Alex Ruben
How To Switch from Gboard to LeanKey Keyboard on Google TV Streamer 4K
Switching the default keyboard on your Google TV Streamer 4K or Chromecast with Google TV can be a bit of a pain sometimes. Gboard is okay, but maybe LeanKey offers a better experience or just more customization, so it’s worth trying to set it as your main input method. The thing is, Android TV bosses make changing keyboards a little more complicated than on phones. You’ll need to go through the settings menus, make sure the new keyboard is installed and enabled, and then switch over. When it all works, typing becomes snappier or easier, especially if LeanKey has your preferred layout or language options. Just be prepared for some back-and-forth—because of course, Google TV has to be a pain about this stuff.
How to Change Keyboard from Gboard to LeanKey on Google TV
Check What Keyboard You’re Using First
Before messing around, see what keyboard pops up when you try to type. This way, you’ll know if you’re already on Gboard or if something else is showing. To do this:
- Open the search bar or any app requiring text input on your Google TV.
- Watch what keyboard shows up. If it’s Gboard, good; if not, no big deal, just follow along.
Install LeanKey Keyboard — If You Haven’t Already
This is kinda obvious, but if LeanKey isn’t installed yet, you’ll need to get it from the Google Play Store officially on your TV or via the phone pairing process (if supported). Here’s what to do:
- Head to Apps or Google Play Store on your TV.
- Search for “LeanKey Keyboard.”
- Install it (it might take a minute).
Oh, and if you’ve already got it installed, just jump to the next step. Sometimes, re-installing helps if it’s acting up.
Access Advanced Settings and Manage Keyboards
This can be tricky because Android TV’s interface is less straightforward. Basically, you want to get into Settings. Here’s how:
- Go back to the Home Screen.
- Navigate to Settings — usually found under the gear icon.
- Select Device Preferences (sometimes it’s just called System).
- Scroll down and choose Keyboard & Accessibility (or just Keyboard if you see it).
- Click on Manage Keyboards
Enable LeanKey Keyboard
Once you’re in Manage Keyboards, find LeanKey Keyboard on the list and toggle it on. This step basically gives your TV permission to let LeanKey show up as an option. Be aware, sometimes it takes a second for the system to register the toggle, so don’t panic if it doesn’t show immediately. In some setups, you might also need to enable it inside the keyboard settings menu as well, so check for any prompts.
Set LeanKey as Your Default
This is where the magic happens. After enabling LeanKey, you need to tell your Google TV to actually *use* it:
- Go back to the main Settings menu.
- Navigate to System > Keyboard > Default Keyboard.
- Select LeanKey Keyboard from the options. If it doesn’t show up right away, close and reopen the typing area—it sometimes takes a refresh.
Verify That LeanKey Is Now in Use
Open up any app that needs typing—like the search bar or a messaging app—and see what keyboard appears. If LeanKey shows up on the screen, congrats—that’s your new default. If not, double-check you’ve selected it properly. Sometimes, restarting the device or redoing the toggle helps—because, you know, Android TV can be pretty stubborn about this stuff.
If You Want to Switch Back to Gboard
No worries if LeanKey’s not your thing. Just go back into the same Manage Keyboards menu, and disable LeanKey. Gboard should automatically pop back in as default. Sometimes, you’ll also need to revisit Default Keyboard and make sure Gboard is selected.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
- Make sure your Google TV is updated — outdated firmware can cause weird bugs.
- Double-check that LeanKey is fully installed and enabled before trying to switch to it.
- If the keyboard feels laggy or unresponsive, try rebooting. On some setups, this helps refresh system settings.
- Sometimes, after system updates, you need to redo these steps because default apps get reset.
Wrap-up
Getting LeanKey set up on Google TV isn’t always smooth sailing, but once it’s done, the typing experience can be quite a bit better—more adaptable, maybe faster. Just go slow, be patient, and check those menus carefully. It might feel like a chore, but it’s worth the effort for a more personalized input option.
Summary
- Check what keyboard you’re using.
- Install LeanKey if you haven’t.
- Enable LeanKey in system settings.
- Set LeanKey as default keyboard.
- Test and tweak if needed.
Fingers crossed this helps
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours or at least stops you from pulling out your hair trying to type. Android TV’s quirks are annoying, but it’s possible to get a smoother experience with Lazy or LeanKey or whatever fits your style. Good luck!