In May, Google released a major update for its Google Keyboard for Android users, an update that included one-handed mode, adjustable keyboard height, gesture typing and more.

The latest update for Google Keyboard now allows users to customize their keyboard’s background, with additional color options, as well as the ability to add their own custom image from their gallery. These features were previously only available to users running the Android N beta, but now all Android users with Google Keyboard installed on their device can enjoy the new features.

We look at the easy process of how you can customize the background of your Google Keyboard.

How to customize your Google Keyboard’s background

First off, if you have not installed the Google Keyboard app on your Android device then you can download it from the Play Store. Alternatively, make sure the Google Keyboard app on your device is up-to-date, for the new updates, like customizable themes you will need version 5.1.23 or later.

If you are new to Google Keyboard, you will go through a step-by-step process to set it up.

Open the Google Keyboard app and follow these steps:

• Enable Google Keyboard: Tap Enable in Settings > select the tick box for Google Keyboard > a pop-up will warn you that it will be able to collect certain data that you enter on the keyboard, tap Ok.
• Switch to Google Keyboard: Tap Switch input methods > select English (US) Google Keyboard.
• All done: You can either tap Finished or if you want to add additional languages, tap Configure additional languages > deselect Use system language > search and select your other languages > tap the back button > tap Finished.  

Customize your keyboard with a custom theme

With the latest update to the Android version of Google Keyboard, you are now able to choose from a variety of new color options besides the original ‘material dark’ and ‘material light’ options.

Open the app > tap Set Keyboard Theme > select a color option from the options, including red, blue, green, pink, black or gray options.

Customize your keyboard with your own image

Open the app > tap Set Keyboard Theme > My Image > select an image from your gallery or an alternative source, like Google Photos.

Adjust orientation and position: Pinch the image to adjust the orientation and drag it to adjust the position until you are happy with what will be displayed on your keyboard’s background > tap Next.

Adjust the brightness: In order to see the white keys of the Google Keyboard, you will need to adjust the brightness of your image to ensure you can still see what keys to press > tap Done.

Make sure you check out our article for other Google Keyboard tips for Android users.  

Main image credit: verkeorg; Flickr | Screenshot via: Google