Keyboard lag on Android devices can be a frustrating experience, causing delays in typing and unresponsive keyboard behavior. Whether using a Samsung or iOS, dealing with keyboard lag can hinder productivity.
This comprehensive guide will explore the common causes of keyboard lag and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve this issue.
In this article, I am breaking down all the five steps that could be a lifesaver in fixing the Android keyboard lagging issue.
Understanding the Causes of Keyboard Lag
To tackle keyboard lag effectively, it’s essential to understand its underlying causes. Some common reasons behind keyboard lag on Android devices include:
Your device’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) may be overloaded when running multiple tasks simultaneously, resulting in slower performance and decreased keyboard sensitivity, which can cause keyboard lag. Restarting your Android device can refresh the CPU’s functions and resolve this issue.
Frequent copying on the clipboard or an extensive list of learned words in your keyboard’s dictionary can also contribute to keyboard lag. Clearing the clipboard and deleting unnecessary learned words can help minimize this lag.
How to Fix Keyboard App Lag Android and iOS
Moreover, if you are using Google Keyboards, all the phone’s default keyboards, it doesn’t matter whether these methods can be used and applied to all these keyboard apps for Android. Let’s get started.
If you’ve noticed your Android keyboard lagging, there could be several advanced reasons at play. I’ve found that when virtual RAM is overloaded, especially on devices with limited physical RAM, the keyboard can start to slow down. AI-powered predictions also use a lot of processing power, so if multiple languages or large emoji libraries are enabled, this can add to the lag. Conflicting accessibility services or apps with screen overlay permissions (like chat heads) may also interfere.
Cloud-based prediction models that rely on syncing, background processes from custom ROMs, and resource-heavy features like gesture or voice typing can further slow things down. Additionally, dynamic themes, haptic feedback, and battery-saver mode restrictions often impact responsiveness. Limited storage, fragmented cache, and delayed loading of language packs can all contribute to this issue, as well as data collection tools running in the background. Together, these factors can make typing feel sluggish.
1. Stop Using Auto Functions in Keyboard
I know many users use the auto-correction or auto-correct feature on their smartphones.
Auto-correction and auto-capitalization are features that can help you type faster and more accurately. However, they can also cause keyboard lag when the keyboard takes a long time to register your keystrokes. If your phone is slow, turn off auto-correction and auto-capitalization to improve performance.
Here are some other reasons why you might want to turn off auto-correction and auto-capitalization:
You might find that they are not very accurate and often make mistakes.
You should have more control over your typing and not rely on the features to correct your mistakes.
They might slow down your typing speed.
If you turn off auto-correction and auto-capitalization, you can usually do so in your phone’s settings.
2. Avoid Using Themes
Many users enjoy customizing their keyboard app with various themes, adding personal touches or fun designs. However, themes can contribute to keyboard lag and slow your typing experience.
Themes add extra pressure on your smartphone’s resources, which are already strained with other tasks and processes. They require additional processing power and can negatively impact the performance of your keyboard.
For example, a friend from New York mistakenly used a theme with his selfie as the keyboard background. While it may seem fun, it can cause your typing to become slower and less responsive.
To avoid keyboard lag, it’s recommended to stick with a simpler default keyboard design. This reduces the strain on your device’s resources and improves the typing experience.
To switch back to a default keyboard theme:
Open the settings menu on your smartphone.
Go to “Language & Input” or “Keyboard” settings.
Select your default keyboard from the list.
Look for the theme or skin settings within the keyboard app.
Choose the option to switch back to the default or standard theme.
Avoiding themes and a simpler design can optimize your typing experience and reduce keyboard lag.
Remember, functionality is more important than visual aesthetics in your keyboard app. Keeping it simple will result in smoother and more efficient typing.
3. Lessen Frequent Copying On the Clipboard and Words in Your Dictionary
To minimize the impact of clipboard and dictionary usage on keyboard lag, follow these steps:
Under the “Keyboards” section, select your default keyboard.
If using Gboard, click on “Advanced.”
At the bottom, tap “Delete learned words and data” to clear your saved words.
By following these steps, you can reduce the amount of data your keyboard has to process, which can help improve its performance and reduce lag.
4. Restart Your Keyboard App
If your keyboard app is not functioning properly, restarting it can often resolve the issue. Here are the steps on how to do it:
Go to “Settings” > “Apps & notifications” > “All apps.”
Locate the app causing the keyboard lag.
Tap on the app and select “Force Stop.”
Return to your home screen and relaunch the app.
Restarting the keyboard app will clear its cache and data, which can often fix minor issues. If restarting the app does not resolve the issue, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the app.
5. Clear the System Cache on Your Device
Clearing the cache associated with your keyboard app can eliminate keyboard lag caused by cache accumulation. Use these steps:
To clear the system cache on your device, follow these steps:
Go to Settings.
Tap Storage.
Tap Cached data.
Tap Clear cache.
Tap OK to confirm.
Note that clearing the system cache will not delete any of your personal data. It will only remove temporary files that are used by the system.
6. Hibernate Apps
Background apps can consume valuable system resources, leading to keyboard lag. Hibernating or freezing unnecessary apps can help to improve your device’s performance. To hibernate or freeze an app, follow these steps:
Identify resource-intensive apps. You can do this by looking at the app’s battery or storage usage in your device’s settings.
Navigate to your device’s app management settings. This is usually located in the “Settings” app.
Select the apps you want to hibernate or freeze.
Choose the hibernation or freezing option. This may vary depending on your device’s operating system.
Hibernating an app will stop it from running in the background, but it will still be available when you open it. Freezing an app will remove it from your memory, and you must reinstall it if you want to use it again.
Hibernating or freezing unnecessary apps can help to improve your device’s performance and battery life.
7. Reset Keyword App Settings
If your keyboard settings have become disorganized or misconfigured, resetting them can restore optimal performance. Here are the steps to reset your keyboard settings:
Go to “Settings.”
Tap on “Apps & notifications,” followed by “All apps.”
Locate your keyboard app (e.g., Gboard) and tap on it.
Select “Storage & Cache” and choose “Clear Storage.”
Clearing keyboard data and cache resets settings to default. You may need to re-enable keyboard features.
Resetting keyboard settings delete custom themes and layouts. Back them up before resetting.
8. Diminish Multiple Tasks on Your Device
To reduce the strain on the CPU and enhance keyboard performance, please follow these steps:
Long-press the Power button on your phone to restart it
Restarting your phone will clear the RAM and close all running apps, which can help to improve performance. It will refresh the phone’s operating system and sometimes fix minor software issues.
Clear the cache and data of the keyboard app.
To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps > Keyboard app > Storage > Clear cache and Clear data.
This will delete temporary files and data stored by the keyboard app, which can sometimes improve performance.
Update the keyboard app
If there is an update available for the keyboard app, install it. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
Uninstall the keyboard app and install a different one
If you still have problems with the keyboard, uninstall it and install a different one from the Google Play Store. Many different keyboard apps are available, so you should be able to find one that works well for you.
9. Use the lite keyboard app
Don’t forget why brands launch their lite version of apps because they eventually reduce lag and reduce the load on the smartphone.
The same thing applied to Facebook. Also, if you are using the Facebook full version and when you switch back to the lite FB, you will probably feel the biggest change. It’s the performance and the UI and UX.
So, when you are facing lag on your primary keyboard app, try switching it with the Google keyboard app or any other app that comes under 15 to 10 MB.
10. No Ads Keyboard Apps
Another thing that is very necessary when it comes to keyboard apps is to ensure that your keyboard apps don’t show up with ads.
If you are a keyboard app that shows an ad while you are using the app, this will probably ruin your experience and the performance too. From the performance point of view, don’t use apps that come with ads.
Same as if some use Android launchers but it lags then he/she needs to use No Ads Launcher.
Here’s a list of the 11 ways to fix keyboard lag on Android devices:
Disable automatic keyboard functions.
Avoid using themes.
Reduce the frequency of copying and pasting text and adding words to your dictionary.
Restart your keyboard app.
Clear the system cache on your device.
Hibernate apps.
Reset your keyboard app’s settings.
Reduce the number of tasks running on your device at once.
Use a lightweight keyboard app.
Use a keyboard app without ads.
Update your keyboard app and smartphone software.
These steps can help improve your typing experience and resolve keyboard lag issues on your Android device.
Possible Cause
Explanation
Virtual RAM Overload on High-Memory Usage Devices
Many Android devices use virtual RAM, which depends on storage for extra memory. If too many apps are competing for this virtual RAM—especially if physical RAM is limited—the keyboard app might start lagging as it struggles for resources.
AI-Powered Prediction Models Draining Resources
Some keyboards use AI to predict text and autocorrect. When other apps, like voice recognition, are using AI processing power, the keyboard’s predictive features might experience delays, leading to visible lag.
Multiple Active Language and Input Options
Enabling several languages or input methods can increase resource use on the keyboard app. Switching between options, especially resource-heavy languages, can create noticeable lag.
Unoptimized Emoji and GIF Libraries
Keyboards with extensive emoji, GIF, and sticker libraries sometimes lag as these high-resolution media files load. Regular updates to these libraries can overload memory, slowing down the keyboard.
Conflicting Accessibility Services
Accessibility features like screen readers or magnification can conflict with the keyboard app. If multiple accessibility services are active, they may interfere with input recognition, causing lag.
Screen Overlay Permissions from Other Apps
Apps with screen overlay permissions (like chat heads or floating notes) may compete with the keyboard for display priority, causing delays in input recognition.
Delayed Syncing with Cloud-Based Prediction Models
Some keyboards sync with cloud services for predictive text. A slow or unstable internet connection can delay this sync, causing the keyboard to lag as it waits to retrieve personalized data.
Background Processes from Custom ROMs
Custom ROMs often introduce additional background processes. These can compete for system resources, causing the keyboard to slow down, especially if the ROM includes extensive customizations.
Overuse of Gesture Typing and Voice Typing Features
Features like swipe typing and voice-to-text demand more resources than regular typing. Frequent use can cause lag on lower-powered devices, particularly when other apps are active in the background.
Low Storage Affecting Cached Keyboard Data
Keyboards cache frequently used words, emojis, and shortcuts. When storage is low, the keyboard may struggle to update its cache, leading to lag as it retrieves cached data.
Unresponsive Background Syncing from Other Apps
Apps like social media or email clients often sync in the background, monopolizing resources. This competition for system attention can deprioritize the keyboard, causing it to lag.
Dynamic Themes or Animated Backgrounds
Some keyboards offer dynamic themes or animated backgrounds, which consume extra processing power. Combined with haptic feedback, these graphics can lead to noticeable lag when switching themes or typing quickly.
Under-Optimized Battery-Saver Mode Impact
Battery-saver mode restricts CPU performance and background activities. If the keyboard isn’t optimized for this mode, it may lag as the CPU limits its processing power to conserve battery.
Misconfigured Input Method Editor (IME) Files
Android’s IME files help interpret keyboard inputs. If these files are corrupted or misconfigured, the device might struggle to process keyboard inputs accurately, resulting in lag. This issue is more common on rooted devices or after system updates.
Fragmented Cache and Data Structures within the Keyboard App
Keyboard apps build up cached data over time, which can become fragmented. This fragmented data structure can slow down the app’s ability to retrieve frequently used words or shortcuts, causing lag.
Haptic Feedback Conflicts with Other Vibration Functions
Enabling haptic feedback on the keyboard may interfere with other vibration settings, creating input delays when the keyboard and system try to trigger feedback at the same time.
Interference from System-Wide Data Collection
Some devices run data collection or diagnostic tools that monitor app usage. If these tools are logging keyboard activity, they can interrupt input processing, causing lag. This issue is more common on devices with custom OS features.
Delayed Loading of On-Demand Language Packs
Some keyboards load language packs only when needed. If the app frequently switches languages, this on-demand loading can introduce lag, especially on devices with limited storage or when languages are changed frequently.
Here’s my experience with advanced causes of keyboard lag on Android. Through testing and troubleshooting, I’ve pinpointed a variety of reasons that could impact your keyboard’s responsiveness, from RAM issues to language settings. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand what might be slowing down your typing.
Conclusion
These are the top 5 steps that helped me reduce keyboard lag while typing or even when using it less frequently.
I hope this article will help you fix the Android Keyboard app issue, and we’ll make a separate article for the Gboard or Swift keyboard lag issue. But for now, you can use these steps too.
Today’s main aim is to solve the Keyboard app Lag, or most people usually suffer from it or it may working so slowly that you can’t type.
Have a nice day. Before you go, tell us Which keyboard app you are using.
Kunal Kashyap, the tech guru behind FixItKunal.com, simplifies complex tech issues with clear and user-friendly guides. With expertise in Android, iOS, and more, his tutorials empower users to tackle tech problems confidently. Kunal's engaging style makes technology accessible to both beginners and experts. Beyond tech, he explores psychology and keeps up with tech and business trends awarded by the Government and Namita Thapar.
