Solved: How do I fix Android phone’s keyboard not showing up issue?

Encountering issues with your Android phone’s keyboard can be incredibly exasperating, particularly when the ability to perform basic tasks like sending messages or composing emails is suddenly disrupted. Whether you’ve experienced this problem firsthand or want to be prepared for such an eventuality, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and solutions needed to address the dreaded issue of your Android keyboard mysteriously going AWOL.

Stay tuned as we delve into the possible reasons behind this enigma and unveil a range of effective fixes to get your Android keyboard back in action. Don’t let a missing keyboard slow you down – let’s tackle this problem head-on!

Understanding the Mystery of the Missing Android Keyboard

You might be wondering why your trusty Android keyboard has suddenly decided to play hide-and-seek. The answer to this conundrum often boils down to one of a few common culprits. Thankfully, these issues are usually straightforward to resolve.

The primary reason behind your Android keyboard’s sudden disappearance could be a recent bug or a bothersome cache problem. Fortunately, these are not insurmountable challenges, and solutions are within reach.

However, there are other potential causes behind your Android keyboard’s vanishing act, including:

• An Incompatible Keyboard App Update: Sometimes, when you update your keyboard app, it may become incompatible with your device, leading to the keyboard not showing up.
• Low Storage on Your Android Device: Insufficient storage space on your Android device can disrupt various functions, including the keyboard.
• A Filled-Up Keyboard App Cache: An excess of temporary data and cached files in your keyboard app can hinder its performance.
• Software Bug That Crashes the Keyboard App: Occasionally, a software bug can crash the keyboard app, resulting in it not appearing when needed.

In this guide, we’ll explore effective methods to tackle these issues and ensure that your Android keyboard reclaims its rightful place on your device’s screen. So, let’s dive in and resolve the mystery of the missing keyboard once and for all!

Solution 1: Perform Preliminary Checks

Before delving into complex troubleshooting, let’s start with some basic checks to ensure a smooth and swift resolution to the Android keyboard issue:

• Test Across Multiple Apps: First, determine whether the keyboard issue is specific to a particular app or affects the entire device. If it’s limited to one app, try closing and reopening the app. This often resolves app-specific keyboard glitches.
• Beware of Bluetooth Keyboards: Double-check to ensure you haven’t accidentally connected a Bluetooth keyboard to your device. When a Bluetooth keyboard is connected, it can override the virtual keyboard on your phone, causing it to remain hidden.

These initial steps help rule out common and easily fixable causes of the keyboard problem. If the issue persists or affects all apps, proceed to the next solution for further troubleshooting.

Solution 2: Restart Your Android Device

One of the simplest yet effective methods to resolve various Android issues, including keyboard problems, is to restart your device. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Press and hold the power button on your Android device.

Step 2: Depending on your device, you’ll see options like “Power Off” or “Restart” on the screen.

Step 3: Tap on “Power Off” or “Restart,” then confirm your choice if prompted.

Step 4: Wait for your device to completely power down.

Step 5: Turn it back on after a few seconds by pressing and holding the power button again.

A device restart can clear temporary glitches, free up system resources, and potentially resolve issues with the Android keyboard not showing up. If the problem persists after the restart, proceed to the next solution for further troubleshooting.

Solution 3: Clear Cache of Your Keyboard App

If you’re facing issues with your Android mobile keyboard not showing up, a simple and effective solution is to clear the cache of your keyboard app. This fix is universal and can be applied to various keyboard apps, whether you’re using Google Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, or any other keyboard that comes pre-installed on your Android device.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to clear the cache of your keyboard app:

Step 1: Start by accessing your device’s Settings, and then tap on the Apps panel.

Step 2: Now, scroll through the list of applications and locate the keyboard app you’re currently using. For example, if you’re using Gboard, search for it in the list.

Step 3: After you’ve found the keyboard app, tap on it to open its settings.

Step 4: In the app settings, you’ll see an option called Storage. Tap on it to access the storage settings.

Step 5: Finally, you’ll find the option to Clear Cache. Tap on this button to clear the cache of your keyboard app.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ve successfully cleared the cache of your keyboard app. This action should resolve the issue you were facing, and your keyboard should now appear as expected.

Solution 4: Clear Data of Your Keyboard App

If the previous fix didn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to take more decisive action and clear the data of the keyboard app. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Return to the Storage section of the keyboard app, as you did in the previous solution. This can be found in your device’s Settings under Apps.

Step 2: Once you’re in the app’s storage settings, you’ll see an option to Clear Data. Tap on this option.

Step 3: A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you are sure about clearing the data. Confirm this action by clicking OK.

By following these steps, you have effectively cleared the data of your keyboard app. This should resolve the “Android keyboard not showing” error. If, for some reason, the issue persists, don’t worry. There’s still one more step to try.

Solution 5: Force Stop the Keyboard

If the previous fixes haven’t resolved the issue, you can try force-stopping your keyboard app as a way to restart it. This can help eliminate any bugs or glitches that might be preventing your keyboard from appearing. Here’s how to force stop your keyboard:

Step 1: Begin by navigating to your device’s Settings, and then select your keyboard app from the Apps panel.

Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom of the screen, and you’ll find an option labeled Force Stop. Tap on this button.

Step 3: If a caution prompt pops up, click OK to confirm the action.

After following these steps, your keyboard app will be force-stopped and then restarted. Test your keyboard now, and it should be functioning properly. This is another effective troubleshooting step to resolve the issue of your Android keyboard not showing up.

Solution 6: Update Your Keyboard App

When your keyboard app is outdated, it can lead to errors like your Android keyboard not appearing. Updating the app can often resolve this issue. Follow these simple steps to update your keyboard app:

Step 1: Begin by opening the Google Play Store app on your Android device. You’ll find it on your home screen or in your app drawer.

Step 2: Next, click on your account icon located at the top right corner of the Play Store.

Step 3: From the dropdown menu, select Manage Apps and Device.

Step 4: Look for the section labeled Updates Available. If there are updates available for your apps, you’ll see them listed here.

Step 5: Find your keyboard app in the list of available updates and click on it.

Step 6: Finally, click the Update button to start the update process for your keyboard app.

Once the update is complete, your Android keyboard should be functioning properly, and the issue of it not appearing should be resolved. If, by any chance, the problem persists, don’t worry. There are still additional fixes to try.

Solution 7: Leave the Beta Program of Your Keyboard App

If you’re using a third-party keyboard app like Gboard and experiencing issues with it not appearing on your Android device, being part of a beta program could be a potential cause. Beta programs are designed for testing updates before they’re released to the general public, and sometimes, these versions may have bugs. To resolve the issue, consider leaving the beta program and downloading the regular version from the Play Store. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device, and click on your account icon at the top right.

Step 2: Go to Manage Apps and Device.

Step 3: In the Manage panel, select your keyboard app.

Step 4: Look for an option to Leave the Beta program and select it.

Step 5: After leaving the beta program, you should now install the app normally from the Play Store.

Step 6: Once the installation is complete, restart your phone.

After following these steps, your Android keyboard should now be visible and functioning properly. If the issue persists, there are still more solutions to explore to ensure your keyboard works as expected.

Solution 8: Reset Your Keyboard Settings

If you’re still facing the “Android Keyboard not showing” error, you can try resetting your keyboard settings to their default state. This can often resolve any underlying bugs or issues causing the problem. Follow these steps to reset your keyboard settings:

Step 1: Begin by opening your Settings app and navigate to the General Management panel.

Step 2: In the General Management panel, select Language and Input.

Step 3: Next, choose On-screen Keyboard.

Step 4: From the list of on-screen keyboards, select your default keyboard.

Step 5: Once you’ve selected your default keyboard, look for the option to Reset to Default Settings and click on it.

Step 6: Confirm and proceed with the reset of your keyboard settings.

Step 7: After resetting your keyboard settings, restart your phone.

Upon restarting your phone, try using your keyboard. It should now appear and function correctly, resolving the issue you were facing. If the problem persists, don’t worry; there are additional solutions to explore.

Solution 9: Free up Storage Space on Your Phone

Running low on storage space can adversely affect various aspects of your phone, including the performance of your keyboard. If you’re encountering the “Android keyboard not showing up” error, it might be due to insufficient storage.

To address this issue, consider freeing up space on your device by deleting large or duplicate files. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the Google Files app from the Play Store if you don’t already have it installed on your device.

Step 2: Open the Google Files app. Upon startup, it will automatically identify large media files and other unnecessary data that can be removed from your phone.

Step 3: Review the suggested files and select those you want to delete to free up space. Be cautious not to delete important files.

Step 4: Confirm the deletion of selected files.

By removing unnecessary files and freeing up storage space on your phone, you should create enough room for your Android keyboard to function normally. After clearing out space, check if the keyboard issue has been resolved. If not, proceed to explore other solutions.

Solution 10: Update Your Android Device

Your Android device’s performance, including your keyboard’s functionality, is closely linked to the system software it runs. Sometimes, an Android system update can contain fixes for system-related issues that might be causing the “Android keyboard not showing” error. Moreover, staying up-to-date with system updates ensures you receive the latest features and essential security improvements. Here’s how to manually check for Android device updates:

Step 1: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Notification shade, and then tap Settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and locate the Software update option. Select it from the list.

Step 3: In the Software update menu, choose Download and install to check for available system updates.

Note: Be prepared for your phone or tablet to restart to complete the installation process once you’ve downloaded and installed the update.

After updating your device’s system software, check if the issue with your Android keyboard not appearing has been resolved. System updates often contain fixes for various bugs, and this could potentially resolve the problem you were experiencing. If the issue persists, there are still more solutions to explore.

Solution 11: Remove Apps from the Multitasking Menu

For Android phones with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, having numerous apps running in the background can consume a significant portion of the available RAM. This could potentially leave less RAM for your keyboard app to function properly, leading to the “Android keyboard not showing” issue.

To address this, follow these steps to clear unnecessary apps from the multitasking menu:

Step 1: On your Android device, open the multitasking menu. This is usually done by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or using the square or recent apps button, depending on your device’s interface.

Step 2: In the multitasking menu, you’ll see a list of open apps. Swipe or slide each app off the screen to close it. This action will remove them from active memory.

Step 3: After clearing unnecessary apps from the multitasking menu, return to your home screen or open the app where you want to use the keyboard.

By removing unused apps from the multitasking menu, you free up RAM, potentially allowing your keyboard app to function more smoothly. Try using your keyboard again, and it should appear and work as expected. If the issue persists, consider exploring additional solutions.

Solution 12: Install a New Keyboard Using Voice Search

If none of the previous fixes have resolved the issue and you’re still unable to use your current keyboard, you may need to install a new keyboard. However, if you can’t type due to the keyboard issue, you can utilize the voice search option in the Google Play Store search bar to find and install a new keyboard. Here’s how:

Step 1: Unlock your Android device and navigate to the Google Play Store.

Step 2: In the Play Store, locate the search bar at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Instead of typing, tap on the microphone icon or use the voice search option to say something like, “Install a new keyboard app.”

Step 4: Google Play Store will then display a list of keyboard apps you can choose from.

Step 5: Select a keyboard app that you’d like to try, and then tap on the “Install” button.

Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new keyboard app.

Step 7: Once the installation is complete, go to your device’s settings to set the new keyboard as your default input method. This can typically be found in the “Language & Input” or “Keyboard & Input Methods” section of your device settings.

With the new keyboard app installed and set as your default input method, you should now be able to use it to type and communicate effectively on your Android device. This should resolve the issue of your previous keyboard not appearing.

Solution 13: Try a Different Keyboard App

If you’re still experiencing issues with the built-in keyboard or need a temporary solution while troubleshooting, consider using a different keyboard app. Installing a third-party keyboard can not only help you address the immediate problem but also provide you with additional features and customization options.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.

Step 2: In the Play Store, search for third-party keyboard apps like SwiftKey, Fleksy, Minuum, Simple Keyboard, or others that you prefer.

Step 3: Once you find a keyboard app you like, tap on it to access its Play Store page.

Step 4: Click the Install button to download and install the keyboard app.

Step 5: After installation is complete, go to your device’s settings to set the new keyboard app as your default input method. You can usually find this option in the “Language & Input” or “Keyboard & Input Methods” section of your device settings.

By switching to a different keyboard app, you can continue to use your Android device effectively, and it may provide you with additional features and customization options to enhance your typing experience. If the issue with your previous keyboard not appearing persists, you can continue to troubleshoot or use the new keyboard app as a workaround.

Solution 14: Boot in Safe Mode

If you’ve recently installed a third-party app on your Android device and your keyboard is acting up as a result, booting your phone in Safe Mode can help identify if the app is causing the problem. Safe Mode allows you to use your device with only pre-installed system apps, helping you determine if a third-party app is responsible for the keyboard issue.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Press and hold the side button (or the power button) on your Android device until the power options menu appears on the screen.

Step 2: In the power options menu, tap and hold the power off option until you see the Reboot to Safe Mode option on the screen.

Step 3: Select Reboot to Safe Mode to restart your phone in Safe Mode.

Step 4: Once your phone starts in Safe Mode, open the default messaging app or any app where you can use the keyboard and check if you can type without any issues.

Step 5: If the keyboard functions properly in Safe Mode, it’s likely that a recently installed third-party app is causing the problem.

Step 6: To identify the problematic app, uninstall the most recently installed third-party apps one by one, starting with the most recent. After uninstalling each app, exit Safe Mode and restart your device normally. Test the keyboard after each uninstallation to see if the issue is resolved.

By following these steps, you can isolate and remove the app responsible for the keyboard issue, allowing your keyboard to work correctly again.

Solution 15: Factory Reset Your Device (Last Resort)

If all else fails and you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting options, a factory reset may be your last resort to resolve the “Android keyboard not showing” issue. Please be aware that performing a factory reset will erase all your data, files, and downloaded apps, returning your device to its original, out-of-the-box state. Ensure you have backed up all your important data before proceeding. Here’s how to factory reset your Android device:

Step 1: Open your device’s Settings and navigate to the General Management section.

Step 2: Click on Reset.

Step 3: Choose Factory Data Reset. This option will erase all the data on your device.

Step 4: Click on the Reset button to initiate the factory reset process.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset. You may need to enter your device’s PIN or password.

Step 6: Once the factory reset is complete, your device will restart.

After the device has been reset, your Android keyboard should start showing as expected. However, please keep in mind that you’ll need to set up your device from scratch, including reinstalling apps and restoring your data from your backup.

A factory reset should only be considered as a last resort when all other solutions have failed to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, resolving the issue of your Android keyboard not showing up is crucial to maintaining a smooth workflow on your device. We’ve provided a comprehensive set of solutions to address this problem, catering to various scenarios and user preferences. Whether you’re facing issues with the default keyboard or you’ve chosen to install a third-party keyboard, these troubleshooting steps should help you get your keyboard back in working order.

By following these steps and troubleshooting methods, you can hopefully resolve the issue of your Android keyboard not showing up, ensuring a seamless experience on your Android device. We hope you found these fixes helpful in addressing the problem and getting your keyboard back to normal operation.