Another option may be to install a different keyboard. Samsung devices have a Samsung keyboard. On generic Android, there isn't much choice. There is a keyboard made by Microsoft called SwiftKey that might be worth trying. It's also possible to set certain other apps (that are not keyboards) as the default but that might cause unwanted side effects. Keyboards can reveal things such as passwords to the app maker so only use apps from known reputable providers.

 

I have an apple keyboard in the other room for my apple desktop, I tried using that but it still had the same issues.

Like I said this was never an issue with the current keyboard i was using. It just happened out of the blue. Either that or I did something wrong (press the wrong button) which allowed this problem to happen.

I just have a feeling that there's a button I can press or a switch I can toggle somewhere that can make the problem go away.

 

It could be a bug or deficiency introduced with Android 15 or 16 or, a Gboard update. I've noticed a number of very annoying changes in Android with things like input methods and gestures recently. I took a look at keyboard settings, Microsoft SwiftKey has a setting to turn "Automatically show/hide virtual keyboard" on and off. Making it the default keyboard might do what you need. Gboard does not seem to have a similar option.

 

As I mentioned in my original post there is a toggle switch in settings that I can used to toggle off the virtual keyboard. I tried it but it still didn't work.

I read somewhere else that the android system update may have played a role in the virtual keyboard always popping up. Don't know what to do about it.

 

I turned the on-screen keyboard off in settings and it still pops-up here as well.
Found this but don't know if it applies,

I keep getting a notification saying "Choose input method" on Android - Microsoft Support

support.microsoft.com

 

thanks, i'll try it out later

 

tried it out, no dice

 

I asked AI (and it's known to be wrong so do further research. You CAN delete the samsung kb--option 3 below. You know how to enable dev options?

AI Overview


No, you cannot completely delete Samsung keyboard because it is a system app, but you can disable it by changing your default keyboard to another one like Gboard. You can also clear its data and cache or use a command-line tool for a more permanent solution if you're comfortable with advanced methods.

Method 1: Change your default keyboard

• Go to your phone's settings and look for "General management".
  
  
• Tap on "Keyboard list and defaults" or "Samsung Keyboard settings" to find where to change the default keyboard.
  
  
• From there, you can select Gboard or another keyboard as your default.
  
  
• This will effectively disable Samsung keyboard, though it will still be on your phone.

Method 2: Clear data and cache

• This method will reset the keyboard to its factory settings, which can resolve issues but will not delete it.
• Go to your phone's settings, find "Samsung Keyboard," and go to its storage options.
• Tap "Clear data" and "Clear cache".
• Restart your phone.

Method 3: Use a command-line tool (advanced)

• This method permanently removes the keyboard but is more complex.
• Enable "Developer options" and "USB Debugging" in your phone's settings.
• Connect your phone to your computer and use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) command-line tool.
• Run the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.samsung.android.honeyboard.

 

nothing seems to be working, all hope is gone

 

The option I am considering is getting an iPhone. Then there is no Gboard or other Google tracking crap to deal with. Google warns that virtual keyboards can be used to collect personal data such as passwords. Is Google using Gboard to collect passwords and other personal data? If not, just what is their motive behind limiting the use of other keyboards?

 

I am going to try it on my phone tonite and see what happens
mind you, I do not have a bluetooth keyboard so I will be plugging a hardwired usb-c keyboard into my android phone. I do have microsoft Excel so I will login and see what happens.

 

I only have a usb-a keyboard, so I could not test without my usb-c to usb-a OTG adapter, which I have a feeling my kids went thru my desk and moved stuff around and that went missing