How to Improve an Android Keyboard

Default Keyboard

1. Press the Home button on your device.

2. Press the Menu button and select 'Settings,' then 'Language & Keyboard.'

3. Select 'User Dictionary.' View the custom words you've added to your device's dictionary, so it will accept and offer them as recommendations when you're typing. You can select a word to edit or delete it, and you can press the Menu button to add a new word. Press the Back button when you're finished.

4. Tap 'Android Keyboard.' Change as many options as you want to make the keyboard work best for you. Adjust the vibration, turn on or off the on-screen suggestion system and auto-complete, and so on. You'll need to experiment to find out what works best.

5. Switch the 'Show Settings Key' option to 'Always Show' if you're going to make several changes to the options in the keyboard. This allows you to change settings directly from the keyboard. There will be a new gear-shaped key near the bottom-left of the keyboard. Tap it to go to the Settings page.

New Keyboard

6. Open the 'Android Market' app. The app is available under 'Market' in the main Applications section of the Home screen.

7. Search for 'keyboard,' or for a specific app you want to try. Try 'Smart Keyboard,' 'SlideIT Keyboard' and 'SwiftKey Keyboard.' Some apps allow you to slide your finger from key to key instead of tapping on each key individually.

8. Tap the button below the option to 'Buy' or 'Install' the app. If you're getting a paid app, you'll need to purchase it and follow the on-screen prompts to make a payment. If you're downloading a free app, tap 'Install,' then 'OK.'

9. Wait for the app to download and install. You can see the status in the 'Notification Bar' at the top of your display.

10. Press the Home button, then press the Menu button.

11. Select 'Settings,' then 'Language & Keyboard.' The keyboard app that you installed will appear.

12. Select the keyboard app to enable it. Most apps have a Settings option as well. Select it to configure the app.