Unlike a physical keyboard which has limited keys and thus can only support certain languages, virtual keyboards on your Android device can easily switch the language it supports to help you type better and faster. As an internationally-recognized platform, Android almost certainly supports your mother tongue, even if it’s a local dialect.
By default, the Android keyboard, also known as Gboard (Google Keyboard), may only be installed in one language. This can be a problem if you happen to speak multiple languages or when traveling to a different country and want to be able to communicate with locals. Or, maybe you just want to start learning a new language.
Whatever the reason is, adding and changing the language in the Android keyboard is easy. I will guide you through the steps below.
Note: The following tutorials are based on Android 13 which may or may not have the same interface as other Android versions and launchers.
Table of Contents
First step: Adding the language
1. Open the Android menu, and go to Settings.
2. Tap the System menu.
3. Select Languages & input.
4. Then under the Keyboards section, tap On-screen keyboard.
5. Open Gboard.
6. Tap Languages.
7. Then hit Add Keyboard.
8. Select the language you want to add. In some languages, you may also select the dialect.
9. Here, you can modify certain settings but I’m going to leave it as it is. Tap Done.
10. The new language has been added to your Android keyboard.
Check out the next guide on how to switch from one language to another on your Gboard.
Second step: Switching the language
1. Trigger the virtual keyboard to open (like when you are about to type). Then, tap and hold the Spacebar.
2. Select the language mode you’d like to use.
3. Now the keyboard is operating on the select language. Notice that the accent character “ñ” doesn’t exist before.
4. Alternatively, you may tap on the language switch button represented by a globe icon. Tapping this key will cycle between languages more quickly. Just keep your eye on the Spacebar to switch what language is being used.
Optional: Deleting the language
If you have the language module on Gboard that is no longer used, it’s always a good idea to keep the list clean and clutter-free. Here’s how to remove language on the keyboard.
1. Go to Android Settings > System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard > Gboard > Languages. Then, tap the pencil icon at the top right corner.
2. Select the language you want to remove and tap the trash icon.
3. The language has been removed.
Final words
In conclusion, changing the keyboard language on an Android device is a simple process that can greatly expand the device’s capabilities and versatility.
Whether you are a multilingual individual who needs to switch between languages while typing or someone who wants to communicate with people in a different language, the process of changing the keyboard language is straightforward and can be done through the device’s “Settings” menu or by using the language switch key on the keyboard itself.
