If no keyboard appears in any app, the input method may be disabled, crashed or not selected. If one app is affected, treat it as that app’s layout problem. Tap a text field in Settings search and check the keyboard selector.
Differential
Likely causes of “Android keyboard disappeared or will not open”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The keyboard app is disabled, crashed or not selected
What separates it No keyboard appears in any app, and the keyboard selector in the navigation bar shows nothing or a different keyboard.
How to confirm Tap a text field in Settings search and check the keyboard selector.
- 2
A software update or a cache problem has broken the keyboard
What separates it The keyboard stopped after an update and works after clearing its cache or a restart.
How to confirm Restart the phone and update the keyboard app.
- 3
Only one app is affected
What separates it The keyboard works everywhere except in one app, which has a layout or permission problem.
How to confirm Test another app; if only one fails, treat it as that app's problem.
- 4
A hardware keyboard or a setting hides the on-screen one
What separates it A Bluetooth keyboard is connected or the option to show the keyboard is turned off.
How to confirm Disconnect any hardware keyboard and check Languages and input.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the keyboard is missing in every app or only one.
- The keyboard app in use and the input methods enabled.
- Whether anything changed just before, such as an update.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCapture the exact symptom
ReversibleTap a text field in Settings search and another app; check the keyboard selector in the navigation area.
Run the smallest isolation test
ReversibleRestart the phone, select an enabled keyboard in Languages & input and update that keyboard app.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleClear only keyboard cache first; enable a built-in fallback before removing or resetting the preferred keyboard.
Verify before changing anything else
ReversibleType in Settings, Messages and a browser field after restart.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Enable a built-in fallback keyboard before you remove or reset the main one.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why did my keyboard disappear on Android?+
The keyboard app may be disabled, crashed or deselected. Restart, check the enabled keyboards and switch to the built-in one to get typing again.
Will clearing the keyboard's data delete my saved words?+
It can remove learned words and settings, so clear the cache first, which does not. Back up or note any custom dictionary if the keyboard offers one.
Which keyboard settings should I check?+
Open Settings, System, Keyboard and confirm an on-screen keyboard is enabled and selected as default.
Can a keyboard app cause this?+
Yes. Update the keyboard app, clear its cache or switch to the built-in one.
What if it only fails in one app?+
Then treat it as an app problem. Update that app or clear its cache.