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Mastering Multilingual Typing on Your Smartphone: A Step-by-Step Guide

JT

Dec 04, 2025By Jenny Tarmalin

Introduction to Multilingual Typing

Being able to communicate in multiple languages is a valuable skill.  With smartphones becoming an essential part of daily life, mastering multilingual typing can enhance your communication abilities, whether for work, travel, or personal connections.

multilingual typing smartphone

Setting Up Multiple Keyboards

iOS Devices

For iOS users, adding multiple keyboards is straightforward. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard, then tap on Add New Keyboard.  Select the languages you need, and customise options such as predictive text and autocorrect for each language.

Android Devices

Android users can access similar features by navigating to Settings > System > Languages & Input.  From there, choose Virtual Keyboard and select Gboard to add new languages. Customise your input methods for an efficient typing experience.

smartphone language settings

Utilising Language Switching Features

Most smartphone keyboards offer a seamless way to switch between languages.  On iOS, simply tap the globe icon on the keyboard to toggle between different languages.  Android users can hold the space bar and select the desired language from the list.

Customising Language Preferences

Adjusting language preferences can enhance your typing speed and accuracy.  Ensure that features like autocorrect and predictive text are enabled for each language to help prevent typing errors and suggest relevant words.

keyboard language switch

Mastering Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your typing efficiency.  For instance, learning shortcuts for accents and special characters in different languages will save time and enhance your communication.

Creating Personal Shortcuts

Both iOS and Android allow you to create personal shortcuts for frequently used phrases. This feature is particularly useful for multilingual users who often type in different languages. Set up shortcuts under Keyboard Settings to streamline your typing experience.

Exploring Third-Party Keyboard Apps

If the native keyboard options don't meet your needs, consider exploring third-party apps like SwiftKey or Fleksy.  These apps offer advanced features and customisation options to support multilingual typing.

third-party keyboard app

Benefits of Third-Party Keyboards

Third-party keyboards often provide enhanced predictive text, support for more languages, and even features like swipe typing. They can be a great addition to your smartphone, especially if you frequently switch between languages.

Conclusion

Mastering multilingual typing on your smartphone is an empowering skill that opens up new communication possibilities. By setting up multiple keyboards, utilizing language switches, and exploring third-party apps, you can enhance your typing efficiency and connect with people across the globe.