How to Change Keyboards on the Nexus 6

With Android 5.0 Lollipop now readily available for many Nexus devices, and slowly being pushed as a software update for many smartphones from Motorola, LG, Samsung, HTC and more, owners will want to know how to do certain tasks. One that we’ve already started getting questions about is changing the keyboard on Android 5.0, and the new Nexus 6.

One great part of Android that iOS has slowly adopted, is changing key components of the OS, like the keyboard. There are many options from the Google Play Store, including Google’s own keyboard option, and below we’ll explain how to change it on the Nexus 6, or any Nexus device for that matter.

Read: Nexus 6: 5 Features Buyers Will Love

In previous versions of Android a notification icon appeared on the top of the screen when you’re not using the stock keyboard, and it was a persistent notification. Google’s now moved this to the bottom on Android 5.0 with the Nexus 6, and the settings options are slightly different too. There are a few new steps, so read on to find out how.

Thankfully the system for changing the keyboard is largely unchanged, only with a few different ways and options do to so, and should be a similar process for all Android smartphones and tablets.

If you have 3rd party keyboards installed (and enabled) you’ll see the new keyboard notification switcher on the bottom right of the Nexus 6 (but this could be in the notification bar on Samsung devices) and you’ll simply tap that. Below is an image of what you’ll be seeing. That said, you’ll still need to enable usage of the new keyboards before this option will be available, which we’ll explain below.

The new icon above is all you’ll have to tap if multiple keyboards are installed and enabled on your Nexus 6 or Android 5.0 device. If it isn’t there, you can head into settings like previous versions of Android and simply change keyboards with a few taps. Lets get started.

Instructions

To start you’ll head into settings by tapping the gear-shaped icon in the notification bar, then scroll down and select “Language & input”. This menu will have all the options you need.

Next you’ll need to tap “current keyboard” which will popup a window showing which keyboard is currently being used. Most likely the regular Google Keyboard. Then select the “Choose keyboards” option, as pictured below.

From here users will get a big list of keyboards installed, as well as additional language options if enabled. I’ve installed SwiftKey, and it’s an option below. Simply tap SwiftKey (or keyboard of choice) to enable that keyboard. However, this has only enabled it, and hasn’t changed your keyboard.

Now you’ll go back to the previous Language & input screen and again tap “Current Keyboard” which will now have two choices. The Google Keyboard, and the newly enabled SwiftKey keyboard. Now all you do is select the keyboard you’d like to use on your smartphone, and you’re all done.

Read: How to Disable Ambient Display on the Nexus 6

Once it’s enabled you’ll now see the little icon in the image above, for an easier and simple way to switch on the fly. That’s all there is to it. The overall process remains the same, it just looks slightly different and has a few more options to make the switch easier for those who need it.

Stay tuned for more Android 5.0 and Nexus 6 how to articles. Both big and small.