10 Gboard Features Every Android User Should Know

Gboard is the default keyboard option for a staggering number of Android smartphones across the globe, and it’s not just limited to Pixels. If you have an Android device, you’ve probably used Gboard for years without giving it a second look. The default setup is good, the predictive text suggestions work, and in a pinch, you can swipe to type.

But like other seemingly basic Android apps and features, a lot more is hiding behind Gboard’s surface simplicity. Explore the menus, tweak the settings, and learn some gestures, and you’ll uncover a ton of useful features that can make it faster and easier to use — without switching to an entirely new keyboard. Here are my favorite tips, tricks, and hacks for Gboard.

Pin Frequently Used Text in the Clipboard for Instant Access

You don’t need to go looking for ad-filled clipboard manager apps on Android: Gboard is hiding a capable clipboard manager in plain sight, but it’s not enabled by default. In the Gboard app, tap the Menu button and choose the Clipboard option. On your first try, enable the feature. Now you will see all your copied items here in a handy list. Gboard automatically deletes clipboard entries every hour (a nice security feature), but you can pin any entry in the clipboard using the long-press menu. Once pinned, the entry will stay put. You can use this feature to copy and paste items you use frequently, like email templates or your mailing address.

Use Personal Dictionary to Quickly Expand Long Phrases

If you’re an Android power user, or if you manage your business or college work via your Android smartphone, you might want a faster way to input long strings of text. On Mac and Windows, you might be familiar with text expansion features and apps. Gboard for Android offers something similar, only it’s called Personal Dictionary.

Here, you can add any custom phrase and an associated shortcut. The shortcut, when entered, will show the expanded phrase in the suggestion bar. Go to Gboard Settings > Dictionary > Personal Dictionary and tap the Plus button to add a new phrase.

Use These Swipe and Hold Gestures for Faster Inputs

The Backspace (or Delete) key on Gboard isn’t static. If you swipe left from the backspace key, you’ll start to delete entire words instead of just letters. Similarly, you can move the cursor around using the space bar: hold the space bar and move your finger left or right to precisely position the cursor. And if you want to avoid switching views to enter symbols, just hold the Period (dot) key to reveal the full symbols keyboard. Swipe to the symbol you wish to enter, let go, and you’re done.

Use This Gesture to Quickly Input Numbers Without Switching Keyboards

If you need to enter numbers on Gboard, you have two options. First, there is a hidden gesture where you flick keys to enter alternative symbols. If you swipe down on the letter “e,” it will type the number “3” instead. This can be enabled from Settings > Preferences > Flick keys to enter symbols.

But if you type numbers all the time, nothing beats a dedicated number row on Gboard (though it does take up extra screen space). From Preferences, you can enable the Number row to get quick access to the number keys.

Use One-Handed Mode to Make Typing Easier on Big Phones

Tap the Menu button in the Gboard keyboard and choose the One-handed option. You will now see a smaller keyboard tucked to one edge. You can tap the Arrow button to change the docking position, or tap the Edit button to freely move and resize the keyboard — making it smaller or bringing it closer to the bottom edge.

Resize Keyboard Height to Reclaim Screen Real Estate

If you don’t like the default size for the Gboard keyboard, you can shorten it or choose to have it take up more of the screen with larger keys. Tap the Menu button in the Gboard toolbar and choose the Resize option. You can then drag the handlebar to make the keyboard taller or shorter (width cannot be changed with this feature).

Use the Floating Keyboard to Type Anywhere On-Screen

On a big-screen phone or an Android tablet, trying to enter text while seeing what’s under the keyboard can be a hassle, especially in multi-app view. But Gboard doesn’t have to be docked to the bottom of the screen. From the Gboard Menu, tap the Floating button to detach the keyboard. You can then grab the handlebar to move it anywhere on screen, and resize it to make it smaller.

Use Gboard’s Editing Feature to Adjust Text Anywhere

On a computer, text editing is easier and faster — you have arrow keys, a mouse for precise selection, and shortcuts for copying and pasting. Gboard addresses this gap on smartphones and tablets with its Text Editing feature. Found in Gboard’s Menu, it replaces the keyboard with large dedicated buttons for selecting and manipulating text, giving you desktop-style control over your typing without leaving your current app.

These features only scratch the surface of what Gboard can do. Taking a few minutes to explore the settings and practice a few gestures can meaningfully speed up how you type and edit text on Android every day.