---
title: "Replace your keyboard"
slug: replace-your-keyboard
summary: "The app you touch most. Make it a good one."
difficulty: easy
time_minutes: 10
android_min: 8
tested_on: []
categories: [keyboard]
apps: [helium314.keyboard]
requires: []
risk: "The keyboard you type with changes. Switch back in Settings, Languages and input. Your words and accounts stay."
published: 2026-10-17
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Unstock
featured: false
oneliner: "The app you touch most. Make it a good one."
steps: 5
---

A keyboard is just an app. Swap it and the next message, search and password field use the new one. HeliBoard is the example here: no account.

## Before you start

- HeliBoard installed from F-Droid, or another keyboard you already chose.
- A couple of minutes. You will enable it as an input method, then pick it.

## What can go wrong

The wrong keyboard appears, or none does. Settings, System, Languages and input, On-screen keyboard, and pick the old one. TODO: confirm the Samsung path (it hides this under General management).

:::step Install the keyboard.
Open HeliBoard in the directory and tap Get it on F-Droid. Install it. It will not become the keyboard until you say so.

:::step Enable it as an input method.
Open the app once. It will send you to the system list of keyboards. Turn HeliBoard on. Android will warn you that a keyboard can see what you type: that's the point of picking one you trust.

:::step Switch to it.
In a text field, tap the keyboard icon on the navigation bar, or long-press the space bar, and pick HeliBoard. TODO: Pixel vs Samsung switcher needs a screenshot check.

:::step Turn off collection, if it has any.
In the keyboard's own settings, disable any network or clipboard sharing you do not want. HeliBoard's defaults are local. Confirm in its settings rather than taking this line as gospel.

:::step Type a message.
Send one. If it feels wrong, switch back before you change layouts and themes.

## Undo it

Languages and input, On-screen keyboard, pick the one that came with the phone.

## Next guides

Default apps next, so links and photos follow the same idea.