How to Change the Galaxy Note 7 Keyboard

This quick and simple guide will show users how to change the Galaxy Note 7 keyboard to something different and more useful. Samsung’s new phone is one of the best on the market, but it’s not perfect, and now that millions of users are enjoying the Galaxy Note 7 we’re getting a lot of complaints about the keyboard and typing experience.

As you may already know, multiple key elements of Android devices can be changed in a matter of seconds by downloading a 3rd party app. Everything from changing the Note 7 keyboard, text message application, dialer or contacts app, browser, camera, calendar and much more. It’s one of the best aspects of Android, being able to customize everything, and here we’ll explain how.

Read: How to Turn Off Auto Correct on the Galaxy Note 7

The Galaxy Note 7 is a great phone with a big and beautiful 5.7-inch Quad-HD display, sleek bezels, a great camera and more. Whether it’s the first Note you’ve ever owned or replacing the Galaxy Note 5, many users are struggling with the default keyboard that comes installed on the phone. This could be the controls, the size of the device or other things. Luckily for us it can be changed in a matter of seconds, so lets try something different like Google Keyboard or SwiftKey.

Everyone from friends, family, to users on social media have reached out regarding the Galaxy Note 7 keyboard. For whatever reason the auto correct is a bit strong and causing problems, it’s confusing to look at with alternative functions for each button, to even the numbers across the top. While most of this is helpful and allows owners to do more, quicker, some don’t like all it has to offer.

Most Android manufacturers build their own keyboard for devices, rather than just using the stock Google Keyboard bundled with Android. However, owners can still use Google’s Keyboard, which is my favorite, or one of the multiple different 3rd party keyboards available in the Google Play Store.

Samsung’s stock keyboard is rather powerful and loaded with features. From predictive text, auto spell check, swipe features that can be enabled, a number row up top, layout controls, pen detection and more. It has a lot to offer, but sometimes it isn’t what users prefer, or something simple would be more fitting. If you want to change the Galaxy Note 7 keyboard, here’s how.

Instructions

Just like most things, this can be quickly and easily changed in settings under a minute or two. The first step is heading to the Google Play Store and downloading any of the different 3rd party keyboards. Google Keyboard is my favorite, SwiftKey is extremely popular, and even Swype is still around for those who’d like to use it.

Once you download a 3rd party keyboard from the Play Store simply open it and follow the instructions. Most will walk owners through how to enable the system to see the keyboard, then change the default keyboard as the new one, and allow for some customization. If not though, here are the step-by-step instructions once you’ve downloaded one.

Pull down the notification bar and tap the gear-shaped settings icon on the top right, or find the settings app in the application tray. We’ll need to head to Settings > General Management > and then Language & input.

Above is a screenshot showing which settings you’ll need to select to navigate to the keyboard controls. Once in Language & input select Default Keyboard > Setup input methods > and enable Google Keyboard, or whichever keyboard you downloaded.

Now tap on Default Keyboard once more, and select the keyboard you’d like to use as shown below.

That’s it, and we’re all done. Now the entire phone and system will use the new keyboard instead of Samsung’s built in option. While we’re in the Language & input settings you can also tap on Samsung Keyboard, Google Keyboard, SwiftKey or anything else you’ve downloaded to access it’s specific settings, customization and options. Most allow owners to change the look and feel, add themes, disable auto correct, turn off vibrations or keyboard sounds and more.

Customize your new keyboard exactly how you’d like to use it with the controls and features of choice, hit the home key, and we’re all done. Now enjoy an improved typing experience on the Galaxy Note 7.