How to Add Arabic Keyboard on Android

Set up the Arabic 101 layout in under 2 minutes — and learn the shortcut to switch back and forth.

Last updated: May 2026

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Android lets you add Arabic to whichever keyboard app you use — Gboard (Google's default), Samsung Keyboard, SwiftKey, or Fleksy. The flow varies slightly by device manufacturer, but the principle is identical.

Quick facts

Layout to pick: Varies by keyboard app (Gboard, Samsung, SwiftKey)
Switch keyboards: Tap the globe icon 🌐 on the keyboard. On some keyboards you can also swipe the spacebar sideways.
Time required: About 2 minutes
Cost: Free (built into Android)

Step-by-step instructions

1
Open Settings
Open the Settings app from your app drawer (or pull down twice and tap the gear icon).
2
Find Language & input
On stock Android: System → Languages & input. On Samsung: General management → Keyboard list and default. On Xiaomi/Redmi: Additional settings → Languages & input.
3
Open your active keyboard's settings
Tap the keyboard app you use (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, SwiftKey, etc.). If you don't know which one is active, tap "On-screen keyboard" or "Manage keyboards" first.
4
Tap Languages → Add keyboard
Inside the keyboard's settings, tap Languages (or Input languages on Samsung). Tap Add keyboard or +.
5
Search for Arabic
Find Arabic in the list. On Gboard you can also choose a layout (Standard, QWERTY-Arabic, AZERTY-Arabic) on the next screen — pick Standard unless you specifically want a different one.
6
Switch between languages with the globe
Tap the globe icon 🌐 on the keyboard. On some keyboards you can also swipe the spacebar sideways.

Troubleshooting

My Android phone has no Languages & input section under System.

Some manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo) move keyboard settings to General management, Additional settings, or System Tools. Use the Settings search bar at the top — type "keyboard" and the right shortcut will appear.

I added Arabic to Gboard but the layout looks wrong.

Open Gboard → Settings → Languages → tap Arabic. You'll see a Layout option — switch between Standard, QWERTY-Arabic, and AZERTY-Arabic to find the one that matches what you expect.

I have multiple keyboard apps installed and Arabic only appears in one.

Each keyboard app maintains its own language list. Either add Arabic to each app you use, or pick one keyboard app as default in Settings → Languages & input → On-screen keyboard.

Keyboard ready — what next?

Now that Android can type in Arabic, the next step is muscle memory. Most learners reach 25 WPM in a few weeks with our structured course.

Try the free typing test →Start the structured course

Frequently asked questions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Gboard support Arabic handwriting input?

Yes — when Arabic is enabled, Gboard offers an Arabic handwriting input mode you can pick from the keyboard switcher (the globe icon's long-press menu).

Will the Arabic keyboard change the Android UI to Arabic?

No. Adding a keyboard language is separate from changing the OS display language. Your menus stay in English unless you change the system language under Settings → System → Languages.

Does Samsung Keyboard work differently?

Samsung Keyboard's flow is General management → Samsung Keyboard settings → Languages and types → Manage input languages → toggle on Arabic. Functionality is similar to Gboard once enabled.