The floating keyboard on Android is not just fashionable trend, but a real solution for those who want to make the most of their smartphone screen. Imagine: you watch a video in YouTube and at the same time reply to a message in Telegramwithout minimizing the application. Or you work with a document in split screen modewithout losing access to the keyboard. Sounds like fantasy? In fact, this is available to every owner of an Android device - you just need to know how to configure it correctly.

In this article we will look at all the ways to activate the floating keyboard: from the built-in functions of popular keyboards (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard) to third-party applications with advanced capabilities. You will learn how to change the size and transparency of the keyboard, bind it to a specific location on the screen, and also avoid common mistakes when setting it up. We will pay special attention compatibility with different versions of Android from Android 10 to the latest Android 15.

But before moving on to the instructions, let's take a look at why a floating keyboard is needed at all and in what scenarios it becomes indispensable. Spoiler: this is not only about convenience, but also about a 30-40% increase in productivity when working with several applications simultaneously (according to research Google I/O 2023 among users of smartphones with screens of 6.5 inches or more).

📊 Why do you want to use a floating keyboard?
Multitasking (simultaneous video + chat)
Convenience on large screens (tablets, foldables)
Games with chat
Another option

What is a floating keyboard and who needs it

A floating (or “windowed”) keyboard is a virtual keyboard that does not occupy the entire lower part of the screen, but is displayed as a small window. It can be moved around the screen, resized, and even made translucent. The main advantage is freeing up space for content, which is especially important on devices with large screens or in multitasking mode.

Who will need this function:

  • 📱 Owners tablets and foldables (for example, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold or Huawei MatePad), where a standard keyboard takes up too much space.
  • 🎮 Gamers who chat during a stream or online game (for example, in PUBG Mobile or Free Fire).
  • 📊 Those who often work with documents in Google Docs or Microsoft Word on a smartphone, while simultaneously checking with other materials.
  • 👨‍💼 Multitaskers who are used to keeping several applications open at once (for example, chat + browser + notes).

However, the floating keyboard also has disadvantages. For example, on small screens (up to 5.8 inches) it can be inconvenient due to limited space for fingers. Also, some users complain. on random clicks when moving the window. But most of these problems are solved by correct settings, which we will talk about later.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go Edition (for example, Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy A03 Core) the floating keyboard feature may be limited or absent due to system optimization for weak hardware.

Built-in features: floating keyboard in Gboard and Samsung Keyboard

If you are using a standard keyboard from Google (Gboard) or Samsung, then the floating keyboard is already in your smartphone - you just need to activate it. Let's consider both options.

For Gboard (Google Keyboard):

  1. Open any application where you can enter text (for example, Notes or Messages).
  2. Tap the ⚙️ gear icon on the keyboard to open the settings.
  3. Select Floating keyboard (or Floating Keyboard in the English version).
  4. Turn on the switch and adjust the window size by pulling the corners.

For Samsung Keyboard:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → General controls → Samsung Keyboard → Size and transparency.
  • 🖱️ Activate the option Floating keyboard.
  • 🎨 Adjust the transparency and size using the sliders.

There is also a hidden function: if you hold finger Gboard there is also a hidden function: if you hold with your finger move icon (four arrows at the top of the keyboard), you can quickly switch to floating mode. This works even if the option is disabled in the settings!

☑️ Check before setting up the floating keyboard

Done: 0 / 4
Function Gboard Samsung Keyboard
Floating keyboard ✅ Yes (with Android 8+) ✅ Yes (on devices with One UI 2.0+)
Transparency adjustment ✅ Up to 70% ✅ Up to 90%
Quick switching ✅ Holding the move icon ❌ No
Gesture support ✅ Swipe to move ✅ Swipe + hold
Work in landscape mode ✅ Full ⚠️ Limited (bugs on some models)
⚠️ Attention: Some devices Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12) have a floating keyboard c Gboard may conflict with the proprietary shell MIUI. In this case, resetting the keyboard settings or installing an alternative launcher will help (for example, Nova Launcher).

Third-party applications for the floating keyboard: TOP-5 options

If built-in solutions do not suit you satisfied, you can install a third-party keyboard with advanced functions. We tested dozens of applications and selected the best:

1. SwiftKey (Microsoft)

  • 🔹 Support for floating mode with flexible size settings.
  • 🔹 Synchronization with account Microsoft (saving the dictionary).
  • 🔹 Themes with transparency up to 80%.

How to enable: Settings → Layout and Keys → Floating Keyboard.

2. Chroom

  • 🔹 Unique mode "Mini" is an ultra-compact keyboard for one hand.
  • 🔹 Support ADB commands for fine-tuning.
  • 🔹 Works on Android 5.0+ (including outdated devices).

3. Fleksy

  • 🔹 The only keyboard that supports floating mode on devices with root access and custom firmware.
  • 🔹 Gestures for quickly moving the window.
  • 🔹 Built-in GIF search and emoji predictions.

4. Typewise

  • 🔹 Keyboard with hexagonal buttons optimized for floating mode.
  • 🔹 Automatic positioning of the window above the input field.
  • 🔹 Support Dark Mode and custom themes.

5. Grammarly Keyboard

  • 🔹 Floating keyboard with built-in grammar checker.
  • 🔹 Option "Always on Top" —the window does not close when switching applications.
  • 🔹 Integration with Google Docs i Microsoft Office.

Before installation, check compatibility with your version of Android. For example, Fleksy may not work correctly Android 14+ without additional permissions.

💡

If after installing a third-party keyboard the floating mode is not activated, try clearing the application cache in Settings → Applications → [Keyboard name] → Memory → Clear cache.

Step-by-step setup of a floating keyboard: from size to gestures

Simply activating the floating mode is not enough - you need to correctly configure the keyboard for your tasks. Let's look at the key parameters using an example. Gboard (for other keyboards the algorithm is similar).

1. Changing the size and position:

  • 📏 To change the size, drag the lower right corner keyboard window.
  • 📍 To move, hold top panel (with icons) and drag to the desired location.
  • 🔄 To return to the standard size, double-tap the icon ↗️ in the upper right corner.

2. Setting transparency:

  • 🎨 In Gboard: Settings → Themes → Keyboard transparency.
  • 🖼️ In Samsung Keyboard: Settings → Size and transparency → Background transparency.
  • 💡 Optimal transparency for reading text under the keyboard - 30-50%.

3. Gestures and hotkeys:

  • 👆 B SwiftKey you can set up a swipe up/down to change the size of the window.
  • ⌨️ B Fleksy you can link actions to a double tap (for example, fast minimize the keyboard).
  • 🔄 In Gboard hold move icon + swipe left/right switches languages.

4. Additional options:

  • 🔒 "Pin to screen" —the keyboard window will not close when switching applications (available in Grammarly and Chroom).
  • 🎯 "Auto-positioning" —the keyboard automatically moves to the input field (useful for chats).
  • 🖥️ "Tablet mode" —optimized layout for large screens (available in Typewise).
How to reset the floating keyboard settings to standard

If the keyboard started to glitch or the window became too small, you can return everything to factory settings like this:

1. For Gboard: Settings → Advanced → Reset settings.

2. For Samsung Keyboard: Settings → Reset data.

3. For third-party keyboards: clear application data in the Android settings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ some floating keyboard gestures may conflict with system swipes (for example, go back in this case). system settings or configure exceptions for the keyboard. "Navigation gestures" in system settings or configure keyboard exceptions.

Floating keyboard in games and special modes

One of the most popular uses of a floating keyboard is game chatFor example, in PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends or Roblox you can communicate with the team without minimizing the game. However, there are nuances:

1. Settings for games:

  • 🎮 Enable "Game mode" in the keyboard settings (available in Gboard and SwiftKey).
  • 🔍 Activate "100% Transparency"to see the gameplay under the keyboard.
  • 📱 Use One-handed mode for convenient input on smartphones with large screens.

2. Problems and solutions:

  • ❌ The keyboard does not appear in the game: Check your keyboard permissions in Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Display over other apps.
  • ❌ Input lags: Disable "Window animation" in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number (7 taps) → Animation).
  • ❌ The keyboard closes when you press the screen: Enable the option "Prohibit automatic closing" (available in Chroom).

3. Alternative solutions for gamers:

  • 🎛️ Octopus —emulator keyboards and mice for games that support a floating window.
  • 🖱️ Flydigits —a virtual gamepad with a built-in floating keyboard.
  • 💬 Discord Overlay —a chat overlay for games that support fast input.

For streamers who broadcast from a phone (for example, via Streamlabs Mobile), a floating keyboard is becoming a must-have tool. It allows you to read and respond to chat messages without interrupting gameplay.

💡

For maximum performance in games, disable all unnecessary functions in the keyboard settings: word prediction, autocorrect, vibration when pressed. This will reduce the load on the processor and reduce input lag.

Solution. problems: why the floating keyboard does not work

Even after proper configuration, the floating keyboard may behave incorrectly. Let's look at typical problems and ways to solve them.

1. The keyboard does not switch to floating mode:

  • 🔄 Check if the keyboard is updated to the latest one. version.
  • 📱 Reboot the device - sometimes system processes block changing the layout.
  • 🛠️ Clear the cache and keyboard data in the application settings.

2. The keyboard window jerks or disappears:

  • 🚫 Disable "Battery optimization" for the keyboard in the Android settings.
  • 🔧 In the developer settings, disable "Do not save actions".
  • 📶 Check if the keyboard conflicts with other overlays (for example, Blue Light Filter or Game Launcher).

3. Does not work in a specific application:

  • 🔒 Make sure the application allows overlays to be displayed (for example, in WhatsApp or Viber you may need to enable "Allow display on top of other windows").
  • 📝 Try entering text in another field (for example, in Google Keep), and then return to the problematic application.
  • 🔄 Reinstall the problematic application - sometimes the error lies in its cache.

4. The keyboard is too small or large:

  • 📏 Most keyboards have restrictions on the minimum window size (for example, in Gboard - at least 40% of screen width).
  • 🖥️ On tablets, try turning on "Desktop mode" in the display settings.
  • 🔍 If the keyboard is blurry, check the settings. "Screen scaling" in system settings.

If none of the methods helped, try installing an alternative keyboard (for example SwiftKey) and check if the problem persists. This will help determine whether the bug lies in the system settings or in a specific one. application.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) the floating keyboard may work unstable due to changed system libraries. In this case, only flashing to the official version will help. Android.

Additional life hacks: how to make a floating keyboard even more convenient

A floating keyboard becomes a truly powerful tool if you know a few hidden tricks. Here are our top life hacks:

1. Quickly move a window:

  • 👆 In Gboard and SwiftKey you can drag the keyboard two fingers for more precise positioning.
  • 🔄 Double tap on the top panel of the keyboard minimizes it into a compact form (works in Chroom).

2. Hot keys:

  • ⌨️ In Fleksy can be assigned swipe down gesture to quickly close the keyboard.
  • 🔍 B Typewise hold space opens search emoji.

3. Automation:

  • 🤖 Using Tasker or MacroDroid you can set the floating keyboard to automatically turn on in certain applications (for example, only in Telegram i Discord).
  • 📱 In Gboard there is an experimental function "Adaptive Layout"that automatically adjusts the keyboard size to the active application.

4. Design and themes:

  • 🎨 In SwiftKey you can create custom theme with a transparent background and your own colors.
  • 🖼️ Gboard available dynamic themesthat adapt to the screen wallpaper.

5. Working with multiple windows:

  • 📄 On tablets with Android 12L+ a floating keyboard can be assigned to one of the windows in multitasking mode.
  • 🔄 B Samsung DeX The keyboard automatically switches between windows when focusing.

If you often work with documents, try the combination floating keyboard + split screen modeFor example, in Microsoft Word you can open a document in one half of the screen, and a browser with sources in the other. The keyboard will remain on top of both windows!

💡

To prevent the floating keyboard from interfering when watching a video, reduce its transparency to 80% and move it to the corner of the screen. In YouTube or Netflix it will be almost invisible, but always at hand.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the floating keyboard on Android

Is it possible to make a floating keyboard on Android 7 and below?

On devices with Android 7 Nougat and older, the floating keyboard is only available in some third-party applications, for example, in Fleksy or Chroom. Built-in support appeared only in Android 8 Oreo. Before installation, check the compatibility of the keyboard with your version of Android in Google Play.

Why does the floating keyboard not work in WhatsApp or Viber?

Some instant messengers (for example WhatsApp, Viber, Signal) block overlays for security reasons. To solve the problem:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Display over other apps.
  2. Find your keyboard in the list and allow display on top of other windows.
  3. Restart messenger.

If this does not help, try using WhatsApp Web in the browser - there are no restrictions on overlays.

How to make a floating keyboard on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO?

On devices Xiaomi with the shell MIUI there may be conflicts with the floating keyboard. Solutions:

  • 🔧 Disable "MIUI Optimization" for the keyboard in Settings → Applications → Manage applications → [Keyboard name] → Battery → No restrictions.
  • 📱 Install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
  • 🔄 Update MIUI to the latest version - the problem with overlays is fixed in new builds.

If all else fails, try the keyboard Chroom —it's best compatible with MIUI.

Can I use a floating keyboard on a Wear OS smartwatch?

On a smartwatch (for example, Samsung Galaxy Watch or Google Pixel Watch) floating keyboard is not supported due to limitations Wear OS. However, there are workarounds:

  • 📝 Use voice input (microphone button on the keyboard).
  • 🔤 Install a keyboard with swipe input mode (for example, Gboard in "One-Handed").
  • 📱 Reply to messages from your smartphone, and on your watch, use only notifications.

In future versions Wear OS 4+ there may be support for floating windows, but at the moment this is not possible.

How to return the standard keyboard if a floating one gets in the way?

To disable floating mode:

  • B Gboard: Tap ↗️ in the top right corner of the keyboard.
  • B Samsung Keyboard: Hold ⚙️ and select "Return to standard view".
  • For third-party keyboards: go to settings and disable the option "Floating keyboard".

If the keyboard is "stuck" in floating mode and does not respond to presses, restart the device or clear the application cache.