The incredible one-handed typing trick on any Android

A simple solution for one-handed typing on your phone

Here's a trick for one-handed typing on an Android

Gboard, a keyboard app from Google, allows you to adjust the size and position of your keyboard.

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 baby. Whatever the reason, typing with one hand can be a challenge.

However, don’t worry; there’s a simple solution that can make your life easier. It’s called Gboard, and it’s a keyboard app from Google that lets you adjust the size and position of your keyboard to fit your one-handed needs. 

If you have an iPhone, there is also a secret keyboard trick that makes one-handed texting a breeze.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER 

One-handed typing on Android 1

The Gboard app. (Google)

How can you check if Gboard is already downloaded on your Android

On some Android devices, Gboard comes pre-installed as the default keyboard. To verify if it’s already there, follow these steps.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

  • Go to your device’s Settings
  • Navigate to System or General Management (depending on your device)
  • Look for Language & Input or Keyboard list and default
  • If Gboard is listed as an option, it’s already installed
one-handed typing on Android 2

Steps to check whether Gboard is loaded onto your Android. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson )

MORE: BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE

How to install the Gboard app

If Gboard isn’t pre-installed or you want to ensure you have the latest version, you can download it from the Google Play Store by following these steps.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

  • Go to the Google Play Store and search for Gboard
  • Tap on the Gboard app
  • Click on the Install button to download and install
  • Then click Open 
gboard installation steps

Steps to install the Gboard app. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

  • Once it is installed, you'll want to go back to your device’s Settings
  • Navigate to System or General Management (depending on your device)
  • Look for Language & Input or Keyboard list and default
  • Toggle on Gboard 

HOW TO CREATE OR LEAVE A GROUP TEXT ON YOUR ANDROID

gboard toggle

Steps to toggle on Gboard. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

MORE: TOP ANDROID PHONES OF 2024 

How to use the Gboard app on your Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

  • First, tap on the Messages app
  • Next, you'll want to create a new conversation by clicking the Message icon
  • Click the three horizontal dots next to where you type your message
  • Tap One-handed keyboard and you’ll see your keyboard shrink and move to the side of your screen
GBOARD steps on an Android

Steps to use Gboard on an Android. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

  • Now, depending on your phone model, the one-handed button might appear along the top of the keyboard like shown on the visual below, but it works all the same
  • You can press the left arrow to reorient to the left or the right arrow to reorient to the right
  • Pressing the double arrow icon will revert your keyboard back to normal
navigating gboard

Steps to navigate the Gboard app. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

MORE: BEWARE OF NEW ANDROID MALWARE HIDING IN POPULAR APPS

Kurt's key takeaways

With Gboard’s one-handed mode, you can type faster and easier with one hand. No more struggling to reach for the keys or dropping your phone. Try it out and see the difference for yourself. You’ll be amazed by how much it can improve your texting 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 us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Authored by Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report via FoxNews March 8th 2024