iPhone Keyboard Customization Wizard

Type faster. Stop fighting autocorrect. Use voice. Get a personalized keyboard config based on your habits and pain points.

Tell us about your typing

Your Keyboard Setup

iPhone Built-In Keyboard Features

FeaturePathWhat it does
QuickPath SwipeSettings → General → Keyboard → Slide to TypeSlide finger across keys to spell words faster
Predictive TextSettings → General → Keyboard → Predictive TextSuggests next word based on context
Auto-CapitalizationSettings → General → KeyboardCapitalizes first word of sentence
Auto-CorrectionSettings → General → KeyboardCorrects misspellings as you type
Smart PunctuationSettings → General → KeyboardCurly quotes + em dashes
Text ReplacementSettings → General → Keyboard → Text ReplacementType abbreviation, expands to full text (.omw → on my way)
DictationSettings → General → Keyboard → Enable DictationVoice-to-text via mic button
One-Handed KeyboardLong-press globe iconShifts keyboard left or right for one-thumb typing
Floating Keyboard (iPad)Long-press globe → FloatingSmaller floating keyboard for iPad thumb typing
Multiple KeyboardsSettings → General → Keyboard → KeyboardsAdd languages + emoji + third-party

Best Third-Party Keyboards

KeyboardCostBest forNotes
Built-in iOS keyboardFreeMost usersExcellent and improves yearly. Most don't need 3rd party
Gboard (Google)FreeGoogle integration, swipe typing power usersPrivacy: sends typing data to Google
SwiftKey (Microsoft)FreeMultilingual, predictionPrivacy: Microsoft data collection
FleksyFree + paidSpeed typingCustomizable themes
Grammarly KeyboardFree + Premium $12/moGrammar + toneReal-time grammar correction
AdaptxtFreeIndustry-specific (medical, legal)Specialized vocabulary
BitmojiFreePersonalized emojiAdds Bitmoji to keyboard

Privacy warning: Third-party keyboards request "Full Access" to send typing data over network. Use only with privacy-respecting brands. Built-in iOS keyboard is most private.

Text Replacement Examples (10 must-have)

  1. .omw → On my way!
  2. .eaddr → [email protected]
  3. .haddr → 123 Main St, City, State 12345
  4. .cell → (555) 123-4567
  5. .brb → Be right back
  6. .ty → Thank you!
  7. .ttyl → Talk to you later
  8. .cuat → See you at
  9. .np → No problem
  10. .ftw → For the win

Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement → "+" → enter Phrase + Shortcut.

Dictation Power-User Tips

  1. Tap microphone icon on keyboard or "Hey Siri, take a note"
  2. iOS 17+ — dictation runs on-device for many languages (privacy)
  3. Punctuation: say "comma," "period," "question mark"
  4. "New paragraph" creates paragraph break
  5. "All caps on/off" for emphasis
  6. Emoji: say "smiley emoji" or "heart emoji"
  7. Edit while dictating — type while continuing voice input
  8. Email subject line: "subject [text] period"
  9. Multilingual: switch language mid-dictation (set up multiple input languages)
  10. Walking + dictating: 3-4x faster than typing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does autocorrect keep changing correct words?iOS uses a personal dictionary. To "teach" it: when it auto-corrects, tap the X to dismiss, type the original word again. Eventually iPhone learns. Or add to Text Replacement.
How do I disable autocorrect for one word?Type the word, tap the X on the autocorrect suggestion. Or use a special character (like a quote) before/after.
Why is my keyboard so slow?iPhone storage low (under 5GB free) makes keyboard slow. Check Settings → General → iPhone Storage. Background App Refresh on too many apps slows everything.
How do I make the period key bigger?You can't, but: settings → general → keyboard → "Quote Replacement" → off (smart punctuation may have moved keys).
How do I switch keyboards quickly?Long-press globe icon → swipe to keyboard. Or tap globe to cycle.
Are third-party keyboards safe?Most are safe but require "Full Access" permission. Apple-built keyboard is more private. Stick with reputable brands (Microsoft SwiftKey, Google Gboard) if using third-party.
Can I have a different keyboard for emoji only?Yes. Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → Emoji.
How does dictation work offline?iOS 17+ runs many languages on-device (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese). No internet needed for those. Other languages still require internet.
Why does dictation cut off?Battery saving may kill mic. Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode → off. Also: dictation has 30-second timeout per session.
Is voice typing private?iOS 17+ runs on-device for major languages. Older iOS sends to Apple. Check Settings → General → Keyboard → Dictation.

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