Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Switch Between Qwerty and 3x4 Keyboard

Samsung Galaxy SIII has its default keyboard which will facilitate you when you want to compose a message, email or do anything else which need to use the keyboard. This Samsung keyboard also equipped with some options, such as auto capitalization that will automatically capitalize the first letter of sentence.

See also: How to Enable or Disable Auto Capitalization on Samsung Galaxy S3

Another option that you can also find in this keyboard is the option called portrait keyboard types which will allow you to change the keyboard type you wish to use when you hold the phone in portrait view, either use Qwerty keyboard or 3x4 keyboard.


How to change portrait keyboard types?
Below are the steps to do so:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Language and input.
  3. If required, tap Default then select Samsung keyboard.
  4. Tap the settings (gear) icon next to Samsung keyboard option to enter the setting screen.
  5. Tap Portrait keyboard types.
  6. You'll see two options available, they are: Qwerty keyboard and 3x4 keyboard.
  7. Tap the desired keyboard types you wish to use.

Both of these keyboard types have their own advantages, use the Qwerty keyboard will be able to deliver you the same experience as when you're typing using the keyboard on your PC or laptop, while by using 3x4 keyboard will help you to use the phone better if previously you used to using the old phone that has 3x4 keyboard for many years. So, which the keyboard types are you using now?

22 comments:

  1. Hi my problem is that it doesnt have an option to Tap Portrait keyboard types. Any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah,
      Thanks for coming.
      What's the version of your phone? And also, what's the Android version used by your phone?

      Delete
    2. Same problem for me and my android version is 4.3

      Delete
    3. Hi Haseena Achu,
      Thanks for coming.
      I'm so sorry to say that this option no longer available in Android 4.3. If you have difficulty to type using Qwerty keyboard, try third-party keyboard called A Keyboard FREE BETA app. Here's the links:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akeyboard
      This app has similar looks with the 3x4 keyboard.

      Delete
  2. Hi there, my galaxy s3 just updated from android 4.1 to 4.3 and my option to switch to 3x4 keyboard has disappeared. Has anyone else had this issue do you know?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes I have also lost 3x4 keyboard. Does anyone know how to get it back ?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Nicky Garbett and Andy,
    Thanks for coming.
    I'm so sorry to say that this option seems have been removed in the Android 4.3. So we can do nothing to bring it back. However, if both of you really uncomfortable use the small qwerty keyboard from the stock, then you might be have to use another keyboard, such as Big Button Keyboard Standard app. This keyboard has more bigger button than the stock, which I thinks will be able to help those who have the difficulties to use the small qwerty keyboard. Here's the link:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bigbuttons&hl=en
    Hope this helps :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Is it possible to remove the last android version? To get back the3x 4 keyboard..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Asgeir,
      Thanks for coming.
      Yep, it's possible but of course it will bring the risk if you don't do this properly. But, do you thinks that the 3x4 keyboard is worth for you to downgrade your phone with all of the risk? However, if you decide to do so, then here I've found a useful link that might be able to help you. Here's the link:http://www.androible.com/downgrade-galaxy-s3-i9300-official-4-1-2-jelly-bean-firmware/
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  6. I can't type in this. I need the portrait keyboard.plz help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Manwar Ali,
      Thanks for coming.
      I just found a keyboard app which is offers the 3x4 keyboard features called A Keyboard FREE BETA app. Here's the links:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akeyboard
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  7. I have large hands which makes qwerty keyboard impossible to use

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dave,
      Thanks for coming.
      Sadly to say that if you're running with the Android 4.3, the 3x4 keyboard option was removed. So, you might be want to try third-party keyboard app called A Keyboard FREE BETA app which is offers the similar feature with the portrait keyboard. Here's the link:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akeyboard
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  8. samsung give us our 3x4 keypad back PLEASE. I read it's back on 4.4.2 but also read Note2 won't be included with that update.. Please work with At&t to give it back. yook me 10 min to type yhi out. this sucks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carol,
      Thanks for coming.
      Yes, you're right. I got it back once my S4 got update to Android 4.4.2 Kitkat.
      FYI, I've just read in sammobile website, they said that Note 2 international version will get update to Android 4.4.2 Kitkat(it has been available in France). So your phone will (probably) get the update but it depends on where your region are. You can see the detail information about it here:http://www.sammobile.com/2014/04/25/samsung-rolling-out-android-4-4-kitkat-update-for-galaxy-note-ii/

      Delete
  9. Hi I also lost my 3x4 Keypad in my Galaxy Grand 2. Please help me to recover.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Buddy,
      Thanks for coming.
      Is your Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 running with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean?
      FYI, the 3x4 keyboard option is removed in Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (it happens in Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4). But, I can confirm that this option is now available again in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat. I have this option both in my Galaxy S4 and S5 which are running with Android 4.4.2 Kitkat.
      Given to that fact, I can conclude that there's no default option to get back this keyboard unless your phone is updated to Android 4.4.2 Kitkat (I don't know with the custom ROM out there). Other solution, you can try using third-party keyboard app that has a similar look with 3x4 keyboard (e.g: A keyboard app).

      Delete
  10. Hi Thanks. Can you tell me when will we get Kitkat 4. 4. 2 update for Galaxy Grand 2

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Buddy,
      Thanks for coming.
      I'm so sorry to say that I can't confirm you the exact time. But, I've just found a site confirmed that Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 SM-G7102 was scheduled to get Kitkat in June(it may differ depend on where your region is). Here's the link:http://androidandme.com/2014/05/news/samsung-update-schedule-shows-kitkat-updates-and-mentions-android-4-4-3/

      Delete
  11. I am using galaxy s3 and i cant input another language in mu keyboard recently. Pls help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alise Voon,
      Thanks for coming.
      To be able to use multiple languages while using the stock Samsung keyboard, you have to add the required languages first by using these steps:
      1. Go to the settings menu.
      2. Tap "My device" tab.
      3. Scroll down to find "Language and input", and then tap it.
      4. Tap "Samsung keyboard".
      5. Tap "Select input languages" and then select the required languages.
      6. Now, open an app where you can enter text, e.g: Messages app.
      7. Swipe the space bar in the keyboard to the left or to the right to switch between the selected input languages.

      Delete
  12. hello, I have a problem to use multiple keyboards. First time I could use them , but now, only one of them is appeared. can you help me?

    ReplyDelete

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