Android Keyboard Not Showing Up? Here’s How to Fix It

Having your Android keyboard disappear can be frustrating, especially when you need to type a message or fill out a form. But don’t worry, there are several things you can try to get it working again.

This article will guide you through troubleshooting steps to get your Android keyboard back up and running.

Keyboard Not Showing Fixing Steps In Best Order

Here’s what you can try to fix the “Android keyboard not showing up” issue:

Fix 1: Remove All The Apps From Background Process

No obviously the first thing you should do as remove all the apps that were running in the background including any social media app or any app in which you are trying to type something and the keyboard app doesn’t appear,  so firstly remove all the apps from it and then switch turn off your screen don’t switch off your phone but just turn off your screen Internet back again and this will help you to know whether it works for you or not.

screenshot of background app process menu with apps in background
screenshot of running apps in background

Before doing this make sure you bookmark this website because I am going to tell you something which might work and might not work for you users and you might get away from a website so for this you have to bookmark. 

Fix 2: Restart Your Device

power menu to restart, power off or emergency call

Then restarting your device could be one of the good things that you could do and order to fix the keyboard app and obviously depends on the which keyboard app your using for some uses the might be using the keyboard app for some they using the Samsung keyboard app and for some other people approve users they are using some other completely different keyboard apps by Microsoft keyboard swift keyboard, basically.

A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might be causing the keyboard to malfunction.

Fix 3: Verify Keyboard Enabled

screenshot of keyboard list and default
  • Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  • Search for “keyboard” or navigate to the System or General Management section (depending on your device).
  • Locate the Virtual keyboard settings or Manage keyboards option.
  • Ensure your preferred keyboard app (e.g., Gboard) is enabled and selected as the default input method.

Fix 4: Clear Keyboard App Cache

screenshot of clearing the cache for samsung keyboard app
screenshot of storage settings for gboard app
  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap on Apps or Applications.
  • Find your keyboard app (e.g., Gboard) in the list of apps.
  • Tap on the app and then select Storage.
  • Tap on Clear Cache.
  • Restart your device.

Fix 5: Update Keyboard App

update the app asap
  • Open the Google Play Store app.
  • Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner and select Manage apps & devices.
  • Tap on Updates.
  • Look for your keyboard app (e.g., Gboard) in the list. If an update is available, tap Update.

Fix 6: Switch to Safe Mode (Optional)

It’s important to note that the method for entering Safe Mode can vary depending on the device manufacturer and Android version. Consult your device’s user manual or search online for specific instructions on how to enter Safe Mode for your particular device model.

For example, on many Samsung devices, you can enter Safe Mode by pressing and holding the Power button until the Power off prompt appears, then long-pressing the “Power off” option and selecting “Safe Mode” from the subsequent menu.

safe mode gif in fun way

Once in Safe Mode, test the keyboard functionality thoroughly. If it operates normally, you can be confident that a third-party app is the culprit. At this point, restart your device to exit Safe Mode, and then identify and uninstall any recently installed apps that might be causing the conflict.

Start by uninstalling the most recently installed apps one by one, and test the keyboard after each uninstall. This process of elimination will help you pinpoint the problematic app. Once you’ve identified and removed the conflicting app, the keyboard should function properly again.

Fix 7: Reinstall Keyboard App (if applicable)

screenshot of gboard app from the app drawer
  • If updating the app doesn’t resolve the issue, try reinstalling it.
  • Go to Settings > Apps or Applications.
  • Find your keyboard app and tap on it.
  • Tap on Uninstall.
  • Open the Google Play Store and reinstall the keyboard app.
phone updates

Fix 8: Update System Software

  • Outdated system software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with apps. Check for software updates on your device:
    • Go to Settings > System or Software update.
    • Tap on Check for Update or similar option.
    • Download and install any available updates.

Advanced Troubleshooting (if basic steps fail)

If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, consider these advanced options (use with caution):

Fix 9: Check for Third-Party App Conflicts

Many Android users install apps from the Play Store or third-party sources. While most apps are safe, some may conflict with system functions like the keyboard. According to data from Google’s Android Developers site, one of the top reasons users uninstall apps is due to app conflicts or crashes.

To check for conflicts, uninstall any recently installed apps that could be interfering with the keyboard functionality. After uninstalling, restart your device. This clears the app cache and temporary data, allowing a fresh start. If the keyboard works after the restart, you’ve identified a conflicting app.

Fix 10: Reset App Preferences

Over time, app preferences and cache data can become corrupted, leading to conflicts or misbehavior. Android provides an option to reset app preferences without deleting user data.

screenshot of reset the app preferences

Navigate to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset app preferences. This will reset all app preferences to their defaults, potentially resolving any conflicts or corruption issues affecting the keyboard.

Fix 11: Check Accessibility Settings

Android’s Accessibility settings are designed to assist users with disabilities, but some settings can inadvertently affect the keyboard functionality. According to Google’s Accessibility guidelines, certain settings like “Filtered Keys” or “Sticky Keys” can interfere with the on-screen keyboard.

To check for conflicting settings, go to Settings > Accessibility and review the enabled options. Disable any settings that could be interfering with the keyboard’s normal operation.

Fix 12: Try an Alternative Keyboard

If the issue persists after trying the above steps, consider installing an alternative keyboard app from the Google Play Store. Popular options like Google Keyboard (Gboard), SwiftKey, or Fleksy can sometimes resolve issues with the default keyboard app.

screenshot of microsoft swiftkey ai keyboard from google play store
screenshot of searching keyboard app on play store

According to statistics from AndroidCentral, Gboard is the most popular third-party keyboard app, with over 1 billion installations. Trying a different keyboard app can help isolate whether the issue is with the device or the specific keyboard app you’re using.

Fix 13: Permissions Check

Ensure the keyboard app has the necessary permissions to function correctly. Android apps require specific permissions to access certain device features or data.

Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > [Your Keyboard App] > Permissions. Review the permissions granted to the keyboard app and ensure all necessary permissions are enabled, such as “Storage” or “Draw over other apps.”

Fix 14: Disable Battery Optimization for the Keyboard App

Android’s battery optimization features can sometimes limit an app’s background activities or resources to save power. This can inadvertently affect the keyboard’s functionality.

Why Is the Android Keyboard Not Appearing When Tapped on the Text Field?

image of android on the laptop with keyboard showing

As someone who regularly assists users with Android issues, I understand how frustrating it can be when the keyboard fails to appear when tapping on a text field. There could be several potential causes behind this problem, and it’s crucial to identify and address the root cause methodically. Allow me to walk you through some of the most common reasons and troubleshooting steps:

screenshot of searching keyboard app on play store
screenshot of samsung keyboard app settings
screenshot of reset to default settings for samsung keyboard
  • Software Glitch: Sometimes, the operating system or apps can experience temporary glitches that prevent the keyboard from loading correctly. In such cases, a simple restart can often resolve these minor software hiccups.
  • Keyboard Settings: One of the first things I recommend checking is whether a keyboard is actually enabled and set as the default option in your device’s settings. It’s an easy oversight that can lead to keyboard issues.
  • App Cache/Data: If the keyboard app’s cache or data becomes corrupted, it can cause conflicts and prevent the keyboard from functioning properly. Clearing the app’s cache and data can help ‘reset’ it and resolve any underlying issues.
  • App Updates: Ensuring that your keyboard app is updated to the latest compatible version is crucial. Outdated apps can experience functionality issues, and updates often include fixes for known problems.
  • OS Updates: Similarly, keeping your Android operating system updated is important, as new versions can contain fixes for keyboard or compatibility problems.
  • App Conflicts: In some instances, I’ve found that third-party apps can interfere with how the keyboard functions. Booting your device into Safe Mode can help isolate whether a specific app is causing the conflict.
  • Accessibility Options: It’s worth reviewing your device’s accessibility settings, as some options designed to assist users can inadvertently restrict the keyboard if configured improperly.
  • Battery Optimization: Overly aggressive battery-saving measures can sometimes limit or ‘sleep’ keyboard apps running in the background. I guide users through whitelisting their keyboard apps to prevent this from happening.
  • App Permissions: Double-checking that your keyboard app has all the necessary permissions granted is also a smart troubleshooting step, as permission issues can prevent the app from functioning correctly.
  • System Issues: While quite rare, corrupted system files or even hardware issues can potentially prevent the keyboard from functioning as expected. In such cases, software updates or a factory reset may be required to resolve the problem.
image of android keyboard showing

Conclusion

That is it for today’s blog post! In today’s post, we’ve discussed the various reasons why the Android keyboard might not show up when you click on any text field in apps like WhatsApp or Messages. It’s super frustrating when your keyboard just doesn’t pop up, preventing you from typing anything. We’ve tried multiple methods to fix this issue, and if you try the first five methods, it should work like a champ for you. If not, there are other advanced troubleshooting steps available too.

I hope you found the information helpful! If you did, definitely hit up the comment section below and let me know which fix worked best for you.

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Kunal
Kunalhttps://fixing-mostly.com/author/kunal-kashyap/
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.

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