How to use custom keyboards in iOS 8

iOS 8 brings with it the ability to use custom third party keyboards on your iPhone or iPad. Whether you prefer swiping over typing or just feel like the built-in keyboard holds you back, you now have an option! All you've got to do is download some keyboards from the App Store, activate them, and you've got a customized iOS experience!

How to download and activate third party keyboards in iOS 8

1. Launch the App Store and download or purchase the keyboard you'd like to use like you would any other app.


2. Launch the specific keyboard app that you just downloaded.


3. You should either be prompted to install a keyboard extension if one isn't automatically installed.


4. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.


5. Tap on General.


6. Tap on Keyboard.


7. Tap on Keyboards at the top.


8. Tap on Add New Keyboard...


9. Under Third-Party Keyboards, tap on the keyboard name that you'd like to use.


10. Tap on Edit at the top of the Keyboards section.


11. Drag your chosen keyboard to the top of the list to make it your default — you only have to perform this step if you want.


12. Start using your new keyboard.

How to quickly switch between keyboards in iOS 8

1. Pull up a keyboard in any app.


2. Tap and hold on the globe key.


3. Tap on the keyboard name you'd like to use.

Note that if you're in a third party keyboard already, tapping on the globe key may return it to default. At this point, we aren't sure if this is a feature or a glitch in iOS 8. To return to another keyboard, simply tap and hold the globe key and make your selection again.

That's it! The keyboard you chose should now appear throughout iOS in place of the built-in one that comes standard. Simply start using it.