Facebook Messenger allows you to easily chat with friends and family right from your mobile device. One great feature of Messenger is the ability to customize your keyboard within the app. This allows you to personalize your messaging experience and use keyboards that are tailored to your needs.
Why Would You Want to Change Your Keyboard?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to change your keyboard in Messenger:
- Use different language keyboards – If you chat in multiple languages, switching between keyboards for each language can be useful.
- Larger keyboards – The default keyboard may feel small, especially on larger devices. Larger keyboards can improve typing speed and accuracy.
- Custom keyboards – You can find keyboards with custom designs, emojis, stickers and GIFs that personalize your conversations.
- One-handed mode – Enabling one-handed mode makes the keyboard more accessible when using your device with just one hand.
How to Change Keyboards on Android
For Android users, changing your keyboard in Messenger is quick and easy:
- Open Messenger and access your chats.
- Tap on a conversation to open the message thread.
- In the text field, long press on the emoji icon.
- This will open your keyboard options. Tap “Choose keyboard”.
- You will see a list of installed keyboards on your device. Select the keyboard you want to use.
- The new keyboard you selected is now activated in Messenger.
Here are some additional tips for customizing your Android keyboard:
- To switch languages, tap the globe or language icon on your keyboard.
- Enable one-handed mode by tapping the one-handed icon on your keyboard.
- Change keyboard themes and colors through your device settings outside of Messenger.
Changing Keyboards on iPhone
For iPhone users, you can change your keyboard by:
- Go into the Messenger app and access a conversation.
- Tap on the text field to bring up the keyboard.
- Tap and hold the emoji or globe icon in the bottom left corner.
- This will display your keyboard options. Tap “Keyboard” at the top.
- Select your desired keyboard from the list.
Here are some tips for customizing your keyboard on iPhone:
- Add keyboard languages – Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards to add or remove languages.
- Get new keyboards – Download third-party keyboards from the App Store for more custom options.
- Adjust keyboard settings – Customize keyboard features like auto-correction and capitalization in your device Settings.
Troubleshooting Keyboard Issues
If you’re having issues changing your keyboard, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Force close and reopen Messenger – Closing out of the app and restarting can resolve keyboard change issues.
- Check app permissions – Make sure Messenger has permissions to access device keyboards.
- Update Messenger – Install the latest version of Messenger from your app store.
- Update device software – Outdated operating systems can cause keyboard problems.
- Reset keyboard dictionary – This clears any corrupted data affecting your keyboard.
Additionally, check if the issue is only occurring within Messenger. Trying changing your system-wide keyboard through your device settings. If your keyboard works normally across other apps, the issue is isolated to Messenger.
Third-Party Keyboard Apps
In addition to the default system keyboards, third-party keyboard apps provide even more customization options. Here are some top third-party Messenger keyboards for Android and iOS:
| Keyboard App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SwiftKey | Android, iOS | – AI-powered word predictions – Supports over 300 languages – Cloud sync |
| Gboard | Android, iOS | – Glide typing – Google search built-in – GIFs and emoji search |
| TouchPal | Android, iOS | – Customizable themes – Smart gestures – Predictive text |
| Fleksy | Android, iOS | – Powerful autocorrect – Extensions and themes – Private data sync |
These keyboards offer unique features tailored to different users’ messaging needs. Consider factors like platform support, language coverage, ease of use, extensions and customizability when selecting a third-party keyboard.
Conclusion
Customizing your keyboard in Facebook Messenger helps provide a better messaging experience. Change your keyboard layout, size and language to suit your preferences. Troubleshoot any keyboard issues by resetting app permissions, updating software or clearing your keyboard dictionary. With default keyboard options and an array of third-party keyboards to choose from, you can fine-tune Messenger to match your typing style.