How to Install and Use Third-Party Keyboards on iPhone and iPad

In case you didn’t know, there’s a whole wide world of third-party keyboards for the iPhone and iPad. Everything from GIFs, to emoji suggestions, to even Google search can be added to your device. Here’s how to install and use third-party keyboards on iPhone and iPad.

Because this is a system functionality, the process of installing a keyboard on the iPhone and the iPad is not as simple as just installing the app. In fact, it’s a bit convoluted.

Before we get there, you’ll need to start out by downloading a third-party keyboard from the App Store. Here are some of our recommendations:

  • Gboard: A current all-rounder keyboard from Google. Any feature that you can think of is probably in the Gboard app. You get GIF search, Google Translate, themes, gesture typing, and a Google search feature right in the keyboard.
  • Microsoft Swiftkey Keyboard: A solid alternative to Gboard, specifically when it comes to auto-suggestions. The customization and gesture typing isn’t bad either.
  • GIF Keyboard: If you don’t want to use GIPHY, GIF Keyboard by Tenor is the best alternative for sending GIFs directly from your keyboard.
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Disable iCloud & Find My iPhone

When factory resetting your iPhone, it’s critical that you disable iCloud and Find My iPhone. In iOS 7 and up, a security feature called Activation Lock requires you to enter the Apple ID used to set up the phone if you want to reset it. This feature has reduced iPhone thefts since it makes a stolen iPhone hard to use. But if you don’t disable Activation Lock, the next person who gets your iPhone—either a buyer or repair person—won’t be able to use it.

Activation Lock is disabled when you turn off iCloud/Find My iPhone. Here’s what to do:

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How to Factory Reset an iPhone

There will be no music, apps, or other data on it; just the iOS and the pre-loaded apps once you reset your iPhone. If you still need to back up your data, scroll down for those instructions. If you’re all set, follow these steps to reset your iPhone to its original factory state:

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