Are you tired of the plain, dull keyboard background on your Samsung device? Do you want to personalize your typing experience while adding a splash of creativity to your smartphone or tablet? Fortunately, Samsung has made it easy for users to change their keyboard backgrounds, offering a range of customization options that can make your device truly yours. In this article, we’ll delve into the latest methods to change the background of your keyboard, explore the necessary settings, and offer tips for optimizing your experience.
Understanding Your Samsung Keyboard Options
Before diving into the step-by-step guide for changing your keyboard background, it’s important to understand the different keyboard types available on Samsung devices. Samsung users typically work with the Samsung Keyboard, but there are alternatives such as Gboard and SwiftKey. Each has unique features that may influence your choice of keyboard background.
Samsung Keyboard
The Samsung Keyboard is the default typing interface on most Samsung smartphones and tablets. It offers comprehensive customization options, including emoji support, GIF search, and various themes to change your keyboard’s appearance.
Gboard
Gboard, developed by Google, is another popular keyboard among Android users. It features built-in voice typing, emoji search, and Google Search capabilities. Gboard allows users to change the keyboard background and offers a wide variety of themes.
SwiftKey
SwiftKey, a Microsoft product, is known for its predictive typing capabilities. It supports multiple languages and lets users customize their keyboard backgrounds with images, colors, and themes.
Changing the Background of Samsung Keyboard
Now that you are familiar with the keyboard options available, let’s go through the steps to change the background of the Samsung Keyboard specifically. Follow these simple steps for a personalized keyboard experience.
Step 1: Open Settings
To begin, you’ll need to access your device’s settings menu. You can do this by:
- Unlocking your Samsung device.
- Locating and tapping on the Settings app, usually represented by a gear icon in your app drawer or on your home screen.
Step 2: Navigate to Languages and Input
Once you’re in the settings menu, you’ll need to find the keyboard settings:
- Scroll down and select General Management.
- Tap on Language and input to access your language and keyboard settings.
Step 3: Access On-screen Keyboard Settings
Now, you’ll need to select the keyboard you want to customize:
- Tap on On-screen keyboard.
- Choose Samsung Keyboard from the list of available keyboards.
Step 4: Customize Keyboard Appearance
At this stage, you can start changing the keyboard’s appearance:
- Tap on Themes.
- You will be directed to a screen showing various theme options that you can choose from. The themes range from default options to colorful and creative styles, making it easy to find one that reflects your personality.
Step 4.1: Selecting a Theme
- Browse through the available themes. Each theme includes a preview image that showcases how the keyboard looks.
- Tap on a theme to select it. If you like the theme, tap on the Apply button to set it as your keyboard background.
Step 4.2: Download More Themes
If the available themes do not suit your taste, don’t worry! You can download additional themes:
- On the Themes screen, scroll down to find the Theme Store option.
- Tap on it, and you’ll be directed to Samsung’s online store.
- Browse through the extensive collection of keyboard themes available for download. You’ll find various artistic designs, from minimalist styles to vibrant graphics.
Step 5: Personalizing Further with Colors and Images
To take your customization a step further, Samsung Keyboard allows you to change the keyboard’s color and even add your favorite images as the background.
Step 5.1: Change the Color
- In the Samsung Keyboard settings, select Style and layout.
- Tap on Keyboard style. You will see options to select different keyboard colors.
- Choose your desired color palette, and it will be applied immediately.
Step 5.2: Set a Custom Background Image
Setting a custom background image adds a unique touch to your keyboard:
- In the same Style and layout menu, find the option that says Background style.
- Here, you can upload an image from your gallery or choose a solid color.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
After customizing your keyboard, take a moment to test it out:
- Open any messaging app or social media app to check your new keyboard background.
- If you’re not happy with your selection, repeat the above steps to choose a different theme, color, or picture.
Changing the Keyboard Background on Gboard
If you prefer using Gboard, here’s how you can change its background:
Step 1: Launch Settings
Follow the same process as you would for the Samsung Keyboard by opening the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to System > Languages & Input
After accessing settings:
- Scroll down and select System.
- Tap on Languages & input to find your keyboard settings.
Step 3: Select Gboard
- In the Keyboard & input methods section, select Gboard.
- Tap on Theme to start changing the keyboard’s background.
Step 3.1: Choose Your Theme
- Gboard offers several pre-installed themes. Simply tap on a theme to apply it.
- You can also select + to download more themes from the Google Play Store.
Step 4: Customize with Images
- Gboard allows users to upload custom images as keyboard backgrounds.
- In the Theme settings, tap on Custom and choose a picture from your gallery.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
After applying the theme, exit the settings and check out your new keyboard background in any app. You can always revisit the settings to make further changes.
Exploring SwiftKey Customizations
Users who opt for Microsoft’s SwiftKey have access to various customization options. Here’s how to change the keyboard background in SwiftKey:
Step 1: Open SwiftKey Settings
You can find SwiftKey settings through:
- Settings > System > Languages & input > SwiftKey.
Step 2: Theme Options
- Tap on Theme to see the available themes.
- Choose one of the preset themes or tap on the + icon to access additional themes online.
Step 3: Upload Your Image**
Similar to Gboard, SwiftKey allows you to upload a custom image:
- In the Theme section, tap on the Custom option.
- Select an image from your gallery and set it as your keyboard background.
Caring for Your Customized Keyboard
Once you’ve customized your keyboard, it’s important to ensure it remains functional and visually appealing. Here are some tips:
Maintaining Performance
- Regularly clear your keyboard cache to maintain speed and efficiency.
- Keep your keyboard app updated to ensure you have the latest features and themes.
Making Changes as Needed
Feel free to switch back to the default keyboard settings or try new themes periodically to keep your typing experience fresh.
Conclusion
Changing the keyboard background on your Samsung device is an effective way to enhance your overall user experience. With options available for Samsung Keyboard, Gboard, and SwiftKey, users have numerous opportunities for personalization. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transform your keyboard into a unique expression of your style. So go ahead and give your Samsung device a fresh look—your fingers will thank you as you enjoy typing on a newly customized background!
What are the benefits of changing the keyboard background on my Samsung device?
Changing the keyboard background on your Samsung device can enhance your typing experience by making it feel more personal and visually appealing. It allows you to customize your device to reflect your style, making it more enjoyable to use. This personalization can also help improve productivity as a visually pleasing interface can motivate you to type more frequently and efficiently.
Additionally, a customized keyboard background can aid in reducing eye strain, especially if you choose colors and designs that are easier on the eyes. This aspect can be particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions, providing a comfortable visual experience while you communicate through your device.
How do I change the keyboard background on my Samsung device?
To change the keyboard background on your Samsung device, first, open the Settings app and navigate to the “General management” section. From there, tap on “Language and input,” followed by “On-screen keyboard,” and select “Samsung Keyboard.” Find the “Theme” option, where you can browse through various themes and select one that suits your taste.
Once you’ve chosen a theme, simply apply it, and your keyboard background will be updated automatically. You can also explore additional customization options, such as changing the font, size, and color of the keys, for a more tailored experience.
Can I use my own images as a keyboard background?
Yes, you can use your own images as a keyboard background on your Samsung device, but it requires a few additional steps. First, ensure that the image you want to use is saved on your device. Then, navigate to the Samsung Keyboard settings through the “Language and input” menu, and look for the “Themes” option.
In the themes section, you may have the option to select custom backgrounds. Choose the option for adding a new image and follow the prompts to select the photo from your gallery. Make sure the image is appropriately cropped to fit the keyboard layout for the best appearance.
Are there any third-party apps for changing the keyboard background?
Yes, there are numerous third-party apps available that allow you to change the keyboard background and offer additional features. Popular options include apps like Gboard, SwiftKey, and various other keyboard apps found in the Google Play Store. These apps often come with a wide array of themes, backgrounds, and customization options not available on the default Samsung Keyboard.
When using third-party apps, be sure to read reviews and check permissions to ensure you’re installing a trustworthy and secure application. Additionally, some keyboard apps allow you to create your own themes, giving you complete control over the design and functionality of your typing interface.
Will changing the keyboard background affect the typing speed?
Changing the keyboard background may not directly affect your typing speed, but it can influence your overall comfort and enjoyment while typing. A visually appealing or personally meaningful background can foster a more pleasant user experience. When you enjoy using your keyboard, you may find yourself more motivated to type quickly and efficiently.
However, it’s essential to choose a background that does not hinder visibility or distract you while typing. If the background makes it difficult to distinguish the keys, it could potentially slow you down. Therefore, opt for designs that balance aesthetics with functionality to maintain or improve your typing speed.
Can I revert to the default keyboard background after changing it?
Yes, you can easily revert to the default keyboard background on your Samsung device. To do this, navigate back to your keyboard settings by going to “Settings,” then “General management,” and selecting “Language and input.” From there, tap on “On-screen keyboard” and choose “Samsung Keyboard,” where you will find the “Themes” option.
In the themes menu, you should see an option to change back to the default theme. Select it, confirm your choice, and your keyboard background will revert to the original settings. This can be done at any time if you wish to try out different looks or go back to a simpler interface.
Does changing the keyboard background consume more battery?
Changing the keyboard background itself does not typically consume a significant amount of battery, especially if you’re using static images. However, if you opt for animated or dynamic backgrounds, there might be a slight increase in battery usage due to additional graphical processing. Most default static themes are designed to be energy-efficient, ensuring minimal impact on battery life.
That said, the overall impact is usually negligible compared to other applications or features that are more resource-intensive, like gaming or streaming. It’s a good idea to keep your device and apps running efficiently, but customizing your keyboard background is unlikely to have a substantial effect on your battery performance.
Is changing the keyboard background supported on all Samsung devices?
Most Samsung devices support changing the keyboard background, especially those running on recent versions of the Android operating system with the Samsung One UI. However, if you are using an older model or version, there may be some limitations. It’s always a good idea to check if your device has the latest software updates to ensure full functionality of the keyboard features.
If your device does not support this feature natively, you can still explore third-party keyboard apps in the Google Play Store that may offer similar customization options. These apps can provide additional functionality for devices that may not have built-in support for changing keyboard backgrounds.