Most Android smartphones nowadays come with a virtual keyboard that works for most typing needs. However, sometimes users need to type a long sequence of numbers, which can be a hassle with the regular keyboard. You might find yourself switching between different keyboards or toggling the number row each time you need to use numbers; this can be frustrating and counterproductive.
But don’t worry, adding a number row to your Android keyboard is an easy process that can save you time and increase your productivity. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing, step by step, how you can add a number row to your Android keyboard with the help of some handy methods.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add a Number Row in Android Keyboard
Typing numbers on a smartphone can sometimes be tedious and time-consuming, especially when you need to input several digits. Here are some reasons you might want to consider adding a number row to your Android keyboard:
- Speed up typing process by eliminating the need for switching keyboards to input numbers (such as when filling out forms or typing in passwords).
- Convenience in typing numerical figures.
- Increased Productivity
If you’re ready to enjoy these benefits, let’s get started with the methods!
Method 1: Via Gboard Keyboard App
One of the most popular third-party virtual keyboard apps for Android users is the Gboard Keyboard App. You can easily add a number row to your keyboard in just a few simple steps:
Method 1 Steps:
1. Open the Google Play Store and install the Gboard Keyboard App on your Android device.
2. Head to your device’s "Settings" and click on “Languages & Input".
3. Tap on “Virtual Keyboard,” then select the “Gboard Keyboard” option.
4. Click on “Preferences,” then tap on “Layout”.
5. Turn on the “Number rows” toggle button to activate the feature.
6. Once done, your Android keyboard will now have an extra row of keys above your letters with numbers 0 to 9, and you can start typing lengthy number sequences with ease.
Method 1 Pros:
- Easy to use and straightforward process
- Gboard keyboard provides additional functionalities, such as automatic suggestions and swipe typing
Method 1 Cons:
- You have to use the Gboard Keyboard App
Method 2: Via Swiftkey Keyboard App
Another popular virtual keyboard app for Android users that allows you to add a number row is Swiftkey Keyboard App. Here’s how to add it:
Method 2 Steps:
1. Install the Swiftkey Keyboard App from the Google Play Store.
2. On your device’s “Settings” menu, go to the "Languages & Input"
3. Click on “Virtual Keyboard” then tap on “Swiftkey Keyboard”
4. Once in the Swiftkey settings menu, scroll down and select “Typing”
5. Toggle on the “Number Row” button and exit the settings menu.
6. Just like that, your Android keyboard now has a number row.
Method 2 Pros:
- Swiftkey keyboard provides additional functionalities, such as automatic suggestions and swipe typing
- Swiftkey keyboard’s prediction algorithm will help you in inserting punctuations even faster
Method 2 Cons:
- You have to use the SwiftKey Keyboard App
Method 3: Via Chrooma Keyboard App
A relatively lesser-known keyboard app for Android users is Chrooma Keyboard App. Here’s how to add a number row on it:
Method 3 Steps:
1. Download the Chrooma Keyboard App from the Google Play Store.
2. On your device’s “Settings”, go to the "Languages & Input".
3. Locate “Virtual Keyboard” then click on “Chrooma Keyboard".
4. Once inside Chrooma Keyboard Settings, locate “Advanced Settings” then click on it.
5. Scroll down until you find the "Number Row" option and enable it. Once saved, your keyboard now has an extra row of numbers above the letters.
Method 3 Pros:
- Chrooma keyboard provides additional functionalities, such as swipe typing and automatic language recognition.
- Cool customizable features to enhance user experience
Method 3 Cons:
- You have to use the Chrooma Keyboard App
What To Do If You Can’t Add a Number Row in Android Keyboard
If you have tried one of the methods mentioned above and can’t add a number row to your Android keyboard, the following steps can help:
- Check if your keyboard app supports adding a number row
- Ensure your keyboard app is up to date.
- If the methods mentioned above don’t work, try using a different keyboard app
Bonus Tip
If you’re looking to increase your typing speed and accuracy, try to use the swipe typing functionality available on most virtual keyboard apps. With swipe typing, you can easily glide your finger across the letters, and the keyboard will predict the word. This can be a real time-saver when typing on your Android device.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I switch back to my previous keyboard app?
A: Head to your device’s "Settings" then "Languages and Input" > "Virtual Keyboard" > choose your previous keyboard app.
Q2: Do all keyboard apps offer the number row functionality?
A: No, not all keyboard apps offer number row functionality. It solely depends on the developer’s preference, so be sure to check first before downloading.
Q3: Can I customize the placement of the number row on my keyboard?
A: No, the number row location is commonly above the letters in all keyboard apps without any modifiable options.
Q4: Does adding a number row make typing easier and faster?
A: Yes, adding a number row saves you time when typing long sequences of numbers.
Q5: How do I get rid of the number row on my keyboard?
A: Removing the number row feature is as simple as toggling off the feature from your keyboard settings.
Final Thoughts
Adding a number row to your Android virtual keyboard is not rocket science, nor does it require advanced technical skills. You can easily add this feature using the Gboard, SwiftKey, or Chrooma Keyboard App. Hopefully, our step-by-step guide has helped you achieve this functionality, making typing numerical sequences a breeze. Remember, using the swipe typing feature and the automatic suggestions function can save you a lot more time and increase your productivity when typing on your Android device.