Making SwiftKey the default keyboard on your Android device can greatly enhance your typing experience. SwiftKey is known for its intelligent predictive text and autocorrect features, making typing faster and more accurate. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of setting up SwiftKey as your default keyboard on Android and explore some additional tips to make the most out of this popular keyboard app.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Making SwiftKey Default Keyboard on Android
Changing your default keyboard on Android can be a bit tricky and may vary depending on the device and version of Android you are using. Android offers a wide range of keyboard options, but if you have already installed SwiftKey and want to set it as your default keyboard, you might face some challenges. However, with the right guidance and a few simple steps, you can easily overcome these challenges and enjoy the benefits of SwiftKey.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you proceed with making SwiftKey the default keyboard on your Android device, there are a few things you should prepare for:
1. Ensure that SwiftKey is installed: Make sure you have SwiftKey installed on your Android device. If it is not already installed, you can download it from the Google Play Store.
2. Update SwiftKey: It is always a good practice to keep your apps updated. Check if there are any updates available for SwiftKey and install them before proceeding.
3. Keyboard settings access: Depending on your Android device, the process of accessing the keyboard settings may vary. Familiarize yourself with how to access the keyboard settings on your specific device.
Method 1: Setting SwiftKey as Default Keyboard via Language & Input Settings
1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "System" or "General Management," depending on your device.
3. Look for the "Language & input" or "Language & keyboard" option and tap on it.
4. Tap on "Virtual keyboard" or "On-screen keyboard" from the options.
5. Select "Manage keyboards" or "Manage input methods" to see a list of available keyboard apps.
6. Find SwiftKey from the list and toggle the switch to enable it.
7. A pop-up message may appear with a warning about the input method change. Tap on "OK" to proceed.
8. Go back to the previous screen and tap on "Default keyboard" or "Default input method."
9. Choose SwiftKey from the list of available keyboards.
10. SwiftKey is now set as your default keyboard on Android. You can start using it right away.
Pros:
– Simple and straightforward method.
– Accessible through the Android settings menu.
– Works on most Android devices.
Cons:
– Process may vary slightly depending on the Android device and version.
– Switching between keyboard apps may require reconfiguration.
Method 2: Making SwiftKey Default via SwiftKey Settings
1. Open the SwiftKey app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the three horizontal lines icon at the top-left corner of the screen to open the sidebar.
3. Scroll down and tap on "Typing" or "Keyboard."
4. Tap on "Keyboard & input methods" or "Keyboard settings."
5. Look for the "Default Keyboard" or "Set as Default" option and tap on it.
6. You may see a warning message about the input method change. Tap on "OK" to proceed.
7. A system settings page will open with a list of available keyboards. Choose SwiftKey from the list.
8. SwiftKey is now set as your default keyboard on Android.
Pros:
– Directly accessed through the SwiftKey app.
– Requires fewer steps compared to the previous method.
– Offers additional SwiftKey settings and customization options.
Cons:
– SwiftKey settings may differ from device to device.
– Some older Android versions may not support direct keyboard switching from within apps.
Method 3: Changing Default Keyboard via App Settings
1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "Application Manager."
3. Look for the app that is currently set as the default keyboard app. It may be named "Keyboard," "Gboard," or another keyboard app.
4. Tap on the app to open its settings.
5. Scroll down and tap on "Defaults" or "Default apps."
6. Tap on "Clear defaults" or "Clear defaults for this app" to remove the default association.
7. Now, open any app where you can type, such as a messaging app or the browser.
8. When the keyboard appears, you will be prompted to choose the input method. Select SwiftKey from the list.
9. A pop-up message may appear with a warning about the input method change. Tap on "OK" to proceed.
10. SwiftKey is now set as your default keyboard for the selected app. Repeat this process for other apps if desired.
Pros:
– Provides more control over default app associations.
– Works when the Android system settings method is not available.
– Can be customized for specific apps.
Cons:
– Requires clearing defaults for the current keyboard app.
– Setting default on an app-by-app basis may be time-consuming.
Method 4: Using Quick Settings Shortcut to Change Default Keyboard
Changing the default keyboard through the quick settings shortcut is only available on certain Android devices running newer versions of Android, such as Android 7.0 Nougat and above. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Swipe down from the top of your Android device to access the quick settings panel.
2. Swipe down again to expand the panel and reveal more options.
3. Look for the "Keyboard" or "Input method" icon. It may vary depending on your device and Android version.
4. Tap on the "Keyboard" or "Input method" icon to open the keyboard selection menu.
5. From the available options, select SwiftKey to set it as the default keyboard.
6. SwiftKey is now set as your default keyboard on Android.
Pros:
– Quick and convenient method through the quick settings panel.
– Works on devices running newer versions of Android.
– Accessible with a single swipe.
Cons:
– Limited to certain Android devices and versions.
– The quick settings method may not be available or may vary across devices.
Why Can’t I Make SwiftKey My Default Keyboard?
1. Incompatible Android version: Some Android devices running older versions may not provide the option to change the default keyboard or may have limited options. Consider upgrading to a newer Android version, if available, to access more features and customization options.
2. Pre-installed keyboard restrictions: Some Android devices come with pre-installed keyboards that may have restrictions on changing the default keyboard. In such cases, you may need to disable or remove the pre-installed keyboard app to make SwiftKey or any other keyboard your default choice.
3. Security permissions: Certain Android devices require additional security permissions or administrator access to change the default keyboard. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to modify the default keyboard settings.
4. Device-specific limitations: Different Android devices have varying levels of customization and options for changing the default keyboard. If certain methods discussed earlier do not work for your device, it might have device-specific limitations that prevent SwiftKey from being set as the default keyboard.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your SwiftKey experience on Android:
1. Personalize SwiftKey: Customize SwiftKey according to your preferences by changing the theme, layout, and size of the keyboard. Explore the SwiftKey settings to find various customization options.
2. Enable Flow: SwiftKey Flow, also known as swipe typing, allows you to type by sliding your finger across the keys. This feature speeds up typing and can be enabled in the SwiftKey settings under the "Typing" or "Gesture input" section.
3. Add Multiple Languages: SwiftKey supports multiple languages. Add the languages you frequently use in the SwiftKey settings to enable multilingual typing. SwiftKey can automatically switch between languages based on your typing patterns.
5 FAQs about Making SwiftKey Default Keyboard on Android
Q1: Can I use SwiftKey on any Android device?
A1: Yes, SwiftKey is compatible with most Android devices. However, certain older or budget Android devices may not be able to run SwiftKey smoothly due to hardware limitations.
Q2: Do I need an internet connection to use SwiftKey?
A2: No, SwiftKey works offline and does not require an internet connection to function. However, an internet connection may be needed for downloading language packs and updates.
Q3: Can I use SwiftKey with other keyboard apps?
A3: Yes, you can use SwiftKey alongside other keyboard apps. Android allows you to switch between installed keyboard apps, and you can easily switch back to a different keyboard if desired.
Q4: Does SwiftKey support third-party keyboard themes?
A4: Yes, SwiftKey supports third-party keyboard themes. You can find a variety of themes in the SwiftKey Store or download themes from other sources and apply them using the SwiftKey settings.
Q5: How can I check for updates for SwiftKey?
A5: Updates for SwiftKey are available through the Google Play Store. Open the Play Store app, search for SwiftKey, and if an update is available, you will see an "Update" button next to the app listing.
In Conclusion
Setting SwiftKey as the default keyboard on your Android device can greatly enhance your typing experience. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily make SwiftKey your default keyboard and enjoy its intelligent predictive text and other customizable features. Remember to explore the SwiftKey settings to personalize your keyboard and customize it according to your preferences. Happy typing!