Are you looking to personalize your iPhone? One of the easiest and most fun ways to make your device truly yours is by changing the keyboard theme color. Whether you’re after a sleek dark mode look or want to add a bit of brightness with a colorful theme, iOS 18 offers a variety of customization options. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to change your keyboard’s theme color and give your iPhone a fresh new feel.
What Is Keyboard Theme Customization?
Keyboard theme customization allows you to change how your iPhone’s keyboard looks by adjusting its color, background, and overall appearance. iOS 18 offers users the ability to easily modify the look of the default keyboard, making it more visually appealing and in line with personal preferences.
While there are some basic options provided by Apple, there are also more advanced customization possibilities available through third-party apps. Whether you’re looking for a simple change, like switching to dark mode, or you want to completely revamp your keyboard with a custom design, iOS 18 gives you the tools to make it happen.
How to Change Keyboard Color on iPhone iOS 18
Changing the keyboard theme on your iPhone is easy. Apple’s iOS 18 provides both built-in features for color adjustment and accessibility options that let you personalize your keyboard’s appearance. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Using iOS 18’s Dark Mode for Keyboard
Dark mode is a popular feature that changes the overall appearance of your iPhone’s interface, including the keyboard. This simple option allows you to enjoy a dark background with light text, which not only looks great but is also easier on the eyes in low light conditions.
To enable dark mode on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Display & Brightness.
- Under Appearance, choose Dark.
Once dark mode is activated, the built-in keyboard will automatically adjust, giving you a darker theme. This setting will also apply to other apps that support dark mode, making your entire iPhone experience feel more cohesive.
2. Customizing Keyboard Appearance via Accessibility Settings
If you want more control over how your keyboard looks, iOS 18 lets you adjust contrast and other visual settings. This is especially helpful for users who need higher contrast to see the keyboard better.
To adjust keyboard contrast:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Under Display & Text Size, toggle on Increase Contrast.
Additionally, you can apply Color Filters to the entire screen, including the keyboard, for more specific color adjustments. While these changes may not drastically change the theme, they can help make the keyboard more legible.
Using Third-Party Keyboard Apps for More Customization
If you’re looking for greater freedom to personalize your keyboard, third-party keyboard apps are the way to go. These apps offer an array of customization options that Apple’s built-in settings don’t provide, such as changing the background image, color themes, and even the layout of the keyboard.
Here’s how to use third-party keyboard apps on your iPhone:
1. Download a Third-Party Keyboard App
To get started, you’ll first need to download a third-party keyboard app. Some popular options include:
- Gboard: A keyboard by Google that allows you to customize colors and themes and use features like glide typing.
- SwiftKey: Known for its predictive text and customizable themes, SwiftKey also allows for greater control over your keyboard layout.
- Fleksy: A keyboard that boasts fast typing and a variety of themes, including neon, minimal, and custom designs.
To download one:
- Open the App Store.
- Search for the keyboard app you want (e.g., Gboard or SwiftKey).
- Tap Install and wait for the download to complete.
2. Enable Your Third-Party Keyboard
After downloading the keyboard app, follow these steps to enable it:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Keyboard.
- Tap Keyboards and select Add New Keyboard.
- Choose the keyboard you just downloaded (e.g., Gboard).
- If prompted, give the app full access so it can function properly.
Once enabled, you can start using the third-party keyboard with its custom themes and settings.
3. Change Keyboard Background with Third-Party Apps
Most third-party keyboards, such as Gboard and SwiftKey, allow you to change the keyboard background. This is a feature iOS 18 doesn’t natively support.
For example, in Gboard:
- Open the Gboard app.
- Tap Theme.
- You can select a pre-designed theme or upload a custom background from your photo library.
This feature lets you personalize your keyboard with images, solid colors, and custom themes to match your style.
Switch to Dark Mode Keyboard on iPhone iOS 18
Dark mode is more than just an aesthetic preference. It helps reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments. If you prefer to use a dark keyboard theme on your iPhone, follow these simple steps to activate dark mode:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Display & Brightness.
- Choose Dark under the Appearance section.
Your iPhone’s system-wide settings will change to dark mode, including the keyboard. This provides a unified look across all apps that support dark mode.
How to Change Keyboard Color iPhone iOS 18 Using Third-Party Apps
For those looking to push their customization even further, third-party keyboard apps offer additional features such as color schemes, fonts, and layouts. Here are some of the top third-party keyboards for iPhone:
1. Gboard by Google
Gboard is one of the most customizable keyboard apps, allowing you to adjust the background color, font style, and even add a custom image as the keyboard background. The app also supports glide typing, voice typing, and multilingual typing.
2. SwiftKey by Microsoft
SwiftKey is a highly customizable keyboard that lets you change the theme and layout. It also has a variety of prediction features, including emoji suggestions, and allows you to switch between multiple languages.
3. Fleksy
Fleksy is another keyboard that offers a high level of customization. With Fleksy, you can change the background image, add stickers and GIFs, and select from a wide range of themes.
These third-party keyboards provide a lot of flexibility and offer unique features not found in the default iOS keyboard.
Troubleshooting Common Keyboard Theme Issues
Sometimes, you might run into issues when changing the theme of your iPhone’s keyboard. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:
1. Keyboard Color Won’t Change
If your keyboard theme isn’t changing, ensure that you have selected dark mode or the right theme in the Accessibility settings. If you’re using a third-party keyboard, check that the app has been enabled and is set as the active keyboard.
2. Custom Themes Not Showing Up
If you’ve applied a custom theme but it’s not showing up, try restarting your iPhone. This can help apply any new changes to the keyboard settings.
3. Problems with Keyboard Layout or Language
If the keyboard layout changes after customizing the theme, go to Settings > General > Keyboard and select your desired keyboard layout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I add a custom background to my iPhone’s keyboard?
Yes, to add a custom background, you’ll need to use third-party apps like Gboard or SwiftKey. These apps allow you to upload an image for the keyboard background.
Which third-party keyboard app is best for customization?
Popular third-party keyboard apps like Gboard, SwiftKey, and Fleksy provide excellent customization options, including color themes, custom backgrounds, and more.
Does changing the keyboard theme affect my typing speed?
No, changing the keyboard theme does not affect your typing speed. It simply changes the visual appearance of the keyboard.
Now you know everything there is to change the keyboard theme color on your iPhone running iOS 18. Whether you prefer built-in settings like dark mode or want to go all out with third-party apps, there’s an option for everyone. Enjoy customizing your iPhone keyboard to match your style!