You'll see a dialog box titled "Change Keyboard" with your current default keyboard selected (in this example, it's the Fleksy keyboard). Tap the Swiftkey Keyboard option to select it.

choose swiftkey keyboard

Technically, you're done and can start using your keyboard. But, most modern keyboards offer some customization options, and it doesn't hurt to check them out. In SwiftKey, tap the "Get Better Predictions" option to head over to SwiftKey's settings. On the next screen, you'll be asked to sign in to your Google or Microsoft account. There are a few benefits to doing so, but it's completely optional. For now, we'll skip the sign in process.

check swiftkey options

You'll then reach SwtifKey's settings. Feel free to look around and customize your keyboard. When you're satisfied, just exit the settings and start using your new keyboard.

If you want to use another keyboard in the future, just follow the same process again. To switch to a pre-installed keyboard, just skip the installation and activation part of the process.

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