Floating keyboard on Android is a function that allows you to move the input panel around the screen or change its size. For some users, it becomes a real salvation (for example, when working with several windows simultaneously), but more often irritating random shifts while typing, it closes part of the interface or simply interferes with the usual interaction. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not always make the disabling option obvious - they can hide it in deep settings or completely remove it in new firmware versions.

In this article we will analyze all the current ways to disable the floating keyboard on smartphones of different brands - from Samsung One UI to clean Android 14. You will learn how to remove this function in standard settings, through ADB-commands (for advanced users) and even using third-party applications if standard methods do not work. And at the end - answers to frequently asked questions and warnings about possible pitfalls.

Why does the floating keyboard appear by itself?

Most often, the function is turned on by accident - just double-tap the drag bar at the bottom of the keyboard (on Gboard or Samsung Keyboard). But there are other reasons:

  • 🔄 Firmware update. After a major update (for example, from Android 12 to Android 13), some settings are reset to default values, including floating mode.
  • 🤖 Resetting keyboard settings. If you cleared the keyboard app's cache or data (for example, to eliminate lag), this could return the feature to an active state.
  • 📱 Branded "chips" of the manufacturer. Xiaomi and Oppo sometimes force float mode on their shells (MIUI, ColorOS) to "improve multitasking."
  • 🎯 Adaptive interface. On some devices (for example Google Pixel s Android 14), the system automatically switches the keyboard to floating mode when working in split-screen mode.

Before disabling the feature, check to see if it is enabled in the specific application settings (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp have their own keyboard parameters). If the problem occurs in only one messenger, just change the settings there without affecting the system parameters.

📊 What keyboard do you have installed by default?
Gboard (Google)
Samsung Keyboard
MIUI Keyboard (Xiaomi)
SwiftKey
Other

Method 1: Disabling the standard keyboard in the settings

The simplest method is to use the standard keyboard settings. The instructions differ depending on the smartphone manufacturer and version. (for example, Android.

For Gboard (Google Keyboard)

If you are using a standard keyboard from Google, do the following:

  1. Open any application with a text field (for example, Notes or Messages) and call the keyboard.
  2. Click on gear icon (⚙️) in the top panel keyboard to open the settings.
  3. Go to section Options → Floating mode.
  4. Move the slider to position Off or uncheck item Allow floating mode.

If item Floating mode is not present, update Gboard to the latest version in Google Play. In older versions (before 2022), the option could be called Keyboard window or Mini keyboard mode.

For Samsung Keyboard

On devices Samsung (series Galaxy S, A, Note) the path will be different:

  1. Call the keyboard and tap on settings icon (three dots or gear).
  2. Select Size and transparency (or Layout and style in new versions One UI).
  3. Find an option Floating mode or Keyboard window and disable it.
  4. If there is no option, check the section Additional settings → Screen keyboard.

Update the keyboard in Google Play|

Check the settings of a specific messenger (Telegram, Viber, etc.)|

Make sure that the function is not activated by a gesture (double tapping the strip)|

Reboot your smartphone after the changes-->

For MIUI Keyboard (Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco)

In the shell MIUI the path to the settings may vary depending on the version. Try the following options:

  • 📱 Settings → Additional settings → Language. and input → Current keyboard → Settings (gear) → Layout and style → Floating mode.
  • 🔍 If the item is not there, try searching in the settings for "floating keyboard".
  • 🔄 V MIUI 14 i A newer option may be called Mini-keyboard mode and located in the section Advanced functions.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi the disabling of floating mode may be reset after reboot. In this case, try the method with ADB (described below) or install a third-party keyboard (for example, SwiftKey).

Method 2: Using ADB commands (for advanced users)

If there is no option to disable floating mode in the keyboard settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling developer mode, but it works even on devices with custom firmware.

Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable developer mode:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • Find the item Build number and tap on it 7 times until the notification “You have become a developer” appears.
  • Activate debugging USB:
    • Go back to Settings → System → For Developers.
    • Enable the option USB Debugging.
    • Connect the smartphone to the PC and confirm permission to debugging.
    • Open the command line (CMD) on the computer and enter:
      • adb shell settings put secure floating_keyboard_disabled 1

      After executing the command, reboot the device. command:

      adb shell settings put secure default_input_method com.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME

      This command resets the keyboard to standard settings, which sometimes helps to remove the floating mode.

      ⚠️ Attention: Using ADB can lead to unstable operation of the keyboard if you enter the wrong command before experiments make a backup copy of your settings in the Settings → System → Backup.
      What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

      If after connecting your smartphone command adb devices returns an empty list, try the following:

      1. Install official drivers for your device (for example, Samsung USB Driver or Google USB Driver).

      2. Check if the mode is enabled File transfer (MTP) when connecting via USB.

      3. Try another USB cable (preferably original).

      4. Restart both your smartphone and computer.

      Method 3: Installing a third-party keyboard

      If the standard methods do not work, the most reliable option is to install an alternative keyboard in which floating mode is disabled by default or can be easily configured. Here are the best options:

      Keyboard Floating mode support How to disable Pros
      SwiftKey Yes, but disabled in the settings Settings → Layout and keys → Floating mode Accurate text prediction, synchronization between devices
      Fleksy No floating mode — Minimalistic design, gestures for editing
      Chroom Yes, but hidden in advanced settings Settings → Experiments → Floating mode Theme support, button customization
      AnySoftKeyboard No floating mode — Open source, high security

      To install a third-party keyboard:

      1. Download the application from Google Play (for example SwiftKey).
      2. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
      3. Enable the new keyboard and set it as default.
      4. Open keyboard settings and disable floating mode (if available).

      If you choose a keyboard without floating mode (for example Fleksy), the problem will disappear forever. However, please note that some functions (for example, gestures or voice input) may differ from the standard keyboard.

      💡

      Before installing a third-party keyboard. check reviews about its security. Some little-known applications may collect data about your keystrokes. Give preference to trusted developers (Microsoft SwiftKey, Google Gboard).

      Method 4: Reset the keyboard settings to factory settings

      If the floating keyboard appeared after an update or crash, sometimes resetting the application settings helps. This will return all parameters to default values, including the mode. display.

      Instructions:

      1. Go to Settings → Applications.
      2. Find your keyboard (for example, Gboard or Samsung Keyboard) and tap on it.
      3. Select Storage → Clear data and Clear cache.
      4. Confirm the action and restart your smartphone.

    After the reset, the keyboard will return to the standard view, but you will have to configure it again:

    • 🔤 Layouts and languages;
    • 🎨 Theme;
    • ⚡ Quick answers and predictions.

    ⚠️ Attention: Clearing your keyboard data will delete all history input, including saved words and phrases. If you use account synchronization Google, the data can be restored after logging in again.

    Method 5: Disabling through system settings (for some firmware)

    On devices with highly customized firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme or Flyme from Meizu) the floating keyboard can be controlled at the system level, and not at the individual application level. In this case, try:

    • 🔍 Go to Settings → Special. options → Gesture control and check if there is an option Floating keyboard.
    • 📱 On some Xiaomi the path is as follows: Settings → Screen → Full screen mode → Floating windows.
    • 🔄 If all else fails, try disabling all experimental functions in the keyboard settings (section Experiments or Laboratory).

      • On Huawei i Honor with firmware EMUI a floating keyboard can be part of the function Multiwindow. To remove it:

      1. Go to Settings → System → Multitasking.
      2. Disable the option Floating windows or Mini View.
      3. Restart the device.

      What to do if nothing helps?

      If you have tried all the methods, but the floating keyboard still appears, there are radical measures left:

      • 🔄 Rolling back the firmwareIf the problem appeared after the update Android, you can return the old version via Fastboot or Recovery. This is risky —you can lose data or block the device.
      • 🛠️ Rooting and modifying system filesC. rights root you can manually edit keyboard configuration files (for example, /system/usr/keylayout/). Requires experience and can disrupt the system.
      • 📱 Contacting manufacturer support. If the problem is widespread (for example, after an update One UI 6.0), the company may release a patch. Report the bug through official channels (Samsung Members, Mi Community etc.).

      Before resorting to extreme measures, check if the behavior of the keyboard is related with specific application. For example, in Facebook Messenger or VK sometimes there are conflicts with the system keyboard. Try:

      • Clear the cache of the problematic application.
      • Disable floating mode for it in the settings (if such an option exists).
      • Use browser version messenger instead of the application.
      💡

      If the floating keyboard appears only in one application, the problem is not in the system, but in the software itself. Update it or write to the developers.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the floating keyboard

      Is it possible to disable the floating keyboard on Android 14?

      Yes, but the methods depend on the manufacturer Android 14 (for example, on Google Pixel) the option is hidden in the settings Gboard titled Window mode. On Samsung s One UI 6.0 the path is: data-i="280">Window Mode Keyboard Settings → Layout and Style → Floating Mode.

      If there is no option, use the ADB-command from method 2 or install a third-party keyboard.

      Why does it appear again after disabling the floating keyboard?

      This can happen for several reasons:

      • 🔄 Automatic keyboard update resets settings. Try disabling auto-updates for the application in Google Play.
      • 📱 Proprietary "features" firmware. (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) force the mode to be turned on during certain actions (for example, with a split screen).
      • 🔧 Conflict with other settings, for example, with the mode for people with disabilities enabled.

      Solution: install a keyboard without floating mode (for example, Fleksy) or use ADB to permanently disable it.

      How to remove the floating keyboard in games?

      In games, a floating keyboard usually appears due to a conflict with system input. Try:

      1. Disable text input in the game settings (if there is such an option).
      2. Use Game mode (on Xiaomi or Samsung It blocks pop-ups).
      3. Install a keyboard with a minimalist design (for example, AnySoftKeyboard), which does not interfere with gameplay.

      If the problem persists, check if it is enabled in the game chat or text inputthat automatically brings up the keyboard.

      Is it safe to use ADB to disable the floating keyboard?

      ADB is an official tool from Google, and in itself the commands from our instructions are safe. However, there are risks:

      • ⚠️ Incorrect command may disrupt the operation of the keyboard or other system functions.
      • 🔌 Connecting to an unverified PC with USB debugging enabled is dangerous (risk of data theft).
      • 🔄 After resetting the settings or firmware updates changes through ADB may fail.

      Recommendation: use ADB only if other methods did not work, and follow the instructions exactly.

      Is it possible to disable the floating keyboard on an Android tablet?

      On tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab or Lenovo Tab) the floating keyboard is often turned on automatically due to the large screen. To remove it:

      1. Check your keyboard settings (the path is the same as on smartphones).
      2. Disable the mode Multitasking or Split screen in the system settings.
      3. Use the keyboard in Landscape —in this mode, floating mode is usually not activated.

      If all else fails, install a third-party keyboard (for example, SwiftKey), where you can manually block the floating mode.