Third-party keyboards such as Google Gboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, Grammarly Keyboard, and other alternatives offer features that many iPhone users prefer over Apple’s built-in keyboard. However, there are times when these keyboards stop working, fail to appear, switch back to the default iOS keyboard, or become unresponsive while typing.
In most cases, the problem is caused by incorrect keyboard settings, app glitches, outdated software, or temporary iOS bugs. The good news is that you can usually fix the issue within a few minutes without losing your data.
Here are the most effective ways to fix Gboard, SwiftKey, or any third-party keyboard that is not working on your iPhone or iPad.
Table of contents
- Method 1: Check if the Third-Party Keyboard Is Added Properly
- Method 2: Manually Switch to the Third-Party Keyboard
- Method 3: Test the Keyboard in Another App
- Method 4: Update Gboard, SwiftKey, or the Keyboard App
- Method 5: Restart Your iPhone
- Method 6: Review Keyboard App Settings
- Method 7: Delete and Reinstall the Keyboard App
- Method 8: Update Your iPhone to the Latest iOS Version
- Method 9: Reset All Settings
- FAQs
- Summary
- Conclusion
Method 1: Check if the Third-Party Keyboard Is Added Properly
Before trying advanced fixes, make sure the keyboard is actually installed and enabled in iOS.
Sometimes an iOS update, app issue, or settings reset can remove a keyboard from the active list.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Select Keyboard.
- Tap Keyboards.
- Check whether Gboard, SwiftKey, or your preferred keyboard appears in the list.
- If it is missing, tap Add New Keyboard.
- Select the keyboard from the list.
- Tap the keyboard name.
- Enable Allow Full Access if required by the app.
After adding it, open any text field and press and hold the Globe icon on the keyboard. Select Gboard or SwiftKey from the list.
Method 2: Manually Switch to the Third-Party Keyboard
In some cases, the keyboard is installed correctly but iOS continues using the stock keyboard.
Manually switching often fixes the issue immediately.
- Open Notes, Messages, or any app with a text field.
- Tap inside the text field.
- Touch and hold the Globe icon in the bottom-left corner.
- Choose Gboard, SwiftKey, or the keyboard you want to use.
- Test whether typing works normally.
If the keyboard appears and functions correctly, no further troubleshooting may be necessary.
Method 3: Test the Keyboard in Another App
Many users think the keyboard is broken when it actually isn’t.
Apple intentionally blocks third-party keyboards in certain sensitive areas, including:
- Passcode entry screens
- Some banking apps
- Security authentication prompts
- Certain password fields
- Open the Notes app.
- Create a new note.
- Tap the typing area.
- Switch to your third-party keyboard.
- Try typing normally.
If the keyboard works in Notes but not elsewhere, the issue is likely app-specific rather than a keyboard problem.
Method 4: Update Gboard, SwiftKey, or the Keyboard App
Developers regularly release updates that fix compatibility issues with newer iOS versions.
An outdated keyboard app can cause crashes, freezing, missing suggestions, or loading failures.
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down to available updates.
- Find Gboard, SwiftKey, or the affected keyboard.
- Tap Update.
- Launch the keyboard app again after installation finishes.
Once updated, restart the app and test the keyboard.
Method 5: Restart Your iPhone
This remains one of the most effective solutions.
Temporary iOS bugs, memory issues, or background processes can prevent third-party keyboards from loading correctly.
- Press and hold the Side button and Volume button.
- Drag the power slider.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn the iPhone back on.
- Open an app and test the keyboard.
Many users report keyboard issues disappearing immediately after a restart.
Method 6: Review Keyboard App Settings
Both Gboard and SwiftKey have their own settings that affect how the keyboard behaves.
Incorrect configuration can cause missing features, prediction problems, or keyboard loading issues.
- Open the keyboard app.
- Review permissions and settings.
- Check language settings.
- Verify keyboard layouts.
- Confirm prediction and autocorrect options are enabled if desired.
- Save changes and test again.
This can help resolve problems that originate within the app itself rather than iOS.
Method 7: Delete and Reinstall the Keyboard App
If nothing else works, reinstalling the app is often the most reliable fix.
This removes corrupted files and downloads a fresh copy from the App Store.
Deleting a keyboard app may remove:
- Learned words
- Personalized predictions
- Typing habits
- Custom dictionary entries
If you use SwiftKey and are signed into your account, much of this data may be backed up and restored later.
- Touch and hold the keyboard app icon.
- Tap Remove App.
- Select Delete App.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Open the App Store.
- Download the keyboard again.
- Add it back through Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
- Enable Full Access if needed.
Method 8: Update Your iPhone to the Latest iOS Version
Apple frequently fixes keyboard-related bugs through iOS updates.
Running outdated software can create compatibility problems with newer app versions.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Download and install any available update.
- Restart your device after installation.
After updating, test whether the keyboard works normally.
Method 9: Reset All Settings
If the issue persists, a settings conflict inside iOS may be responsible.
Resetting all settings does not delete personal data, photos, apps, or messages, but it restores system settings to default values.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Choose Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode.
- Confirm the reset.
Once complete, reinstall the keyboard and test again.
FAQs
This usually happens because the keyboard was not selected as the active keyboard or because the app crashed in the background. Updating the app and restarting the iPhone often resolves the issue.
SwiftKey can temporarily disappear due to app glitches, memory issues, software bugs, or permission problems. Reinstalling the app usually fixes persistent cases.
Not always. Apple automatically switches to the built-in keyboard in many secure fields for privacy and security reasons.
Yes, unless the app backs up your data through an account sync feature. SwiftKey supports cloud syncing when signed in.
Both are excellent options. Gboard offers strong Google Search integration and voice typing, while SwiftKey is known for accurate predictions and customization features.
Summary
- Confirm the keyboard is added in iPhone settings.
- Switch to the keyboard manually using the Globe icon.
- Test it in another app.
- Update the keyboard app.
- Restart the iPhone.
- Check keyboard-specific settings.
- Delete and reinstall the app.
- Update iOS to the latest version.
- Reset all settings if the problem continues.
Conclusion
When Gboard, SwiftKey, or another third-party keyboard stops working on an iPhone, the issue is usually caused by a software glitch, incorrect settings, or an outdated app. Start with simple fixes such as checking keyboard permissions, switching keyboards manually, and restarting your device.
If the problem continues, reinstalling the keyboard app and updating iOS are usually the most effective solutions. In rare cases, resetting all settings can eliminate deeper software conflicts and restore normal keyboard functionality.
