11 simple Samsung Keyboard tips to improve your speed and accuracy

Smartphones are gateways to communication and productivity. At the center of this interaction is the keyboard. Samsung, the biggest Android manufacturer, equipped its One UI keyboard with customization options, especially on itstop Samsung Galaxy phones. While these features might seem overwhelming at first glance and are often deactivated by default, they enhance your typing experience. We compiled 11 essential tips to supercharge your Samsung Keyboard.

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1Change the size of your keyboard

Not everyone prefers the default keyboard size on their Samsung Galaxy phone. If the keyboard size is too high or low, adjust it for a comfortable typing experience.

Alternatively, you can open the Samsung Keyboard settings from the keyboard toolbar at the top.

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2Customize your keyboard’s layout

The first typing machines had keyboards with an alphabetical layout, but the arrangement caused the keys to jam. The Qwerty keyboard layout was created, spreading out frequently typed letters to minimize jamming and increase typing speed. It has since become the recognized standard, but other layouts have been adapted from it. For example, the Azerty style is more suitable for typing in French, and the Qwertz layout is better for German.

If you have a language preference, Samsung Keyboard offers several settings for customizing its layout. You can switch between the default Qwerty style to Qwertz, Azerty, and the classic 3×4 from feature phones. You can select different layouts for each if you set up more than one language.

A Samsung Galaxy phone showing the keyboard on the screen.

3Add a splash of color

A splash of color can go a long way to improve the user experience. That’s the point of Android 14’s Material You. If the keyboard’s default look feels bland, revamp it with itsGood Lockmodules. Download and install the Good Lock app, launch it, and download the Keys Cafe module. When activated, you can apply themes to make your keyboard come alive with color when you tap a key. However, the app isn’t available for some regions.

If you can’t access the Good Lock software, add color to your keyboard with Samsung’s contrast feature. This accessibility setting makes the keys easier to see and offers interesting hues.

A stylized image depicting Gboard and the Google logo with the Android Police logo in the background

4Create and use text shortcuts

Samsung Keyboard executes text shortcuts well. Instead of only showing the shortcut in the suggestions bar, it replaces it with the expanded form when you press the spacebar. It’s a great way to create text shortcuts for frequently used words and phrases. Follow the steps below.

Aside from preset text shortcuts, Samsung Keyboard offers another way to type faster: predictions. Most keyboards offer three predictions, but Samsung Keyboard gives you nine. Tap the three-dot menu on the right side of the toolbar to access them.

general management in Samsung settings

5Enable gestures for smoother typing

Samsung Keyboard supports two gesture controls but only lets you activate one at a time. TheSwipe to typeoption is turned on by default and allows you to enter text by sliding your finger between letters.Cursor controllets you move the cursor to an exact spot by sliding your finger across the keyboard, but you’ll select it yourself.

There’s a way to get the best of both worlds. Select theSwipe to typeoption for faster typing, and long press the spacebar on the keyboard to move the cursor.

6Change your quick-access symbols to ones you use

Samsung Keyboard offers quick access to frequently used symbols. Hold the period key to find ten extra signs. Samsung makes the feature more helpful by allowing you to replace the characters with the ones you use most.

7Access emojis at your fingertips

Emojis can take chats and interactions to another level. With Samsung Keyboard, it’s possible to add them by turning on theSuggest emojioption. It displays suitable icons based on the context of your text.

8Customize or turn off the toolbar

Samsung added a toolbar to the One UI keyboard in 2018. It houses shortcuts for emojis,GIFs, voice typing, one-hand mode, a clipboard, and the settings shortcut. Some items are hidden in a three-dot menu, but you can rearrange them to your preference. Hold any icon to move it around.

The toolbar isn’t always present. When typing, it disappears and is replaced by text suggestions. you’re able to switch to the toolbar mode by tapping the left-facing arrow in the upper-left corner. If you’re not a fan of the toolbar, there’s an option to turn it off.

You’ll only see text suggestions in that space. As for the shortcuts that used to be on the toolbar, long press the comma button to access them. Similarly, you cancustomize Samsung Keyboard on your Samsung tablet.

9Check Samsung Keyboard modes

Sometimes, typing long paragraphs using the built-in keyboard on a big screen may be difficult. Samsung Keyboard has handy modes for one-handed and floating keyboards to improve your reach and typing experience.

10Enable writing assistant on Samsung Keyboard

Grammarlyis one of the best AI-based writing assistants. If you are new to Grammarly,read our dedicated poston it. The company offers a dedicated keyboard on the Google Play Store. With Samsung Keyboard, you don’t need to download a separate Grammarly app to improve your writing. Instead, access Grammarly from Samsung Keyboard and review its suggestions for writing like a pro.

Grammarly works best with the English language. You may face issues with other languages.

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