Do you want to change the keyboard language on your Android device? This action is very useful if you frequently write messages in different languages or if you want to take full advantage of the virtual keyboard's autocorrect and suggestion options. Mastering how to change the keyboard language on an Android phone or tablet significantly increases the comfort and speed with which you can type, regardless of the messaging app, email, social media, or any other app where you usually enter text. Below, we explain in clear and detailed detail how to achieve this, as well as the methods to quickly switch between languages and configure voice typing in multiple languages.
Why change the keyboard language on Android?
Changing the keyboard language on Android allows you to take advantage of key features such as custom spell checker, access to special characters specific to each language and the optimization of the predictive suggestionsIt's ideal if you're bilingual, if you're studying other languages, if you share your device with people who write in different languages, or if you want to improve your writing skills.
Plus, by selecting more than one language on your keyboard, you'll not only be able to type more comfortably, but you'll also be able to switch between languages. without modifying the general language of the Android operating systemThis is perfect for keeping the interface in your usual language while typing in other languages when needed.
Configure the Android keyboard language step by step
Before you start, remember that change keyboard language It's different from changing the language of the entire Android system. The keyboard language only affects text input and not the menus or the rest of the interface. Most devices use Gboard, Google's official keyboard, although there are alternatives such as SwiftKey, Swype, or Flesky. Below, we'll show you the most common settings for Gboard, but we'll also mention options for other popular keyboards.
1. Access the language and input settings
- Open the app Settings from your Android mobile or tablet (gear icon).
- Search and click on SystemOn some devices it may appear as General Administration or directly Languages and text input.
- Select option Languages and text input o Language and input.
- Within Keyboards, press Virtual keyboard o On-screen keyboard.
- Choose Gboard (or whatever keyboard you normally use).
2. Add or change languages in Gboard
- Within Gboard settings, tap on Languages.
- Balance add keyboard.
- You'll see a list of all available languages. Select the language you want to add.
- In some cases you will be able to choose the type of distribution keyboard layout (QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ, one-handed typing, etc.). Choose the one you prefer and press Done.
- You can repeat the process to add multiple languages to the keyboard.
3. Set active languages and keyboard layout
Once selected, you can access the screen Gboard Languages y enable / disable the languages you want to use at that time. You can also delete a language if you no longer need it or change the preference order.
4. Quickly switch between languages while typing
- When you're typing in any app, the keyboard will display the active languages in the space bar.
- To change the language, press and hold the space bar and select the language you want to use at that time.
- You can also activate the language switch key (globe icon) from the Preferences from Gboard, allowing you to switch between them with a single tap.
How to enable and manage voice typing in multiple languages
Voice text input is another increasingly popular feature. Android allows you to dictate words using the device's microphone and supports multiple languages. To take advantage of the voice typing in different languages:
- Accede to Gboard settings.
- Search and access the section Voice typing o Google voice typing.
- Select the languages you want to use for dictation. You can activate more than one, and the system will try to automatically detect the language based on what you say.
- On the keyboard, the following will appear: microphone icon next to the space bar or at the top right. Tap the icon to enable voice typing.
Important Note: Voice typing isn't available in all languages, and functionality may vary depending on your Android version and the keyboard app you're using.
Set languages on other Android keyboards: SwiftKey, Swype, and Flesky
Although Gboard is the most widely used keyboard, it is not the only one. Many people prefer alternatives like SwiftKey, Swype o flesky, which also allow you to manage several languages at the same time:
- SwiftKey: Access the keyboard settings, select Languages and add the ones you need. SwiftKey automatically detects the language you're typing in and offers suggestions based on it. You can switch manually by holding down the space bar.
- Swype: go to Language and introduction > Swype Keyboard > LanguagesSwype allows you to activate up to two languages simultaneously for autocorrect and suggestions.
- flesky: In the Flesky side menu, go to Languages and activate the ones you want. To change the language, slide the space bar or tap and hold the emoji.
Most modern keyboards allow you to store a large number of languages, automatically detecting which one you are currently using or facilitating instant manual switching.
What are the advantages of enabling multiple languages on the keyboard?
- Multilingual suggestions and correction: You get suggestions, autocorrect, and word prediction in all active languages.
- Access to special characters: Each language includes unique keys and symbols, such as the ñ (eñe), accents, umlauts, or special letters.
- Ease of alternation: Switch languages with a single tap, ideal for quick responses in different languages.
- Personalization.: You can adapt the keyboard to your needs depending on the app, the environment, or the language of the other person.
Tips for getting the most out of the multilingual keyboard on Android
- Activate the key to change language: From Keyboard preferences, enable the world/globe icon to switch between active languages more quickly.
- Enable multilingual suggestions in Gboard: This option automatically detects what language you're typing in and shows appropriate suggestions, without having to manually switch. You can also check out how to Download a keyboard with large letters to forget the small, closely spaced keys..
- Choose the right designMany languages have different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.). Choose the one that's most convenient for you.
- Set up shortcuts and voice typing: Adapts keyboard shortcuts and voice to installed languages for greater efficiency.
Troubleshooting common issues with changing the Android keyboard language
- The option to change language does not appear: Make sure you have added more than one language in your keyboard settings.
- You can't see the language switch key: Go to Gboard preferences and turn on “Show language switcher key.” If it’s disabled, turn off “Show emoji switcher key.”
- Voice typing doesn't recognize my language: Check if the desired language is supported by Google voice typing.
- The keyboard does not change languages automatically: Some apps may restrict the keyboard to one language, use the space bar to select the desired one.
Differences between changing the system language and the keyboard language
Change keyboard language only affects text input, while change system language Modifies the entire interface, menus, and compatible applications. If you also want to modify system texts, you can check out applications like MoreLocale2 to enable additional languages on Android.
What to consider when installing third-party keyboards?
Apart from Gboard, there are other keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store such as the 3 best keyboards for Android such as SwiftKey, Swype and Flesky, which also allow you to manage multiple languages at the same time:
- SwiftKey: Access the keyboard settings, select Languages and add the ones you need. SwiftKey automatically detects the language you're typing in and offers suggestions based on it. You can switch manually by holding down the space bar.
- Swype: go to Language and introduction > Swype Keyboard > LanguagesSwype allows you to activate up to two languages simultaneously for autocorrect and suggestions.
- flesky: In the Flesky side menu, go to Languages and activate the ones you want. To change the language, slide the space bar or tap and hold the emoji.
Most modern keyboards allow you to store a large number of languages, automatically detecting which one you are currently using or facilitating instant manual switching.
What are the advantages of enabling multiple languages on the keyboard?
- Multilingual suggestions and correction: You get suggestions, autocorrect, and word prediction in all active languages.
- Access to special characters: Each language includes unique keys and symbols, such as the ñ (eñe), accents, umlauts, or special letters.
- Ease of alternation: Switch languages with a single tap, ideal for quick responses in different languages.
- Personalization.: You can adapt the keyboard to your needs depending on the app, the environment, or the language of the other person.
Tips for getting the most out of the multilingual keyboard on Android
- Activate the key to change language: From Keyboard preferences, enable the world/globe icon to switch between active languages more quickly.
- Enable multilingual suggestions On Gboard: This option automatically detects what language you're typing in and displays appropriate suggestions, without having to manually switch. You can also learn how.
- Choose the right designMany languages have different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.). Choose the one that's most convenient for you.
- Set up shortcuts and voice typing: Adapts keyboard shortcuts and voice to installed languages for greater efficiency.
Troubleshooting common issues with changing the Android keyboard language
- The option to change language does not appear: Make sure you have added more than one language in your keyboard settings.
- You can't see the language switch key: Go to Gboard preferences and turn on “Show language switcher key.” If it’s disabled, turn off “Show emoji switcher key.”
- Voice typing doesn't recognize my language: Check if the desired language is supported by Google voice typing.
- The keyboard does not change languages automatically: Some apps may restrict the keyboard to one language, use the space bar to select the desired one.
Differences between changing the system language and the keyboard language
Change keyboard language only affects text input, while change system language Modifies the entire interface, menus, and compatible apps. If you also want to modify system text, you can check out apps like this to enable additional languages on Android.
What to consider when installing third-party keyboards?
In addition to Gboard, there are other keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, such as SwiftKey, Swype, and Flesky, which also allow you to manage multiple languages at the same time:
- SwiftKey: Access the keyboard settings, select Languages and add the ones you need. SwiftKey automatically detects the language you're typing in and offers suggestions based on it. You can switch manually by holding down the space bar.
- Swype: go to Language and introduction > Swype Keyboard > LanguagesSwype allows you to activate up to two languages simultaneously for autocorrect and suggestions.
- flesky: In the Flesky side menu, go to Languages and activate the ones you want. To change the language, slide the space bar or tap and hold the emoji.
Most modern keyboards allow you to store a large number of languages, automatically detecting which one you are currently using or facilitating instant manual switching.
What are the advantages of enabling multiple languages on the keyboard?
- Multilingual suggestions and correction: You get suggestions, autocorrect, and word prediction in all active languages.
- Access to special characters: Each language includes unique keys and symbols, such as the ñ (eñe), accents, umlauts, or special letters.
- Ease of alternation: Switch languages with a single tap, ideal for quick responses in different languages.
- Personalization.: You can adapt the keyboard to your needs depending on the app, the environment, or the language of the other person.
Tips for getting the most out of the multilingual keyboard on Android
- Activate the key to change language: From Keyboard preferences, enable the world/globe icon to switch between active languages more quickly.
- Enable multilingual suggestions On Gboard: This option automatically detects what language you're typing in and displays appropriate suggestions, without having to manually switch. You can also learn how.
- Choose the right designMany languages have different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.). Choose the one that's most convenient for you.
- Set up shortcuts and voice typing: Adapts keyboard shortcuts and voice to installed languages for greater efficiency.
Troubleshooting common issues with changing the Android keyboard language
- The option to change language does not appear: Make sure you have added more than one language in your keyboard settings.
- You can't see the language switch key: Go to Gboard preferences and turn on “Show language switcher key.” If it’s disabled, turn off “Show emoji switcher key.”
- Voice typing doesn't recognize my language: Check if the desired language is supported by Google voice typing.
- The keyboard does not change languages automatically: Some apps may restrict the keyboard to one language, use the space bar to select the desired one.
Differences between changing the system language and the keyboard language
Change keyboard language only affects text input, while change system language Modifies the entire interface, menus, and compatible apps. If you also want to modify system text, you can check out apps like this to enable additional languages on Android.
What to consider when installing third-party keyboards?
In addition to Gboard, there are other keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, such as SwiftKey, Swype, and Flesky, which also allow you to manage multiple languages at the same time:
- SwiftKey: Access the keyboard settings, select Languages and add the ones you need. SwiftKey automatically detects the language you're typing in and offers suggestions based on it. You can switch manually by holding down the space bar.
- Swype: go to Language and introduction > Swype Keyboard > LanguagesSwype allows you to activate up to two languages simultaneously for autocorrect and suggestions.
- flesky: In the Flesky side menu, go to Languages and activate the ones you want. To change the language, slide the space bar or tap and hold the emoji.
Most modern keyboards allow you to store a large number of languages, automatically detecting which one you are currently using or facilitating instant manual switching.
What are the advantages of enabling multiple languages on the keyboard?
- Multilingual suggestions and correction: You get suggestions, autocorrect, and word prediction in all active languages.
- Access to special characters: Each language includes unique keys and symbols, such as the ñ (eñe), accents, umlauts, or special letters.
- Ease of alternation: Switch languages with a single tap, ideal for quick responses in different languages.
- Personalization.: You can adapt the keyboard to your needs depending on the app, the environment, or the language of the other person.
Tips for getting the most out of the multilingual keyboard on Android
- Activate the key to change language: From Keyboard preferences, enable the world/globe icon to switch between active languages more quickly.
- Enable multilingual suggestions On Gboard: This option automatically detects what language you're typing in and displays appropriate suggestions, without having to manually switch. You can also learn how.
- Choose the right designMany languages have different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.). Choose the one that's most convenient for you.
- Set up shortcuts and voice typing: Adapts keyboard shortcuts and voice to installed languages for greater efficiency.
Troubleshooting common issues with changing the Android keyboard language
- The option to change language does not appear: Make sure you have added more than one language in your keyboard settings.
- You can't see the language switch key: Go to Gboard preferences and turn on “Show language switcher key.” If it’s disabled, turn off “Show emoji switcher key.”
- Voice typing doesn't recognize my language: Check if the desired language is supported by Google voice typing.
- The keyboard does not change languages automatically: Some apps may restrict the keyboard to one language, use the space bar to select the desired one.
Differences between changing the system language and the keyboard language
Change keyboard language only affects text input, while change system language Modifies the entire interface, menus, and compatible apps. If you also want to modify system text, you can check out apps like this to enable additional languages on Android.
What to consider when installing third-party keyboards?
In addition to Gboard, there are other keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, such as SwiftKey, Swype, and Flesky, which also allow you to manage multiple languages at the same time:
- SwiftKey: Access the keyboard settings, select Languages and add the ones you need. SwiftKey automatically detects the language you're typing in and offers suggestions based on it. You can switch manually by holding down the space bar.
- Swype: go to Language and introduction > Swype Keyboard > LanguagesSwype allows you to activate up to two languages simultaneously for autocorrect and suggestions.
- flesky: In the Flesky side menu, go to Languages and activate the ones you want. To change the language, slide the space bar or tap and hold the emoji.
Most modern keyboards allow you to store a large number of languages, automatically detecting which one you are currently using or facilitating instant manual switching.
What are the advantages of enabling multiple languages on the keyboard?
- Multilingual suggestions and correction: You get suggestions, autocorrect, and word prediction in all active languages.
- Access to special characters: Each language includes unique keys and symbols, such as the ñ (eñe), accents, umlauts, or special letters.
- Ease of alternation: Switch languages with a single tap, ideal for quick responses in different languages.
- Personalization.: You can adapt the keyboard to your needs depending on the app, the environment, or the language of the other person.
Tips for getting the most out of the multilingual keyboard on Android
- Activate the key to change language: From Keyboard preferences, enable the world/globe icon to switch between active languages more quickly.
- Enable multilingual suggestions On Gboard: This option automatically detects what language you're typing in and displays appropriate suggestions, without having to manually switch. You can also learn how.
- Choose the right designMany languages have different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.). Choose the one that's most convenient for you.
- Set up shortcuts and voice typing: Adapts keyboard shortcuts and voice to installed languages for greater efficiency.
Troubleshooting common issues with changing the Android keyboard language
- The option to change language does not appear: Make sure you have added more than one language in your keyboard settings.
- You can't see the language switch key: Go to Gboard preferences and turn on “Show language switcher key.” If it’s disabled, turn off “Show emoji switcher key.”
- Voice typing doesn't recognize my language: Check if the desired language is supported by Google voice typing.
- The keyboard does not change languages automatically: Some apps may restrict the keyboard to one language, use the space bar to select the desired one.
Differences between changing the system language and the keyboard language
Change keyboard language only affects text input, while change system language Modifies the entire interface, menus, and compatible apps. If you also want to modify system text, you can check out apps like this to enable additional languages on Android.
What to consider when installing third-party keyboards?
In addition to Gboard, there are other keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, such as SwiftKey, Swype, and Flesky, which also allow you to manage multiple languages at the same time:
- SwiftKey: Access the keyboard settings, select Languages and add the ones you need. SwiftKey automatically detects the language you're typing in and offers suggestions based on it. You can switch manually by holding down the space bar.
- Swype: go to Language and introduction > Swype Keyboard > LanguagesSwype allows you to activate up to two languages simultaneously for autocorrect and suggestions.
- flesky: In the Flesky side menu, go to Languages and activate the ones you want. To change the language, slide the space bar or tap and hold the emoji.
Most modern keyboards allow you to store a large number of languages, automatically detecting which one you are currently using or facilitating instant manual switching.
What are the advantages of enabling multiple languages on the keyboard?
- Multilingual suggestions and correction: You get suggestions, autocorrect, and word prediction in all active languages.
- Access to special characters: Each language includes unique keys and symbols, such as the ñ (eñe), accents, umlauts, or special letters.
- Ease of alternation: Switch languages with a single tap, ideal for quick responses in different languages.
- Personalization.: You can adapt the keyboard to your needs depending on the app, the environment, or the language of the other person.
Tips for getting the most out of the multilingual keyboard on Android
- Activate the key to change language: From Keyboard preferences, enable the world/globe icon to switch between active languages more quickly.
- Enable multilingual suggestions On Gboard: This option automatically detects what language you're typing in and displays appropriate suggestions, without having to manually switch. You can also learn how.
- Choose the right designMany languages have different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.). Choose the one that's most convenient for you.
- Set up shortcuts and voice typing: Adapts keyboard shortcuts and voice to installed languages for greater efficiency.
Troubleshooting common issues with changing the Android keyboard language
- The option to change language does not appear: Make sure you have added more than one language in your keyboard settings.
- You can't see the language switch key: Go to Gboard preferences and turn on “Show language switcher key.” If it’s disabled, turn off “Show emoji switcher key.”
- Voice typing doesn't recognize my language: Check if the desired language is supported by Google voice typing.
- The keyboard does not change languages automatically: Some apps may restrict the keyboard to one language, use the space bar to select the desired one.
Differences between changing the system language and the keyboard language
Change keyboard language only affects text input, while change system language Modifies the entire interface, menus, and compatible apps. If you also want to modify system text, you can check out apps like this to enable additional languages on Android.
What to consider when installing third-party keyboards?
In addition to Gboard, there are other keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, such as SwiftKey, Swype, and Flesky, which also allow you to manage multiple languages at the same time:
- SwiftKey: Access the keyboard settings, select Languages and add the ones you need. SwiftKey automatically detects the language you're typing in and offers suggestions based on it. You can switch manually by holding down the space bar.
- Swype: go to Language and introduction > Swype Keyboard > LanguagesSwype allows you to activate up to two languages simultaneously for autocorrect and suggestions.
- flesky: In the Flesky side menu, go to Languages and activate the ones you want. To change the language, slide the space bar or tap and hold the emoji.
Most modern keyboards allow you to store a large number of languages, automatically detecting which one you are currently using or facilitating instant manual switching.
What are the advantages of enabling multiple languages on the keyboard?
- Multilingual suggestions and correction: You get suggestions, autocorrect, and word prediction in all active languages.
- Access to special characters: Each language includes unique keys and symbols, such as the ñ (eñe), accents, umlauts, or special letters.
- Ease of alternation: Switch languages with a single tap, ideal for quick responses in different languages.
- Personalization.: You can adapt the keyboard to your needs depending on the app, the environment, or the language of the other person.
Tips for getting the most out of the multilingual keyboard on Android
- Activate the key to change language: From Keyboard preferences, enable the world/globe icon to switch between active languages more quickly.
- Enable multilingual suggestions On Gboard: This option automatically detects what language you're typing in and displays appropriate suggestions, without having to manually switch. You can also learn how.
- Choose the right designMany languages have different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.). Choose the one that's most convenient for you.
- Set up shortcuts and voice typing: Adapts keyboard shortcuts and voice to installed languages for greater efficiency.
Troubleshooting common issues with changing the Android keyboard language
- The option to change language does not appear: Make sure you have added more than one language in your keyboard settings.
- You can't see the language switch key: Go to Gboard preferences and turn on “Show language switcher key.” If it’s disabled, turn off “Show emoji switcher key.”
- Voice typing doesn't recognize my language: Check if the desired language is supported by Google voice typing.
- The keyboard does not change languages automatically: Some apps may restrict the keyboard to one language, use the space bar to select the desired one.
Differences between changing the system language and the keyboard language
Change keyboard language only affects text input, while change system language Modifies the entire interface, menus, and compatible apps. If you also want to modify system text, you can check out apps like this to enable additional languages on Android.
What to consider when installing third-party keyboards?
In addition to Gboard, there are other keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, such as SwiftKey, Swype, and Flesky, which also allow you to manage multiple languages at the same time:
- SwiftKey: Access the keyboard settings, select Languages and add the ones you need. SwiftKey automatically detects the language you're typing in and offers suggestions based on it. You can switch manually by holding down the space bar.
- Swype: go to Language and introduction > Swype Keyboard > LanguagesSwype allows you to activate up to two languages simultaneously for autocorrect and suggestions.
- flesky: In the Flesky side menu, go to Languages and activate the ones you want. To change the language, slide the space bar or tap and hold the emoji.
Most modern keyboards allow you to store a large number of languages, automatically detecting which one you are currently using or facilitating instant manual switching.
What are the advantages of enabling multiple languages on the keyboard?
- Multilingual suggestions and correction: You get suggestions, autocorrect, and word prediction in all active languages.
- Access to special characters: Each language includes unique keys and symbols, such as the ñ (eñe), accents, umlauts, or special letters.
- Ease of alternation: Switch languages with a single tap, ideal for quick responses in different languages.
- Personalization.: You can adapt the keyboard to your needs depending on the app, the environment, or the language of the other person.
Tips for getting the most out of the multilingual keyboard on Android
- Activate the key to change language: From Keyboard preferences, enable the world/globe icon to switch between active languages more quickly.
- Enable multilingual suggestions On Gboard: This option automatically detects what language you're typing in and displays appropriate suggestions, without having to manually switch. You can also learn how.
- Choose the right designMany languages have different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.). Choose the one that's most convenient for you.
- Set up shortcuts and voice typing: Adapts keyboard shortcuts and voice to installed languages for greater efficiency.
Troubleshooting common issues with changing the Android keyboard language
- The option to change language does not appear: Make sure you have added more than one language in your keyboard settings.
- You can't see the language switch key: Go to Gboard preferences and turn on “Show language switcher key.” If it’s disabled, turn off “Show emoji switcher key.”
- Voice typing doesn't recognize my language: Check if the desired language is supported by Google voice typing.
- The keyboard does not change languages automatically: Some apps may restrict the keyboard to one language, use the space bar to select the desired one.
Differences between changing the system language and the keyboard language
Change keyboard language only affects text input, while change system language Modifies the entire interface, menus, and compatible apps. If you also want to modify system text, you can check out apps like this to enable additional languages on Android.
