iPhone can keep several keyboards available at once. You can add a second language, install a third-party keyboard such as Gboard or SwiftKey, keep Emoji available, and switch while typing without leaving the app you are using.
These steps apply to iOS 17 and iOS 18.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want a different typing layout, need another language keyboard, installed a third-party keyboard, or want Apple’s default keyboard to appear first again.
Add a New Keyboard
- If you want a third-party keyboard, install its app from the App Store first. Built-in language keyboards do not need a separate download.
- Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
- Tap Add New Keyboard.
- Choose a built-in language keyboard, or select the keyboard under Third-Party Keyboards.
- For a third-party keyboard, tap it again in the Keyboards list and decide whether to enable Allow Full Access. Read the developer’s privacy explanation first; many keyboards work without it.
Switch Keyboards While Typing
- Tap any text field to open the keyboard.
- Touch and hold the globe icon near the bottom-left corner.
- Choose the keyboard you want from the menu.
- To cycle quickly, tap the globe once instead of holding it. Each tap moves to the next installed keyboard.
Set the Default Keyboard or Remove One
- Go back to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
- Tap Edit.
- Drag the three-line handles to reorder keyboards. The first keyboard in the list opens by default.
- To remove a keyboard, tap the red minus button and choose Delete.
- Tap Done. iOS requires at least one keyboard to remain.
Extra Keyboard Options
Dictation
If the microphone button is missing, open Settings > General > Keyboard and enable Dictation. Tap the microphone to speak text when typing is inconvenient.
One-Handed Keyboard
Touch and hold the globe or emoji icon and choose the left- or right-aligned compact keyboard. Tap the side arrow to return to full width.
Third-Party Keyboard Behavior
Autocorrect, swipe typing, prediction, and privacy controls vary by keyboard. If typing feels wrong after switching, open that keyboard’s companion app and review its own settings.
Sources
- Apple Support: Add or change keyboards on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use dictation on iPhone
- Apple Support: Type with the onscreen keyboard on iPhone