Owners will want to know how to do certain tasks if Android 5.0 Lollipop now runs on multiple Nexus devices and is slowly rolling out as a software update for smartphones from Motorola, LG, Samsung, HTC and more. We’re already starting to get questions about changing the keyboard in Android 5.0, as it’s slightly changed from previous versions of Android.
A great part of Android is modifying key components of the operating system, such as the keyboard. There are many options available in the Google Play Store, including Google’s own keyboard option for those with Samsung, HTC or LG devices, and below we’ll explain how to change keyboards on Android 5.0 Lollipop.
In previous versions of Android, a notification icon would appear at the top of the screen when you weren’t using the stock keyboard, and it was a constant notification. Google has now moved this to the bottom on Android 5.0 with the Nexus 6, and the settings options are also a bit different. There are a few new steps, read on to learn how to quickly replace your keyboard.
Android users have tons of options when it comes to keyboard. Each manufacturer has their own stock option and there are multiple options to download from the Google Play Store. Popular ones SwiftKeySwype, Google Keyboard and others.
If you’ve just updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop on a Nexus and don’t like the new look and feel of the “material keyboard”, you can easily revert it to the old Android 4.4 KitKat version. It’s the same app and users just need to change the theme in settings. That said, many other smartphone or tablet owners will probably want to try SwiftKey, Swype, or try Google’s new keyboard.
If you want to change the keyboard on your Android 5.0 smartphone or tablet, the quick instructions and pictures below will help you do it with just a few taps and in less than a few minutes. It’s really easy, let’s get started.
Instructions
To get started, you’ll go to settings by tapping the gear-shaped icon in the notification bar, then scroll down and select “Language & input”. This menu will have all the options you need. From changing keyboards to choosing a different theme for the current keyboard.
Next, you will need to tap on “current keyboard” which will open a window showing which keyboard is currently being used. Most likely the regular Google Keyboard. Next, select the “Choose keyboard” option as shown below.
From here users will get a huge list of installed keyboards and additional language options if enabled. I installed SwiftKey and that’s an option below, if no other keyboards are installed you won’t have options. Simply tap SwiftKey (or any keyboard you want) to activate this keyboard. However, this only enabled and did not replace your keyboard.
You will now go back to the previous Language and login screen and tap again on “Available Keyboard” which will now have two options. Google Keyboard and newly activated SwiftKey keyboard. Now all you have to do is select the keyboard you want to use on your smartphone and you are done. It’s that simple to change keyboards on Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Then if you want to try a different theme on Google Keyboard (or any manufacturer), they usually have that option in the same settings menu. We will explain Google Keyboard, but others are very similar.
Tap “Google Keyboard” in the Language & input section, then select Appearance & layout > theme > and select the desired theme.
Android 4.2 started with Holo Blue and Android 4.4 KitKat made Holo White where important popups and gesture typing marks are colored blue or white. This is the keyboard you’re familiar with from Android 4.4 KitKat and earlier, if new material designs aren’t your favourite.
That’s all, you’re ready. Now enjoy your desired keyboard or theme.
