How to Hide the Android Keyboard

1. Tap the 'Market' icon in the Android device's App Drawer to access the Android Market.

2. Press the 'Search' key to open a text box.

3. Type 'keyboards' into the box and press the magnifying glass icon next to it on the touchscreen.

4. Select a keyboard application from the list, such as 'SlideIT Keyboard,' 'GO Keyboard' or 'SwiftKey X.'

5. Tap 'Download' at the application's page to begin downloading it to your device. Tap the price, if applicable, to download a paid keyboard. Enter payment information when prompted.

6. Go to an item with a text box, such as the text messaging application or the address bar of the Web browser.

7. Press and hold your finger inside the text box until a menu appears.

8. Tap 'Input Method' and select the third-party keyboard as your default option.

9. Swipe your finger in a downward motion on the keyboard, while using GO Keyboard or SwiftKey X, to hide it. Press and hold the 'Enter' key to hide the keyboard using SlideIT Keyboard. The 'Enter' key is designated by a left-pointing arrow, with the world 'Hide' underneath it.