Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to reply to a text message on your Android smartphone but both your hands are occupied or only one hand is free?
Maybe you have coffee, a bag, and a baby. Whatever the reason, typing with one hand can be difficult.
But don’t worry. There is a simple solution that will make your life easier. It’s called Gboard, and it’s Google’s keyboard app that allows you to adjust the size and position of your keyboard to suit your one-handed needs.
If you have an iPhone, there’s also a secret keyboard trick to easily send text messages with one hand.
How can I check if Gboard is already downloaded on Android?
Some Android devices come with Gboard preinstalled as the default keyboard. To check if it already exists, follow these steps:
SSettings may vary depending on your Android smartphone manufacturer.
- Go to device location setting
- invite System or general management (depending on your device)
- search Language and input or Keyboard list and defaults
- If Gboard is listed as an option, it’s already installed
![One-handed input on Android 2](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/2-How-to-type-faster-and-easier-with-one-hand-on-your-Android.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to check if Gboard is loaded on Android. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutsson)
More information: Best accessories for your phone
How to install Gboard app
If you don’t have Gboard preinstalled or want to make sure you have the latest version, you can download it from the Google Play Store by following these steps.
SSettings may vary depending on your Android smartphone manufacturer.
- going to Google Play Store and search G board
- Tap Gboard app
- Please click install button to download and install
- then click Open
![gboard installation instructions](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/3-How-to-type-faster-and-easier-with-one-hand-on-your-Android.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to install the Gboard app. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Once installed, return to your device state. setting
- invite System or general management (depending on your device)
- search Language and input or Keyboard list and defaults
- toggle on G board
How to create or leave group text on Android
![G board switching](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/4-How-to-type-faster-and-easier-with-one-hand-on-your-Android.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to turn on Gboard. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
More: Top Android smartphones of 2024
How to use the Gboard app on Android
SSettings may vary depending on your Android smartphone manufacturer.
- First, tap . message app
- Then click to create a new conversation. message icon
- Click on three horizontal dots next to where you can enter your message.
- Tap one handed keyboard You will see the keyboard shrink and move to the side of the screen.
![GBOARD works on Android](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/5-How-to-type-faster-and-easier-with-one-hand-on-your-Android.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use Gboard on Android. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Depending on your phone model, you may see a one-handed button. along the top of the keyboard All work the same as shown in the visual below
- Press l toleft arrow left or right arrow turn to the right
- Press double arrow icon Return keyboard to normal state
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![Gboard navigation](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/6-How-to-type-faster-and-easier-with-one-hand-on-your-Android.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to operate the Gboard app. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Read more: Beware of new Android malware hiding in popular apps
Cart important points
Gboard’s one-handed mode lets you type faster and easier with one hand. No more struggling to retrieve your keys or dropping your phone. Try it out and see the difference for yourself. You’ll be surprised how much your texting will improve.
Have features like Gboard’s one-handed mode inspired you to explore other accessibility features in your app or device? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact
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