How to install the Google Keyboard 4.0 from Android Lollipop on your device right now

posted by Daniel P. / Oct 20, 2014, 3:49 AM

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That fine-looking light keyboard theme you have been salivating after since it appeared in the new Chrome edition screenshots in the Play Store, is finally upon us. Google unleashed the Android 5.0 Lollipop developer preview already, and that same Material Design Keyboard 4.0 is in it, with the respective Light and Dark themes we've been marveling for a while now.

If you want to have the newest Google keyboard installed on your Android handset, instead of waiting for the Lollipop update to hit your handset in the distant (or not so distant) future, here's what you need to do:

1. Just download the Google Keyboard 4.0 APK file, and install it on your handset;

2. Go to the language and input settings menu, and enable the Google keyboard as default. If you want to change the theme, go to the keyboard's settings, and choose one of the four available, which include the two Lollipop ones.

That's all folks, now you have the pretty new Material Design Google keyboard on your handset without breaking a sweat, in all its Light and Dark themes glory.

source: Shaftamle (XDA-Devs) images: AndroidPolice

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15 Comments

1. T.Law

Posts: 423; Member since: May 10, 2014

Oh, that's so clean!

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 4:00 AM 2

2. AnTuTu

Posts: 1612; Member since: Oct 14, 2012

I have been using it from last few months. Looks really good and clean :)

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 4:20 AM 2

3. .KRATOS.

Posts: 442; Member since: Mar 15, 2013

Y not having a number row at the top, or let it be optional like SwiftKey

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 4:30 AM 4

4. gagakiller

Posts: 176; Member since: Oct 08, 2014

The only thing I miss after moving from LG G3 to iPhone 6 plus is Google keyboard. It has the best look and auto correction I have ever seen in a keyboard app. (let the fanboysim die)

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 4:41 AM 1

5. kaikuheadhunterz

Posts: 1157; Member since: Jul 18, 2013

Won't this be available as an update to the Google keyboard app in the Play Store?

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 5:10 AM 1

6. Awalker

Posts: 1977; Member since: Aug 15, 2013

It should be when Android 5.0 is released.

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 5:29 AM 1

7. PostmanLV

Posts: 44; Member since: Sep 11, 2012

I'm getting a can't open file error

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 8:18 AM 3

8. shamashu9

Posts: 142; Member since: Jun 10, 2013

Virus?

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 8:29 AM 0

9. Metamorphosis

Posts: 15; Member since: Oct 20, 2014

Is it compatible with Gingerbread (Android 2.3.7) ?

posted on Oct 20, 2014, 12:32 PM 0

10. uzairiqbal2

Posts: 2; Member since: Oct 20, 2014

I have Google Keyboard already and have Note 2 with AT&T and when I download the APK it does not show the new keyboard under the keyboard settings. Please help!