Quick overview
To change the keyboard on Galaxy S8, install a new keyboard from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, open Settings, go to General management > Language and input > On-screen keyboard, tap your preferred keyboard, configure suggestions and gestures, then enable it and set it as default. This guide covers layout tweaks, permissions, and switching between multiple keyboards.
How the Galaxy S8 handles keyboards
The Galaxy S8 runs One UI (or the original Samsung Experience) on Android, using the Android Input Method Framework. This means you can have multiple keyboards installed and switch between them, control which apps can use which input methods, and manage layout, prediction, and hardware button behavior. The steps below assume a standard software setup; results may vary slightly depending on your firmware version and regional software updates.
Installing a new keyboard
Using the Galaxy Store or Play Store
Open the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, search for the keyboard you want (such as Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, SwiftKey, or other reputable third-party options), then tap Install. Review app permissions during installation, paying attention to text input and accessibility access, because keyboards require these to function.
Supported keyboard types and expectations
Most mainstream keyboards support emoji, gesture typing, multilingual suggestions, and theme support, but behavior can differ by app and region. Some keyboards may require extra setup for clipboard history, voice input, or advanced layout options. If you're testing third-party keyboards, consider privacy policy details and update frequency before committing daily use.
| Keyboard option | Verified details | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Keyboard (default) | Preinstalled, basic layout, emoji, languages, swipe gestures | Device firmware |
| Google Gboard | Cloud suggestions, multilingual typing, GIF search, theme support | Google Play Store |
| SwiftKey | Contextual predictions, emoji scoring, multi-lingual input | Microsoft/GPlay |
Setting a downloaded keyboard as default
After installing, activate and set the default keyboard in Settings. The system will prompt you to enable the new keyboard; confirm this in the Permissions prompt. If the activation screen does not appear, you can manually enable it in Language and input settings.
Changing keyboard on Galaxy S8: step-by-step
- Open Settings on your Galaxy S8.
- Tap General management, then Language and input.
- Tap On-screen keyboard.
- Tap Default keyboard and choose your preferred keyboard from the list, or tap Add to install a new one.
- (Optional) To fine-tune experience, tap the keyboard name and adjust suggestions, layouts, swipe behavior, and hardware key actions.
- Open any text field and tap the globe or keyboard icon to switch between active keyboards.
Managing multiple keyboards and switching
When you have more than one keyboard installed, you can switch using the globe/keyboard icon on the on-screen keyboard, or via Settings by changing the default. Some keyboards also offer a long-press on the globe key to pick a different input method quickly. To remove a keyboard, uninstall it from Apps; if it remains in the list, disable it in On-screen keyboard settings.
Adjusting keyboard settings and layouts
Layout, languages, and hardware behavior
Within a keyboard's settings you can add input languages, choose layout variants, enable automatic punctuation, adjust prediction height, and manage clipboard or voice entry. If you use the keyboard across different apps, test predictions and autocorrect in context, because behavior can vary by application.
Predictions, shortcuts, and text expansion
Turn on personalized suggestions if the keyboard supports learning from your typing while keeping in mind privacy considerations. You can also set up shortcuts for frequent phrases. If suggestions feel off, reset to defaults or disable learning features, then re-enable gradually to retrain the model.
Permissions and troubleshooting
When the keyboard does not activate
If the new keyboard does not switch in, check that it is enabled as a default input method, that required permissions (particularly text input) are allowed, and that no device policy or app restriction is blocking changes. A soft reset often resolves temporary glitches; if the issue persists, verify that your device software is up to date.
App-specific overrides
Some apps request their own input methods or disable third-party keyboards for security reasons. In such cases, the keyboard shown is controlled by the app. Test in multiple applications to confirm whether the issue is app-specific or system-wide.
Conclusion
To change the keyboard on Galaxy S8, install a new keyboard from the Galaxy Store or Play Store, open Settings > General management > Language and input > On-screen keyboard, set your default choice, and adjust layout and permissions. You can switch between keyboards anytime and fine-tune suggestions and hardware behavior. This evergreen workflow remains applicable across software updates, helping you maintain a comfortable and efficient typing experience tailored to your preferences.