This article explains how to use a keyboard on your Apple Watch instead of Scribble.
What to Know
- On watchOS 8 and later, the keyboard is active by default. Tap a text field to bring up the keyboard.If Scribble is active when you tap a text field, swipe up and tap one of the keyboard language options.On older Apple Watches, download a third-party app like FlickType or WatchKey.
How to Change Scribble to Keyboard on Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch running watchOS 8 or later, the built-in keyboard is available by default. Go to any app that lets you enter text and tap the text field. Tap the 123 icon on the keyboard to switch from letters to numbers. Tap Done or Cancel to close the keyboard.
If Scribble is active when you tap a text field, swipe up and tap one of the keyboard language options. To switch back to Scribble, swipe up on the keyboard and tap one of the Scribble language options.
How to Use a Bluetooth Keyboard on Apple Watch
You can also pair your Apple Watch with a Bluetooth keyboard.
Older Apple Watch devices only support the Scribble feature, which allows you to type text with your handwriting. However, it’s possible to add a keyboard to an older Apple Watch.
- Put your keyboard in pairing mode. Check the device’s instructions for guidance.
- On your Apple Watch, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Keyboards.
- Scroll down and tap the keyboard under Devices.
How to Use a Keyboard on an Older Apple Watch
Older Apple Watches only support the Scribble feature, which allows you to type text with your handwriting. However, it’s possible to add a keyboard to an older watch by downloading a third-party app such as FlickType or WatchKey.
Put your keyboard in pairing mode. Check the device’s instructions for guidance.
On your Apple Watch, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Keyboards.
Scroll down and tap the keyboard under Devices.
To adjust the keyboard settings, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Keyboards.
Use FlickType on Apple Watch
Once you install FlickType for Apple Watch, open the app on your Watch and give it a try.
- Type your message using the keyboard. If you want to use numbers or symbols, select the plus sign on the lower left side and pick one of those keyboards. To switch back, select ABC. Use the arrow in the lower right to backspace.
- When you finish typing your message, select Send in the upper left corner.
- A new text message window will open with your message populated. Complete the process by selecting a contact at the top and then send the message on its way.
FlickType Features
FlickType offers some terrific features and settings. Open the app on your iPhone, make sure Watch Keyboard is selected at the top, and select the gear icon to open the settings.
Type your message using the keyboard. If you want to use numbers or symbols, select the plus sign on the lower left side and pick one of those keyboards. To switch back, select ABC. Use the arrow in the lower right to backspace.
When you finish typing your message, select Send in the upper left corner.
A new text message window will open with your message populated. Complete the process by selecting a contact at the top and then send the message on its way.
- Theme: Give the keyboard a different color for a more personal look.Auto-correction: Spot and fix your typing mistakes as you make them. Slide to Type: Turn on if you’d like to use a swipe keyboard.Custom Dictionary: Turn on to help with specific words that you type often.Select favorite contact: Make messaging your friends and family quicker.
Select Done when you finish, and your changes will apply to the app on your Apple Watch immediately.
Use WatchKey on Apple Watch
After you install WatchKey for Apple Watch, open it on your Apple Watch and get ready to type. If you see an ad for the premium version that you want to dismiss for the moment, select the X on the top left of it.
- Type your message using the keyboard. Select 123 for the numeric keyboard and ABC to return to letters. Use the arrow on the top left for a caps lock and the X on the top right to backspace.
- When you complete your message, select Send on the bottom right.
- A new text message window will open with your message ready to go. Finish by selecting a contact at the top and then send the message.
WatchKey Features
Like FlickType, WatchKey has several settings you can adjust and features you can check out. Open the app on your iPhone to view the following options.
Type your message using the keyboard. Select 123 for the numeric keyboard and ABC to return to letters. Use the arrow on the top left for a caps lock and the X on the top right to backspace.
When you complete your message, select Send on the bottom right.
A new text message window will open with your message ready to go. Finish by selecting a contact at the top and then send the message.
- Watch Tutorial: Watch a helpful tutorial with tips on the Home tab.Add Your Custom Text: Your Abbreviation: Enter abbreviations as shorthand to generate full text.Font: Browse through fonts. Choose a different font, with over 60 styles to give your keyboard a more personal look.Settings (gear icon): Access assistance.
You can close the app when you’re finished. Any changes will apply to the app on your Apple Watch instantly.
- How do I change keyboards on my Apple Watch?
- On Apple Watch, open Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Keyboards. Put keyboard in pairing mode, then scroll down to the Devices section and select your keyboard.
- How do I turn off Apple Watch keyboard input notifications?
- Make sure your iPhone is using iOS 15.1 or newer, then open Settings > Notifications. Select Apple Watch Keyboard, then turn off Allow Notifications.
On Apple Watch, open Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Keyboards. Put keyboard in pairing mode, then scroll down to the Devices section and select your keyboard.
Make sure your iPhone is using iOS 15.1 or newer, then open Settings > Notifications. Select Apple Watch Keyboard, then turn off Allow Notifications.
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