Once you have set up the Boards Keyboard, switching to it takes just a tap. Android phones show the keyboard switch in different places, so let's start by finding yours.
First, Open Your Keyboard
Open any app where you type messages (Messages, WhatsApp, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, etc.) and tap into the text field so your keyboard appears.
What Do You See at the Bottom of Your Keyboard?
Look at the bottom row of your keyboard, including the space bar, and at the bottom edge of your screen. Then jump to the option that matches:
- A globe 🌐 → See Option A
- A keyboard icon ⌨️ → See Option B
- A microphone 🎙️ → See Option C
- A language name or arrows (◂ ▸) on the space bar → See Option D
- None of these → See Option E
Option A: I See a Globe 🌐
- Tap and hold the globe 🌐.
- Select Boards from the list.
Option B: I See a Keyboard Icon ⌨️
The keyboard icon may be on your keyboard or in the navigation bar at the very bottom of your screen.
- Tap the keyboard icon ⌨️.
- Select Boards from the list
Option C: I See a Microphone 🎙️
This is common on Samsung phones.
- Tap and hold the microphone 🎙️ at the bottom left of your keyboard.
- Select Input method.
- Tap the keyboard icon ⌨️ that appears.
- Select Boards.
After you do this for the first time, the keyboard icon will replace the microphone icon. You can then tap it whenever you want to switch to the Boards Keyboard.
Option D: I See a Language Name or Arrows on the Space Bar
- Tap and hold the space bar, or slide your finger left or right across it.
- Select Boards if a list appears, or keep sliding until the Boards Keyboard appears.
Option E: I Don't See Any of These
Try these in order:
- Try the space bar anyway: Some keyboards don't show a clue on the space bar but still let you switch from it. Tap and hold the space bar, then select Boards if a list appears.
-
Turn on the keyboard button: This adds a keyboard icon ⌨️ to the navigation bar at the bottom of your screen. On a Samsung phone:
- Open your phone's Settings.
- Tap General management.
- Tap Keyboard.
- Make sure Boards is turned on.
- Turn on Show input method button on navigation bar.
- On other Android phones: Open Settings, search for Keyboard, and turn on the setting that shows a keyboard button in your navigation bar. Menu names vary by device. Once it's on, follow Option B.
Still stuck? Install Gboard.
If the steps above don't work, install Gboard (by Google) and set it as your main keyboard.
From Gboard, switching is one tap: tap the globe 🌐, then select Boards. For step-by-step setup, see Android: Keyboard Is Not Working.
Not Sure Where to Start? Find Your Phone Below
| Phone | What you'll usually see | Go to |
| Samsung Galaxy | Microphone 🎙️ on the keyboard, or keyboard icon ⌨️ in the navigation bar | Option C (or the Samsung article) |
| Google Pixel | Globe 🌐 on the keyboard, or keyboard icon ⌨️ in the navigation bar | Option A or B |
| Motorola | Globe 🌐 or keyboard icon ⌨️ | Option A or B |
| Other Android phones | Varies by keyboard | Check the bottom of your keyboard and space bar, and start above |
Boards Isn't in the List?
If you can open the keyboard menu but Boards isn't there, the Boards Keyboard may not be turned on yet. Go to your phone's Settings, search for Keyboard or Languages & input, and make sure Boards is turned on. On a Samsung phone, follow the steps in Option E. See Set Up the Boards Keyboard for more help.
Switching Back to Your Regular Keyboard
Tap the ABC key on the Boards Keyboard to switch back to your regular keyboard. That way you can make any personal edits before you send.
If the keyboard menu still doesn't open, contact our support team.