How to enable a custom keyboard on iPhone (step by step)

iOS supports custom keyboard extensions — third-party keyboards that replace Apple's default keyboard in any app. Here's exactly how to install and switch to one.

Step 1: Download the app

Custom keyboards on iOS come packaged inside regular apps. Install the app from the App Store first. The keyboard extension installs alongside it automatically.

Step 2: Enable the keyboard in Settings

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap General
3. Tap Keyboard
4. Tap Keyboards
5. Tap Add New Keyboard…
6. Find the keyboard in the list and tap it

Step 3: Enable Full Access (required for clipboard)

If the keyboard needs to read your clipboard — which KOPY does, to see the message you copied — you need to enable Full Access:

1. Go back to Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards
2. Tap the keyboard name you just added
3. Toggle Allow Full Access to on

This sounds scary but it does not give the keyboard access to your passwords, Face ID, or other keyboards. It only allows the keyboard extension to make network requests and read the clipboard.

Step 4: Switch keyboards while typing

Once the keyboard is added, you can switch to it anytime while typing:

• Tap and hold the 🌐 globe icon in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard
• Slide up to select your keyboard from the list, or tap the globe repeatedly to cycle through

Common issues

The keyboard doesn't appear in Settings: Make sure the app is fully installed and not still downloading in the background. Force-quit Settings and reopen.

Full Access toggle isn't there: The keyboard may not request Full Access. Check the app's instructions to see if it's required.

The keyboard shows briefly and disappears: This usually happens when the keyboard extension crashes. Try restarting your phone and opening the keyboard app itself before using it.

Clipboard is empty in the keyboard: Full Access must be enabled. Without it, the system blocks clipboard access for privacy reasons.