This guide will show you how to enlarge the keyboard size on your Android device, whether you’re using the default Samsung keyboard or Gboard, and also covers how to increase the overall display size.
Before you start, ensure you know whether you are using the default Samsung Keyboard or Gboard. Follow these steps to adjust your keyboard or screen size on your Android device.
For Samsung Galaxy phones or tablets using the default Samsung Keyboard, open Settings by finding the gear icon in your app drawer or by swiping down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Panel. Tap General management, which is near the bottom of the menu, next to an icon of some sliders. Then, tap Samsung Keyboard settings; if this option is not visible, it means Samsung Keyboard is not your default. In that case, tap Keyboard list and default, then tap Default keyboard, and select Samsung Keyboard.
Tap Size and transparency, located under the “Style and layout” section. Drag the handles on the sides of the preview keyboard to make it bigger. You can also tap and drag the arrows in the middle to move the keyboard around on your screen. Tap Done to save your changes. Your keyboard will now be larger and easier to see. You can adjust these settings anytime by tapping the gear icon above the keyboard to open Settings and tap Reset to revert the keyboard size.
For devices using Gboard, open the Messages app or any app that uses the keyboard. If the on-screen keyboard doesn’t appear automatically, you may need to tap inside a text box first. Tap the 2×2 grid icon located in the top-left corner of your keyboard, above the “1” if you have the number row enabled, or above the “Q” if it’s not. Tap Resize, which looks like a rectangle with arrows in the corners. Drag the handles to resize your keyboard, and you can also tap and drag the group of arrows in the middle to move the keyboard around on your screen. Tap the checkmark icon, and your keyboard will brighten, with the handles disappearing. The keyboard will now be the size you set it.
To make your screen larger, open Settings by swiping down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Panel and tapping the gear icon, or by tapping the Settings app icon. This option is available if you are running at least Android 11. Tap Display, which you may need to scroll down to find. Then, tap Advanced and Display Size or Screen Zoom (Samsung only). If you are using a Samsung phone, tap Screen Zoom. Drag the slider to the right to increase your screen size; to make everything smaller, drag the slider to the left. Your changes will take effect immediately.
Many Android keyboards also offer “one-handed mode,” which shrinks the keyboard to one side of the screen, making it easier to type with one thumb even on large phones. Look for a keyboard icon with an arrow or a setting within the keyboard’s toolbar.
Now that your keyboard and display are more comfortable, consider exploring other accessibility features on your Android device. Many settings can further enhance your user experience, such as adjusting font size or enabling high-contrast text. You might also want to customize your keyboard’s theme or add additional languages. Dive into the keyboard settings to discover more ways to personalize your typing experience and make your device truly your own.
