Your Android keyboard does not have to stay plain. If you use Gboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, or a compatible Samsung Galaxy device, you can place one of your own pictures behind the keys.
The quickest route is usually inside the keyboard you already use. Start with Gboard, then switch to SwiftKey or Samsung Theme Park if that fits your phone better.
Start With Gboard
Gboard has a built-in photo theme option for Android phones and tablets. Open any app where you can type, tap a text field to bring up Gboard, then tap the palette or Theme icon in the toolbar.
If the toolbar is crowded, tap the four-square menu first, then tap Theme. Under My themes, tap +, choose your picture, drag or pinch it into position, tap Next, adjust Brightness, tap Done, choose whether to show Key borders, then tap Apply.
If this method fails, install or update Gboard - the Google Keyboard from Google Play, make it your active keyboard, then use the Android settings path below.
Open Gboard From Android Settings
Open Settings.
Tap System, then Languages & input.
Open Virtual Keyboard, then choose Gboard.
Tap Theme.
Under My themes, tap +, select a picture, crop or position it, tap Next, adjust Brightness, tap Done, then tap Apply.
On Samsung phones, keyboard settings usually sit under General management.
Switch Gboard On
If Gboard is installed but your picture theme is not showing while you type, switch your default keyboard.
- 1.Open Settings on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet.
- 2.Tap General management.
- 3.Open Keyboard list and default.
- 4.Use Keyboard list and default to enable Gboard.
- 5.Tap Default keyboard, then select Gboard.
Create a Photo Theme in Microsoft SwiftKey
This method applies when you use Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard for Android instead of Gboard. SwiftKey has a Photo theme creator in the keyboard toolbar and in the SwiftKey app.
From any app, open Microsoft SwiftKey, tap the toolbar + or panel icon, then tap Themes.
Choose Custom, tap Start, select Add Image, then choose your picture.
Adjust Resize, Brightness, Key Popups, Symbols, and Key Borders.
Tap Done to apply the photo theme.
Build It Inside the SwiftKey App
Open the Microsoft SwiftKey app.
Tap Themes.
Choose Custom, then tap Start.
Select Add Image and pick the picture you want behind the keyboard.
Adjust Resize, Brightness, Key Popups, Symbols, and Key Borders, then tap Done.
Install or update Microsoft SwiftKey AI Keyboard from Google Play before creating the theme if SwiftKey is not on your phone yet.
Customize Samsung Keyboard With Theme Park
Samsung Keyboard does not use a regular Settings path for adding a personal photo as the keyboard background. On compatible Galaxy phones and tablets, use Good Lock with Theme Park.
Open Galaxy Store, search for Theme Park, and tap Install. Open it through Good Lock or from the app drawer.
In Theme Park, tap Keyboard, then tap Create New. Customize the keyboard background or image and key style, tap the download or save icon, name the theme, and apply it to Samsung Keyboard.
Theme Park support varies by country, device, and One UI version, and it is not available on non-Samsung Android phones.
Choose Photo Keyboard Apps Carefully
Some Google Play apps are built specifically around photo keyboard themes, including apps such as My Photo Keyboard. They can be an option when your current keyboard does not offer the look you want.
A keyboard can process what you type, so use reputable apps only and pay attention to Android's keyboard warning during setup. Open Google Play Store, install the keyboard app, open it, enable or select the keyboard when prompted, choose its photo or background theme option, select a picture, and apply the keyboard theme.
If this method fails, uninstall the downloaded keyboard app and switch back to a trusted keyboard such as Gboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, or Samsung Keyboard.
Remove a Photo Keyboard You No Longer Trust
This fixes the risk of leaving an unwanted downloadable keyboard active.
Touch and hold the keyboard app icon.
Tap App info.
Tap Uninstall.
Another route is to open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, open Manage apps & device, then tap Manage.
Select the keyboard app and tap Uninstall.
After removal, open your device keyboard settings and set a trusted keyboard as the default.
Skip Old Gboard Menu Paths
Older tutorials may point to changed Gboard menus such as Preferences > Theme. Use the current Gboard theme surface instead.
- 1.Open Gboard settings and tap Theme.
- 2.Under My themes, tap +.
- 3.Select and crop your picture.
- 4.Adjust Brightness and tap Done.
- 5.Tap Apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put any picture on my Android keyboard?
Yes, if your keyboard supports photo themes. Gboard and Microsoft SwiftKey both let you choose a picture, crop it, adjust brightness, and apply it as a keyboard theme.
Why is my picture keyboard not showing?
The keyboard with the photo theme may not be your active default keyboard. On Samsung Galaxy devices, go to Settings > General management > Keyboard list and default > Default keyboard and select the keyboard you customized.
Can I do this with Samsung Keyboard?
On compatible Samsung Galaxy devices, use Good Lock with Theme Park. Open Theme Park, choose Keyboard, create a new keyboard theme, customize the background, save it, and apply it to Samsung Keyboard.
Are third-party photo keyboard apps safe?
They carry more privacy risk because keyboards can process what you type. Use reputable apps only, review Android's keyboard warning during setup, and uninstall any keyboard you no longer trust.