Have you ever been in a situation where you need to reply to a text message on your Android phone, but your hands are busy or you only have one hand free?
Maybe you’re holding a coffee, a bag, or a child. Whatever the reason, typing with one hand can be a challenge.
However, don’t worry; there is a simple solution that can make your life easier. It’s called Gboard, and it’s Google’s keyboard app that lets you adjust the size and position of the keyboard to suit your needs with one hand.
If you have an iPhone, there’s also a secret keyboard trick that makes it easy to text with one hand.
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How to check if Gboard is already downloaded on your Android
On some Android devices, Gboard is preinstalled as the default keyboard. To check if it’s already there, follow these steps.
WITHthe settings may differ depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
- Go to your device settings
- Go to System or general management (depending on your device)
- Look for Language and input or List and default keyboard
- If Gboard is listed as an option, it is already installed
Steps to check if Gboard is loaded on your Android. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to install the Gboard app
If Gboard is not pre-installed or you want to make sure you have the latest version, you can download it from the Google Play Store by following these steps.
WITHthe settings may differ depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
- Go to Google Play Store and look for Gboard
- Tap on The Gboard app
- Click on Install download and install button
- Then click Open
Steps to install Gboard app. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Once it’s installed, you’ll want to go back to your device settings
- Go to System or general management (depending on your device)
- Look for Language and input or List and default keyboard
- Turn on turn on Gboard
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Steps to switch to Gboard. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to use the Gboard app on your Android
WITHthe settings may differ depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
- Tap first Messaging app
- Next, you’ll want to create a new conversation by clicking on Message icon
- Click three horizontal points next to where you type the message
- Touch One-handed keyboard and you’ll see your keyboard shrink and move to the side of your screen
Steps to use Gboard on Android. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Now, depending on your phone model, a one-handed button may appear along the top of the keyboard as shown in the image below, but it still works
- You can press left arrow to reorient themselves to the left or to right arrow to reorient themselves to the right
- By pressing on double arrow icon it will return your keyboard to normal
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Steps to navigate the Gboard app. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s outdoor essentials
With Gboard’s one-handed mode, you can type faster and easier with one hand. No more struggling to reach for your keys or dropping your phone. Try it and see the difference. You’ll be surprised how much it can improve your messaging experience.
Does a feature like Gboard’s one-handed mode inspire you to look for other accessibility features in apps and devices? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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