Add Number Row to Google Keyboard - Android Guide

Adding a Dedicated Number Row to the Google Keyboard

Typically, the Google keyboard on Android devices doesn't feature a number row at the top of the interface. For users who frequently input numerical data, a convenient solution exists to incorporate a dedicated number row directly onto the keyboard layout.

Without this dedicated row, accessing numbers requires utilizing the “?123” button, switching between letters and symbols. This article details the steps necessary to add a number row to the top of your Google keyboard.

Accessing Keyboard Settings

To begin, swipe downwards from the upper-right portion of the status bar. This action will reveal the quick settings panel. From there, tap the “Settings” icon to open your device’s settings menu.

Within the “Settings” application, locate and select the “Personal” section. Then, choose “Language & input” from the options presented.

Navigating to Google Keyboard Options

Under the “Keyboard & Input Methods” heading, find the settings icon positioned to the right of “Google Keyboard.” Tap this icon to access the keyboard’s configuration options.

On the “Google Keyboard Settings” screen, select “Appearance & layouts.” This will lead you to the customization options for the keyboard’s visual presentation.

From the “Appearance & layouts” screen, tap on “Custom input styles.” This section allows for the creation and management of personalized keyboard layouts.

Creating a Custom Input Style

The “Custom input styles” screen may initially display options like “German” and “French.” To add a new style, tap the plus (+) button located at the top-right corner of the screen.

A new window will appear. From the “Language” drop-down menu, select your desired language – for example, “English (US).” Then, from the “Layout” drop-down menu, choose “PC.” Finally, tap “Add” to save the new input style.

Enabling and Applying the New Layout

A dialog box will appear, prompting you to enable the newly created custom input style. Select “Enable” to activate the layout.

The “Languages” screen will then be displayed. Disable the “Use system language” option located under “Google Keyboard.” Within the “Active Input Methods” section, deselect the original “English (US)” option and instead select the “English (US) (PC)” option. Tap the “Back” button on your device to return to the previous screen.

The “English (US) (PC)” input style will now be listed among your available styles. Press the device’s “Home” button to return to the Home screen.

Verification and Benefits

Upon returning to an application requiring keyboard input, a dedicated number row will now be visible at the top of the Google keyboard.

While the keys on the keyboard may appear slightly smaller with the addition of the number row, the increased convenience and speed for frequent number entry represent a worthwhile trade-off.

For further enhancements to your Android experience, you might also be interested in learning how to disable sound and vibration within the keyboard settings.