Top 11 Solutions to Resolve Gboard Issues on Android and iPhone

Step 1: Restart Your Device

Begin troubleshooting issues with Gboard by restarting your device, whether it’s Android or iPhone. A simple restart can eliminate temporary bugs affecting app performance.

Step 2: Update Your Gboard App

If a restart doesn’t resolve the issue, check for updates to the Gboard app. Outdated apps can cause glitches or features to malfunction. On Android, go to the Play Store, search for Gboard, and tap Update. For iPhone, visit the App Store to check for updates.

Step 3: Re-Enable Gboard

Disabling and then re-enabling Gboard can fix functionality issues, especially after an update. Follow the instructions based on your device:

Android Instructions

On your Android device, follow this path: Settings → System → Languages & Input → On-Screen (or Virtual Keyboard). Tap on Manage (On-screen) Keyboards and check the toggle next to Gboard. If it’s switched off, turn it back on, wait 30 seconds, and toggle it off then on again.

iPhone Instructions

For iPhone users, navigate to Settings → General → Keyboard. Select Keyboards and tap the Edit button. Then remove Gboard from the list by tapping the red – button.

Step 4: Switch to Gboard

To use Gboard effectively, you must prioritize it as your active keyboard. Depending on your device, use the following methods:

Android Instructions

When using an app that supports typing, tap on the small keyboard icon in the bottom corner of your screen. Then, select Gboard from the options presented.

iOS Instructions

On an iPhone or iPad, when the keyboard appears, long-press the globe icon and select Gboard from the popup list. For a more permanent solution, go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards, tap Edit, and move Gboard to the top of the list.

Step 5: Allow Full Access (iOS)

For Gboard features to function optimally on iOS, grant it full access. Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards, tap Gboard, and enable Allow Full Access.

Step 6: Clear Cache and Data (Android)

To eliminate persistent issues on Gboard for Android, clear its cache and data. Go to Settings → Apps → Gboard. If it’s not listed, tap on the three-dot icon, enable System Apps, and find Gboard. On its app info page, tap Storage and then Clear Cache. Restart your phone afterwards.

Step 7: Force-Close Gboard (Android)

If you encounter the error message, “Unfortunately, Gboard has stopped, ” you can forcefully close the app to reset it. Navigate to App Info as described before, and select Force Stop. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Step 8: Troubleshoot Gboard Voice Typing

Many users experience issues with voice texting using Gboard. If the voice typing icon doesn’t appear or switches unexpectedly, follow these solutions:

Enable Voice Typing

If the voice typing feature is inactive, you can turn it on in your Gboard settings. For Android, navigate to Settings → System → Languages & Input → On-screen (or Virtual Keyboard), select Gboard, and enable Voice Typing.

Grant Microphone Permission

Ensure Gboard has permission to use your microphone. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → Gboard → Permissions and enable the Microphone. On iPhone, head to Settings → Gboard and allow microphone access.

Turn Off Power Saving Mode

Power-saving modes can limit functionality. Disable this mode on your device to improve Gboard performance. For Android, go to Settings → Battery and turn off Power Saving Mode. On iOS, disable Low Power Mode found in the battery settings.

Allow Siri & Dictation in Screen Time (iPhone)

If you use Screen Time to manage app usage, check if Content & Privacy Restrictions are enabled, which might affect Gboard’s performance. Navigate to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions and ensure Siri & Dictation are allowed.

Step 9: Uninstall Gboard

If all else fails, you can uninstall Gboard from your device. For Android, go to Settings → Apps → Gboard and select Uninstall. On iPhone, hold the Gboard app icon, select Remove app, and confirm deletion. After uninstalling, reinstall Gboard from the respective app store.

Step 10: Reset App Preferences

Consider resetting app preferences if the issue persists. This won’t remove personal data but will revert app settings to default. On Android, navigate to Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset App Preferences. For iPhone, go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset and choose Reset All Settings.

Step 11: Try Alternative Keyboards

If Gboard continues to malfunction, consider installing an alternative keyboard app temporarily while you explore solutions for Gboard. Feel free to return to Gboard once issues are resolved.

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