Change Default Keyboard on Galaxy Note: Easy Steps
To change the default keyboard on a Samsung Galaxy Note, open Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default, then select your preferred keyboard. This setting applies system-wide, so the chosen keyboard appears whenever you type in any app.
Why You Might Want to Switch Keyboards
Samsung Galaxy Note devices come with Samsung Keyboard pre-installed and set as the default. While it offers features like predictive text, swipe typing, and a number row, many users prefer alternatives such as Gboard, SwiftKey, or Grammarly Keyboard for different layouts, better autocorrect, or integrated clipboard managers. Changing the default keyboard does not remove Samsung Keyboard—it simply makes another keyboard appear by default when you tap a text field.
How to Change the Default Keyboard on a Galaxy Note
The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your Galaxy Note model and One UI version, but the process is consistent across recent devices (Note 10, Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, and later S-series phones that share the same software).
- Open the Settings app (gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap General management.
- Tap Keyboard list and default.
- You will see a list of installed keyboards. Tap the one you want to set as default.
- If you have multiple keyboards, a pop-up will ask you to choose which one to use. Select your preferred option.
If you have not installed the keyboard yet, download it from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store first. After installation, go back to the same settings and select it.
Alternative Ways to Switch Keyboards
There are two other quick methods to change keyboards on a Galaxy Note:
- From the notification bar: When the keyboard is open, the notification shade shows a “Change keyboard� notification. Tap it to see a list of active keyboards and select one.
- During typing: Tap the keyboard icon (usually at the bottom-right of the navigation bar) and select “Change keyboard� from the pop-up menu.
These methods only change the keyboard temporarily for the current session; the default remains the one set in Settings.
What If the Keyboard Option Is Grayed Out or Missing?
If “Keyboard list and default� is grayed out, it usually means no other keyboards are installed. Install a third-party keyboard from the Play Store, then the option becomes active. If you have installed a keyboard but it doesn’t appear in the list, check that it is enabled:
- Go to Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default.
- Tap Manage keyboards.
- Ensure the toggle next to your desired keyboard is turned on.
Some keyboards (like Gboard) require you to enable them in this menu before they can be selected. If the keyboard still does not appear, restart your phone or reinstall the keyboard app.
How to Switch Back to Samsung Keyboard
To revert to the original keyboard, follow the same steps: Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default and select Samsung Keyboard. You can also use the notification bar method. Your Samsung Keyboard settings (themes, autocorrect, etc.) remain intact even if you switch away.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Keyboard not showing up in list: Reinstall the app, or clear its cache from Settings > Apps > [Keyboard name] > Storage > Clear cache.
- Default keeps resetting after reboot: Some devices may reset to Samsung Keyboard if the third-party keyboard is set as default but its service is disabled. Check that the keyboard app is not being put to sleep by battery optimization. Go to Settings > Apps > [Keyboard] > Battery > select “Unrestricted�.
- Keyboard disappears when typing in secure fields: This is a security feature. For password fields, the system may force the default keyboard for security reasons. This is normal and cannot be changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing the default keyboard affect my saved Samsung Keyboard settings?
No. Your Samsung Keyboard settings (themes, autocorrect, swipe gestures) are stored separately and remain unchanged. When you switch back, everything is as you left it.
Can I use two keyboards at the same time?
Yes, you can have multiple keyboards installed and switch between them using the notification bar or the keyboard icon. However, only one is set as the default. You can also use the “Set default� option to choose which one opens by default.
Why does my Galaxy Note keep switching back to Samsung Keyboard?
This often happens if the third-party keyboard is not properly enabled in Manage keyboards, or if the system is resetting defaults due to a glitch. Ensure the keyboard is enabled, and try clearing the keyboard app’s cache. Also check if you have “Auto-replace keyboard� enabled in some apps—this is not a standard Samsung feature, but some apps have their own keyboard settings.
Is it safe to uninstall Samsung Keyboard?
No. Samsung Keyboard is a system app. Uninstalling it (if possible) can cause issues, and some secure fields may require it. It is better to keep it installed and simply change the default.
Will changing the keyboard affect my phone’s performance?
No. The keyboard is a lightweight app. Battery life and performance are not significantly affected. Some keyboards may use more resources if they have heavy themes or features, but the difference is minimal.
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