Gboard is Google’s official on-screen keyboard for Android phones, tablets and other compatible devices. It supports standard typing, finger gestures, voice dictation, handwriting and the simultaneous use of multiple languages.

Gboard comes pre-installed and selected by default on many Android devices. It works in messaging apps, browsers, email, social networks, note-taking tools and other apps that contain text fields.

Ways to enter text

Users can tap individual keys or use Glide Typing by sliding a finger from one letter to another without lifting it from the screen. Gboard recognises the movement and suggests the corresponding word.

Key features include:

• standard and gesture-based typing;

• voice dictation through the microphone;

• printed and cursive handwriting input;

• automatic spelling correction;

• next-word suggestions;

• a personal dictionary;

• gesture-based cursor control using the space bar;

• quick deletion of multiple words;

• an optional permanent number row;

• a one-handed typing mode.

The availability of voice and handwriting input depends on the selected language, device and installed language components.

Multiple languages and translation

Gboard supports hundreds of language varieties, including English, Ukrainian, Spanish and Russian. Users can add several languages, switch between layouts or receive multilingual suggestions without manually changing the keyboard each time.

Built-in Google Translate can translate text while it is being entered and place the result directly into the current text field. Translation and some other online features require an internet connection.

Emoji, GIFs and clipboard

The keyboard includes emoji search, GIFs, stickers and tools for creating reactions. Available content can vary by app, region and device.

The integrated clipboard provides quick access to recently copied text and images. Important items can be pinned to prevent them from being automatically removed.

Keyboard customisation

Users can change the theme, colour, keyboard height, key borders, vibration strength and keypress sounds. Autocorrection, suggestions, the number row, glide input and voice typing can also be enabled or disabled separately.

On larger phones, one-handed mode moves the keyboard towards the left or right edge of the display.

Privacy

To enter text, a keyboard needs access to the currently active text field. Gboard can learn from typing and dictation to improve personalised suggestions and speech recognition.

Personalisation and participation in Gboard improvement programmes can be managed in the Privacy settings. Users can also delete learned words and data stored on the device. Donating audio samples to improve dictation is optional and controlled through a separate setting.

How to download and enable Gboard

To download Gboard for Android, tap the download button on this page. Select “Install” or “Update” when Google Play opens.

After installation, open Android’s language and input settings, enable Gboard and select it as the default on-screen keyboard. Menu names may vary depending on the device manufacturer.

If Gboard is already installed, its options can be opened through the settings icon on the keyboard toolbar.