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Google Keyboard is now called Gboard. To use it on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, install Gboard from Google Play, enable it in Galaxy keyboard settings if needed, and select it as the default keyboard. Then open a text field and adjust Gboard’s languages, layouts, and typing features to suit you.
Install Gboard from Google Play
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Open Google Play on your Galaxy device and search for Gboard.
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Choose the app published by Google LLC and tap Install. Google Play describes Gboard as “the Google Keyboard.” See Gboard on Google Play.
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Set Gboard as the default keyboard
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Open Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default.
#1 Best Overall
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
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If Gboard appears in the keyboard list but is off, turn it on. Then tap Default keyboard and choose Gboard.
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Open an app with a text field and tap the field to check that Gboard appears.
Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
These menu labels follow Samsung Canada’s support instructions for Galaxy phones. Samsung notes that screens and steps can vary by country, model, and software version. If you cannot find the setting, search within Settings for Keyboard list and default. Samsung’s Galaxy keyboard instructions apply to devices sold in Canada.
Choose Gboard features, languages, and layouts
With Gboard open in a text field, use its feature menu or open Gboard settings to choose options such as glide typing, text correction, voice typing, languages, and layouts. Google lists glide typing, handwriting, emoji and GIF search, multilingual typing, and Google Translate while typing among Gboard’s features. Availability can differ: Google says some features are not supported on Android Go devices, and talk-to-text does not work with every language.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Add a language or layout
Open Gboard settings and add the language or layout you want to use. Changing Gboard’s language does not change the Android device’s system language. Google’s instructions for adding a language in Gboard explain the available controls.
If Gboard does not appear or stops being the default
After an update, Gboard may no longer be enabled in the keyboard list. Open Android keyboard settings and turn it on again, then select it as the default if necessary. Google also documents switching keyboards from the keyboard interface. Google’s Gboard help covers keyboard setup and switching.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Gboard or Samsung Keyboard: choose for your needs
There is no universal best choice established for every Galaxy user. Compare the features you actually use, whether your preferred languages and layouts are supported, and your privacy preferences. Samsung Keyboard is the default keyboard described in Samsung’s support instructions; Samsung’s settings also let you choose another installed keyboard.
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Google says Gboard sends searches and usage statistics to Google, and sends voice to Google for transcription when talk-to-text is used. Google also says other typed content, including passwords and chats, and saved words are not sent. These are Google’s own disclosures, not an independent privacy audit. For a current, complete account, review the disclosures in Gboard and Google’s privacy information. Google’s Gboard privacy explanation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
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