How to Make Your Android Keyboard Bigger: A Comprehensive Guide

For many Android users, the default keyboard size can feel cramped, leading to typos and a frustrating typing experience. Whether you have larger fingers, visual impairments, or simply prefer a more spacious layout, increasing the size of your Android keyboard can dramatically improve your mobile typing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to achieve a bigger, more comfortable keyboard on your Android device.

Why Increase Keyboard Size?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s consider why making your keyboard bigger can be beneficial:

• Reduced Typos: Larger keys make it easier to hit the correct letters, minimizing accidental presses on adjacent keys.
• Improved Accuracy: More spacing between keys enhances accuracy, particularly for users with larger fingers.
• Enhanced Accessibility: For users with visual impairments or those who find small text difficult to read, a larger keyboard improves visibility and usability.
• Greater Comfort: A more spacious layout can lead to a more comfortable and relaxed typing experience, especially during extended periods.
• Personalization: Customizing your keyboard size allows you to tailor your device to your specific needs and preferences.

Methods to Enlarge Your Android Keyboard

Several methods can be employed to increase your Android keyboard size, each with its own advantages. We’ll explore the most common and effective techniques:

1. Adjusting Keyboard Settings (Built-in Options)

The simplest and often most effective approach is to use the built-in keyboard settings offered by your Android device’s manufacturer or your chosen keyboard app. This method doesn’t require installing any additional apps and is readily available to most users.

Steps to Adjust Keyboard Height via Built-in Settings:

While the exact steps might vary slightly depending on your device and Android version, the general process remains similar. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Open the Settings App: Locate the Settings app icon on your home screen or app drawer. It typically looks like a gear or cogwheel.
2. Navigate to System Settings or Language & Input: Scroll through the Settings menu until you find options related to “System,” “Language & Input,” or something similar. The precise wording may vary based on your device manufacturer and Android version. On some devices, it might be under “General Management”.
3. Locate “Virtual Keyboard” or “Keyboard”: Within the System or Language & Input menu, look for options related to “Virtual Keyboard,” “Keyboard,” or “On-screen Keyboard”. This is where you’ll manage your device’s keyboard settings.
4. Choose Your Current Keyboard: You will see a list of installed keyboards. Tap on the keyboard you’re currently using (for example, “Gboard”, “Samsung Keyboard”, “SwiftKey” etc.). This will open the specific settings for that keyboard.
5. Find “Keyboard Height” or “Resize” Options: Within your chosen keyboard’s settings, look for options like “Keyboard Height,” “Resize,” or “Layout.” These options might be located under a submenu like “Preferences,” “Appearance”, or something similar.
6. Adjust the Height or Layout: You’ll typically see a slider or predefined options (like “Normal,” “Tall,” “Extra Tall”) that allow you to adjust the keyboard’s height. Experiment with different settings to see which one best suits your needs. You might have the option to change the layout as well which may impact the overall size impression.
7. Test the Changes: Once you’ve adjusted the settings, go to an app where you can type, like a messaging app or a web browser, and test the new keyboard size. You can always go back and adjust the settings further until you find your ideal configuration.

Specific Examples Based on Popular Keyboards:

Gboard (Google Keyboard):

1. Go to Settings > System > Language & Input.
2. Tap on Virtual Keyboard, then tap on Gboard.
3. Tap on Preferences.
4. Look for Keyboard height and choose from options like Short, Mid-short, Normal, Mid-tall, Tall.

Samsung Keyboard:

1. Go to Settings > General Management > Samsung Keyboard settings.
2. Tap on Size and transparency.
3. Adjust the size by dragging the edges of the keyboard or by using the provided slider.

SwiftKey:

1. Go to Settings > System > Language & Input.
2. Tap on Virtual Keyboard, then tap on Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard.
3. Tap on Resize.
4. Choose a height option to increase the size of the keyboard.

Important Note: The availability of specific resizing options varies significantly between different keyboard apps and devices. If you don’t see an obvious “height” or “resize” option, look for options related to layout or themes, which might indirectly impact the perceived size of the keyboard.

2. Using Third-Party Keyboard Apps

If the built-in options aren’t sufficient, you can explore third-party keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store. These apps often offer more robust customization options, including granular control over keyboard size, layout, and themes.

Popular Third-Party Keyboard Apps for Size Customization:

• Chrooma Keyboard: This keyboard app allows you to change its height and thickness. You can also customize the colors and font sizes of the keys. It has a unique adaptive color feature which changes based on the app you are using.
• Big Buttons Keyboard: As the name suggests, this keyboard is explicitly designed for users who prefer large keys. It’s a great option for people who struggle with small keyboards due to visual or dexterity issues. It typically offers more basic features but focuses primarily on large, easily tappable buttons.
• Fleksy Keyboard: Fleksy is known for its unique gesture-based typing system but also provides good size customization options. You can adjust both the height and spacing of the keys to create a layout that is comfortable for you.
• Simple Keyboard: As the name suggests, it’s a minimalist keyboard that doesn’t try to do too much but it offers size and theme customization options.
• ai.type Keyboard Plus: Offers an array of customization options, including resizing and repositioning of the keyboard. It also boasts a wide variety of themes.

Steps to Install and Configure a Third-Party Keyboard:

1. Download an App: Go to the Google Play Store and search for a keyboard app that interests you, such as the ones listed above. Download and install the app.
2. Grant Necessary Permissions: After installing, open the app. The app will typically guide you through a setup process. You’ll likely need to grant the app permissions such as access to your keyboard settings.
3. Change Default Keyboard: After installation, navigate to Settings > System > Language & Input > Virtual Keyboard (or similar), and tap on “Manage keyboards” or “Current keyboard”. Select the newly installed keyboard as your default keyboard. This process might slightly differ based on your Android version.
4. Configure the Keyboard: Now that the app is set as your default keyboard, open the app’s settings. Typically this can be accessed from within the app itself. Look for options related to “size,” “resize,” “layout” or “height”. Customize the keyboard size, spacing, theme, and other preferences.
5. Test the New Keyboard: After you finish customizing your preferred keyboard, go to any app where you type and check how the keyboard looks and feels. If you don’t like it, return to the settings and modify it further.

3. Using Accessibility Settings

Android has built-in accessibility features that can assist users with vision or dexterity challenges. While not explicitly designed for keyboard resizing, these settings can indirectly contribute to a larger, more readable keyboard.

Accessibility Settings That Impact Keyboard Visibility:

• Font Size and Display Size: Increasing the font and display size system-wide will also increase the size of the text on the keyboard keys. While the physical size of the keyboard might not change significantly, the larger characters will make the keyboard more visually accessible.
• Contrast and Colors: Adjusting the contrast settings or choosing high-contrast themes can make the keyboard keys more distinct and easier to see. This is especially helpful for users with low vision.

Steps to Access Accessibility Settings:

1. Open the Settings App: As usual, go to the Settings app.
2. Find Accessibility: Scroll down until you find “Accessibility” and tap it.
3. Adjust Font and Display Size: Within Accessibility settings look for “Font size” or “Display size” and adjust them as desired. Be aware that these changes will impact the whole system.
4. Explore Contrast Options: You may find options to increase contrast under accessibility menu. It could be under “Visibility enhancements” or similar heading. Experiment with these options to see if it helps you better view the keyboard.

Tips for a Better Typing Experience with a Larger Keyboard

Here are some additional tips to enhance your typing experience with a bigger keyboard:

• Adjust Haptic Feedback: Experiment with different haptic feedback levels. Haptic feedback, or vibrations when you tap, can help you feel key presses more clearly.
• Use Predictive Text: If available, enable predictive text or autocorrect. These features can help minimize typos by suggesting words as you type.
• Practice: Give yourself some time to adjust to the new keyboard size and layout. Consistent use will help improve your typing speed and accuracy.
• Customize Keyboard Theme: Choose a theme that is visually appealing and enhances readability. High contrast themes can be especially helpful.
• Regularly Update: Keep your keyboard app updated to benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.
• Try a Split Keyboard Layout: Some keyboard apps offer a split keyboard layout, where the keys are split on the sides. This can make typing easier with two thumbs and might give you more virtual space.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

You might encounter some problems when trying to enlarge your Android keyboard. Here’s how to tackle some common issues:

• The Keyboard Still Appears Small: Make sure that you have adjusted the keyboard height settings appropriately. Also consider checking the device’s display settings. If you’ve exhausted these steps, try another keyboard app for more options.
• Keyboard Lagging or Freezing: Sometimes, third-party keyboard apps can cause performance issues. Try clearing the app’s cache, restarting your device, or reinstalling the keyboard app. In case the issues persist, using a different keyboard app may resolve the issue.
• Keyboard Doesn’t Appear: Occasionally, after changing the default keyboard, it might not appear. Make sure the keyboard is correctly selected under the virtual keyboard menu. Restart your device if needed.
• Battery Drain Issues: Some third party keyboard apps may use more battery than the default ones. Pay attention to battery consumption and adjust your settings or choose another app if battery usage becomes problematic.

Conclusion

Having a keyboard that feels comfortable and accessible is vital for a smooth Android experience. With the methods and tips outlined in this guide, you can successfully increase the size of your Android keyboard and create a more enjoyable and efficient typing environment. Whether you prefer the simplicity of built-in settings, the customization power of third-party apps, or the helpful adjustments in accessibility options, you have the ability to tailor your device’s input to your unique needs. Experiment with different approaches and find what works best for you. Happy typing!