How to Set SmartType as Your Default Keyboard on Android

New to SmartType? Here is the 2-minute setup to make it your default keyboard and unlock AI in every app.

SmartType works everywhere you type — but first it needs to be enabled and selected as your keyboard. It takes about two minutes and only has to be done once.

Step 1: Install SmartType

Download SmartType Keyboard from the Google Play Store and open the app once it finishes installing. The app walks you through the next steps, but here they are in full.

Step 2: Enable the keyboard

• ›Open the SmartType app and tap the setup / enable option (or go to Settings › System › Languages & input › On-screen keyboard › Manage keyboards).
• ›Toggle SmartType Keyboard on.
• ›Android will show a quick notice that a keyboard can see what you type — this is standard for every keyboard; tap OK.

Step 3: Select SmartType as the active keyboard

• ›Open any app with a text field and tap to start typing.
• ›Tap the keyboard-switch icon (usually bottom-right of the keyboard, or in the navigation bar).
• ›Choose SmartType Keyboard from the list.

Step 4: Try it out

Type a sentence, then use the suggestion bar to fix grammar, translate, change tone, or generate a reply. Because SmartType is a system keyboard, everything you set up here works across every app on your phone.

Switching back any time

You can switch between keyboards whenever you like using the same keyboard-switch icon, so trying SmartType costs you nothing. Most people keep it as their default once they see the AI features in action.