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How to remove Gboard from your Android device

There is more than one way to do it.
By

Published onJuly 28, 2023

Many people like Gboard for its convenient translation and accurate text predictions. Others are turned off by Google’s data collection policy. Still some simply have a favorite keyboard app and don’t want to use Gboard. If you are sure you would like to remove Gboard from your Android device entirely, there is more than one way to do it. On some phones, Gboard is the default, built-in keyboard. Keep in mind that you should ensure another keyboard is installed for you to use before you get rid of Gboard. We’ll review multiple methods of doing so below.

QUICK ANSWER

To remove Gboard from your device, go to your Settings menu and select Apps. Scroll down until you see Gboard, and tap on it. Tap on the Uninstall button to delete Gboard.


JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

How to change the default keyboard on Android

From your home screen, access your Settings menu by heading to the gear-shaped icon located in the top right of the screen.

Remove Gboard Settings Menu
Kevin Convery / Android Authority

From the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on General management.

Remove Gboard Settings Menu General Management
Kevin Convery / Android Authority

Next, select Language and input.

Remove Gboard Language and Input
Kevin Convery / Android Authority

The Default keyboard option will let you choose among the keyboards installed on your phone. Tap on it.

Remove Gboard Default Keyboard
Kevin Convery / Android Authority

You will see a list of all the keyboard apps that are installed and activated on your phone. Tap on your new choice of default keyboard, and you’re done.

Remove Gboard Choose Keyboard
Kevin Convery / Android Authority

How to remove Gboard from your Android device by installing and setting up a different keyboard

Gboard is the default, built-in keyboard on Pixels and other phones. You need a keyboard to operate the phone, so if Gboard is all your phone has, the first step in deleting Gboard is downloading and installing its replacement. While there are many choices to replace Gboard at the Google Play Store, its most prominent competition is Swiftkey from Microsoft. In the Play Store, search for SwiftKey and install it.

Download Swiftkey Install Button
Kevin Convery / Android Authority
Open the app to begin the setup process.

Download Swiftkey Open Button
Kevin Convery / Android Authority
Activate SwiftKey on your list of installed keyboards.

Download Swiftkey Activate Button
Kevin Convery / Android Authority
Now select SwiftKey from among your activated keyboards.

Download Swiftkey Select Swiftkey
Kevin Convery / Android Authority
Tap on Finish up and sign into your Microsoft account. Now SwiftKey is your active keyboard and we can go ahead and delete Gboard. Go to your Settings menu again. Scroll down and tap on Apps.

Delete Gboard Apps Button 1
Kevin Convery / Android Authority
Scroll down to Gboard and tap on it.

Delete Gboard Gboard Button 1
Kevin Convery / Android Authority
Tap on the Uninstall button to delete Gboard from your phone. When prompted, confirm the uninstall. Gboard is now deleted. If you had it selected as your default keyboard, SwiftKey will now replace it.

Delete Gboard Uninstall Button 1
Kevin Convery / Android Authority
If your phone does not give you the option of uninstalling the Gboard app, you can still remove it by way of the Google Play Store. Just open the Store app and search for Gboard. Tap on the name of the app, and not the Open button.

Delete Gboard Play Store Gboard Search
Kevin Convery / Android Authority

Now just tap the Uninstall button and confirm when prompted. Once again, with Gboard gone, the previously installed SwiftKey will now be the default keyboard. The process will work similarly no matter what alternative to Gboard you choose.

Delete Gboard Play Store Gboard Uninstall
Kevin Convery / Android Authority

FAQs

Neither is categorically better. Gboard gets higher marks for its predictive text and extensive emoji features. Swiftkey has a more advanced clipboard and reports statistics on your typing. Since both are easy to install and uninstall, you should not only research both, but download and use them. Then you will know which is better for you.

Yes. Just open the app and tap on Advanced. Then tap the switch next to Share usage statistics and the one next to Improve voice and typing for everyone.

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