When it comes to mobile devices, a seamless and enjoyable typing experience is crucial. Whether you are sending messages, writing emails, or crafting social media posts, the keyboard you choose can significantly impact your productivity and overall satisfaction. If you own a Samsung Galaxy S7 and feel the need for a change, you’ve landed in the right place. This comprehensive guide will take you through the various aspects of changing the keyboard on your Samsung S7, helping you customize your device according to your unique preferences.
Understanding the Default Keyboard on Samsung S7
Samsung Galaxy S7 comes pre-installed with the Samsung Keyboard, a reliable and functional typing tool. It includes a variety of features like predictive text, auto-correction, and support for multiple languages. However, if you find that the default keyboard is not meeting your needs—perhaps you want something more colorful, feature-rich, or tailored for specific tasks—you can easily switch to a different keyboard app.
Choosing the Right Keyboard App
With a plethora of keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, finding the right one for your Samsung S7 can feel overwhelming. Here are some popular keyboard options you might consider:
1. Gboard
Gboard, developed by Google, is the go-to keyboard for millions. It offers voice typing, GIF support, and integrated Google Search, making it a versatile choice for many users.
2. SwiftKey
SwiftKey is renowned for its advanced predictive text capabilities and customization options. With themes, layout adjustments, and personalized learning, it adapts to your typing style to improve efficiency.
3. Fleksy
Fleksy claims to be one of the fastest keyboards available, featuring an intuitive interface and a diverse selection of customizable themes. It also includes extensions like GIFs and stickers to enhance your messaging experience.
4. Chrooma Keyboard
Chrooma Keyboard is known for its unique adaptive color feature that changes its color based on the app you are using. Furthermore, it supports gesture typing and is lightweight, promoting a smooth user experience.
Steps to Change the Keyboard on Your Samsung S7
Changing the keyboard on your Samsung S7 is a simple process that involves downloading a new keyboard app and setting it as your default input method. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Download a Keyboard App
- Open the Google Play Store on your Samsung S7.
- In the search bar, type the name of the keyboard you want to download (e.g., Gboard, SwiftKey).
- Select the correct app from the search results.
- Tap on the Install button to download the app.
Step 2: Enable the New Keyboard
Once you have downloaded the keyboard app of your choice, you need to enable it in your system settings:
- Go to Settings on your Samsung S7.
- Scroll down and tap on Language and Input.
- Under the Keyboard and input methods section, tap on Current keyboard.
- Select Choose keyboards.
- Toggle the switch next to the name of the keyboard app you just downloaded to enable it.
Step 3: Set the New Keyboard as Default
Now that you have enabled the new keyboard, you need to set it as the default input method:
- Return to the Language and Input settings.
- Tap on Current keyboard.
- Choose the keyboard app you’ve just enabled from the list.
- You may be prompted to confirm your choice; ensure that you select OK to make it the default.
Step 4: Customize Your Keyboard Settings
With your new keyboard set as the default, you might want to customize it to suit your preferences. Here’s how:
- Go back to Settings > Language and Input.
- Tap on the name of your new keyboard. This will lead you to the keyboard settings.
- Explore various options such as theme, layout, sound, and vibration settings.
- You can also manage predictive text, emojis, and various language settings based on the keyboard app you are using.
Personalizing Your Keyboard Experience
One of the significant advantages of changing your keyboard is that you can personalize your typing experience to make it unique. Here are a few essential customization features to consider:
1. Themes and Colors
Most keyboard apps come with various themes and colors. For instance, Gboard and SwiftKey provide different themes ranging from vibrant to minimalist designs. Choosing a theme that resonates with your personality can make typing more enjoyable.
2. Custom Key Layouts
Some keyboards allow you to modify the layout of keys, change the size of the keyboard, and even rearrange keys. This is particularly useful for users who prefer a specific layout, such as QWERTZ or AZERTY.
3. Adding Emojis and GIFs
Emojis and GIFs are vital for expressing emotions in texts. Ensure that your chosen keyboard supports easy access to emojis and GIFs, making your conversations livelier and more engaging.
4. Voice Typing and Gestures
If you often find yourself multitasking or on the go, consider using a keyboard that supports voice typing or gesture controls. These features can enhance your efficiency and speed while typing.
Advanced Features of Popular Keyboards
In addition to the basic functionality, various keyboard apps offer advanced features designed to enhance the typing experience. Here are a few notable features of some popular keyboards:
Gboard
- Google Search Integration: Access web searches directly from the keyboard without switching apps.
- Handwriting Support: Write by hand instead of typing.
- Emoji Search: Easily find and send emojis through a dedicated search bar.
SwiftKey
- Multi-Language Support: Type in multiple languages without switching keyboards.
- Cloud Sync: Keep your personalized dictionary synced across devices.
- Typing Profiles: Learn your writing style and adjust predictions accordingly.
Fleksy
- Customizable Shortcuts: Create shortcuts for frequently used phrases.
- Mosaic: Send images and GIFs as part of your texts.
- Swipe Gestures: Navigate through functions and options swiftly using gestures.
Maintaining and Updating Your Keyboard App
After successfully changing your keyboard, it is important to keep it updated. Regular updates often bring enhancements, new features, and security updates. To ensure your keyboard app remains functional and up-to-date:
- Periodically check the Google Play Store for updates.
- Enable automatic updates in the Play Store to always have the latest features and improvements.
Troubleshooting Common Keyboard Issues
Changing your keyboard should be a seamless process, but sometimes issues may arise. Below are some common problems and solutions:
1. Keyboard Not Responding
- Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve many issues.
- Check App Permissions: Ensure the keyboard app has all necessary permissions enabled.
- Reinstall the App: If problems persist, uninstall and then reinstall the keyboard app.
2. Difficulty Switching Between Keyboards
- Revisit Language and Input Settings: Confirm that the keyboard you want is enabled and set as the default.
- Shortcut Usage: Familiarize yourself with how to quickly switch between keyboards, typically by long-pressing the space bar.
Conclusion
Changing the keyboard on your Samsung Galaxy S7 is an easy yet impactful way to enhance your typing experience. With a wide array of keyboard apps available, consider your personal preferences and the features that are most important to you. By following the outlined steps, you can customize your keyboard effectively and enjoy a new level of comfort while communicating.
Always remember to keep your software updated and explore various customization options to maintain a typing environment that’s perfectly tailored for you. Happy typing!
What are the steps to change the keyboard on my Samsung S7?
To change the keyboard on your Samsung S7, first, navigate to the “Settings” app on your device. From there, scroll down and select “General management,” then tap on “Language and input.” Under the “Keyboard” section, you’ll see a list of available keyboards. Tap on “On-screen keyboard” to access your current keyboard settings.
Once you’re in the On-screen keyboard settings, you can select either “Samsung Keyboard” or any other keyboard you have installed. If you want to download a new keyboard, like Gboard or SwiftKey, go to the Google Play Store, download your chosen app, and then repeat the previous steps to enable it. Make sure to adjust any additional settings like preferences or themes to customize your typing experience.
Can I use third-party keyboards on my Samsung S7?
Yes, you can absolutely use third-party keyboards on your Samsung S7. The device allows users to install and utilize various keyboard apps from the Google Play Store, such as Gboard, SwiftKey, or Fleksy. After installing your preferred keyboard app, you will need to enable it through the settings to begin using it.
After downloading the third-party keyboard, go back to “Settings,” navigate to “General management,” and select “Language and input.” Tap on “On-screen keyboard,” and you’ll see your newly installed keyboard listed there. Selecting it will prompt you to enable it, allowing you to switch from the Samsung Keyboard to your new keyboard with ease.
How do I customize my keyboard settings on Samsung S7?
To customize your keyboard settings on your Samsung S7, go to “Settings” and navigate to “General management.” From there, tap on “Language and input” and choose the keyboard you currently use. For Samsung Keyboard users, selecting “Samsung Keyboard” will bring up options for customization such as layout, theme, and size.
If you’re using a third-party keyboard, the customization options will be located within that specific app. Open the app and explore its settings to adjust features like auto-correction, key press sounds, and predictive text options. These settings help personalize your typing experience based on your preferences.
What if the keyboard I want to use isn’t available?
If the keyboard you want to use isn’t available in the list of keyboards on your Samsung S7, you can download it from the Google Play Store. Search for the keyboard app by name, and once you find it, press “Install” to add it to your device. Make sure to check if the app is compatible with your device before downloading.
After installation, you’ll need to enable the newly added keyboard. Return to “Settings,” navigate to “General management,” then “Language and input,” and select “On-screen keyboard.” Here, you can toggle the new keyboard on and customize its settings to suit your needs and preferences.
Is it possible to revert back to the Samsung Keyboard?
Yes, reverting back to the Samsung Keyboard on your Samsung S7 is straightforward. If you’ve switched to a third-party keyboard and wish to return to Samsung’s default option, go to the “Settings” app. Then, hover over to “General management,” and select “Language and input.”
In the “On-screen keyboard” section, tap on “Samsung Keyboard” to enable it again. You can deselect the third-party keyboard, ensuring that the Samsung Keyboard becomes your default choice. Once this is done, any typing you do will revert to the Samsung Keyboard.
Do I need to grant permissions to use a third-party keyboard?
Yes, when you install a third-party keyboard on your Samsung S7, you may need to grant certain permissions for it to function properly. These permissions can include access to your contacts and the ability to read what you type. This is necessary for the keyboard to provide features like suggested contacts and personalized predictions.
However, it’s important to review the permissions carefully before enabling them. If you’re uncomfortable granting specific permissions, you might choose a different keyboard or adjust the settings within that particular app to limit the permissions it requires while still maintaining functionality.
Can I change the keyboard language on my Samsung S7?
You can easily change the keyboard language on your Samsung S7 to suit your preferences. Start by going to “Settings,” then “General management,” and select “Language and input.” From there, tap on your preferred keyboard option, either Samsung Keyboard or a third-party keyboard you have installed.
Once inside the keyboard settings, look for the language option. You can add a new language, adjust language preferences, or set up multilingual typing, allowing you to switch between languages seamlessly while typing. This feature is especially useful for bilingual or multilingual users, enhancing their typing experience on the phone.