How to Add and Switch Languages on Android's Gboard Keyboard: Step-by-Step Guide

Learning a new language on your Android device? If it uses a different alphabet or accents unfamiliar to your primary language, adding a dedicated software keyboard is essential.

Google's Gboard keyboard supports over 500 languages across more than 40 writing systems, making it incredibly versatile. If you're in the US, it's likely preset to US English, but adding and switching between languages is straightforward. We've tested this on a Pixel 3 running Android 12—your interface may vary slightly depending on your device and OS version.

To access the Languages settings:

• Open an app like email or messaging, tap a text field to bring up the keyboard.
• Tap the gear icon above the keyboard (tap the left arrow if the toolbar is hidden).
• Select "Languages".

You can also navigate via Android settings: System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard > Gboard > Languages.

To add a new language:

• Tap "Add keyboard" at the bottom.
• Search or scroll for your language (check "Suggested languages" first if you've used related apps).
• Select a keyboard layout if options appear (e.g., QWERTY, handwriting). Enable "Multilingual typing" for cross-language suggestions where supported.
• Tap "Done" and exit.

The spacebar now shows the language name (or abbreviations for multilingual mode). A globe icon appears left of the keyboard for switching—tap to cycle, or long-press spacebar for the menu. (Emoji access is via long-press comma.)

To remove a language:

• Long-press spacebar for the switch menu.
• Tap "Language settings".
• Swipe left on the unwanted language.

Updated October 1, 2021: Originally published January 3, 2020, and refreshed for recent Android updates.