Use your Pixel Tablet's on-screen keyboard to type and insert emojis. You can also change your keyboard preferences to customize the function and design of your keyboard. Some features may not be available in all countries or languages.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 14 and up. Learn how to update your Android version.
Open and change on-screen keyboard settings
near the space bar.
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At a glance 
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on the left side of the Gboard toolbar Open and change physical keyboard settings
If you have a compatible physical keyboard, you can connect it to your Pixel Tablet and change its settings.
When you first plug in a keyboard, your Pixel Tablet will use the same language settings as your on-screen keyboard. It also detects your keyboard’s layout when you connect them. To change your physical keyboard’s settings:
- Open your device's Settings app
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- Tap System
Keyboard
- To change the keyboard's layout: Choose your current physical keyboard
- You may also change a few settings under "Options":
- On-screen keyboard: Turn this on if you want to keep your virtual keyboard on the tablet's screen when the physical keyboard is active.
- Modifier keys: Tap this setting to change the behavior of physical keyboard keys like Caps Lock, Ctrl, and Alt.
Troubleshoot issues
- If the on-screen keyboard won't appear, make sure you select a place in your screen where you can type. You can test entry fields on different menus, apps, or websites.
- If you use voice typing but no words show up, check that your microphone isn't being used by other open programs.
- If you have an external microphone, make sure it's plugged in securely, isn't muted, and has up-to-date software.