Android devices have become an integral part of our lives, and their touch screen capabilities have revolutionized the way we interact with our smartphones and tablets. One of the features that Android offers is handwriting recognition, which allows users to input text by writing on their device’s screen. While this feature can be useful for some, for others it can be a hindrance or simply unnecessary. If you find yourself wanting to turn off handwriting on your Android device, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to disable handwriting on Android and provide you with alternative solutions as well as bonus tips.
The Challenge of Turning off Handwriting on Android
- Not all Android devices have the same settings and options, making it difficult to provide a universal step-by-step guide.
- The location of handwriting settings may vary depending on the device manufacturer and the version of Android you are using.
- Turning off handwriting may impact other features or functionalities of the device, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons before making any changes.
Video Tutorial:
Method 1: How to Turn off Handwriting on Android using Settings
If you’re using a relatively recent version of Android, you can follow these steps to turn off handwriting through the device settings:
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward
- Doesn’t require any additional apps or tools
Cons:
- The exact location of the handwriting settings may vary depending on the device and version of Android
1. Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and look for the “Language & input” or “System” section, depending on your device.
3. Tap on “Language & input” or “Virtual keyboard.”
4. Look for the “Google Handwriting Input” option and tap on it.
5. In the handwriting input settings, disable the toggle switch labeled “Enable” or “On” to turn off handwriting.
6. Exit the settings menu and test whether the handwriting feature has been disabled.
Method 2: How to Turn off Handwriting on Android using the Keyboard App
For some devices, the handwriting input settings may be located within the keyboard app. Here’s how you can turn off handwriting using the keyboard app:
Pros:
- Allows you to disable handwriting directly from the app you use for typing
- No need to navigate through the device settings
Cons:
- The exact steps may vary depending on the keyboard app you are using
1. Open the keyboard app you use for typing.
2. Tap on the settings icon usually located on the top row or in the keyboard toolbar.
3. Look for the “Language & input” or “Keyboard settings” option and tap on it.
4. Depending on your keyboard app, you may find the handwriting settings under a specific input method settings.
5. Locate the handwriting input settings and disable the toggle switch labeled “Enable” or “On” to turn off handwriting.
6. Close the settings menu and test whether the handwriting feature has been disabled.
Method 3: How to Turn off Handwriting on Android using an App
If the built-in settings or keyboard app options don’t allow you to disable handwriting, you can consider using a third-party app specifically designed for handwriting input control. Here’s how you can do it:
Pros:
- Gives you more control and options for disabling handwriting
- Can be used on devices where the built-in settings don’t provide a direct option
Cons:
- Requires downloading and installing an additional app
1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for “handwriting input control” or similar keywords.
3. Select an app that suits your preferences and has good ratings and reviews.
4. Download and install the app on your device.
5. Follow the instructions provided by the app to disable handwriting input.
6. Test whether the handwriting feature has been successfully turned off.
Method 4: How to Turn off Handwriting on Android by Disabling the Handwriting App
If your Android device has a separate handwriting app installed, you can try disabling or uninstalling the app to turn off handwriting. Here’s how you can do it:
Pros:
- Allows you to completely remove the handwriting feature
Cons:
- May require rooting your device, depending on the app
- Disabling or uninstalling system apps can potentially cause issues with the device
1. Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and look for the “Apps” or “Applications” section, depending on your device.
3. Tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”
4. Look for the handwriting app, usually named “Google Handwriting Input,” “Samsung Keyboard,” or something similar.
5. Tap on the handwriting app to access its settings.
6. Depending on your device, you may find the option to disable or uninstall the app directly. If not, look for the “Disable” or “Uninstall updates” options.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to disable or uninstall the handwriting app.
8. Test whether the handwriting feature has been disabled.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Turn off Handwriting on Android
If you’re unable to turn off handwriting using the methods above, here are a few alternative solutions you can consider:
1. Switch to a different keyboard app: Install a third-party keyboard app that doesn’t support or enable handwriting input by default.
2. Use a keyboard with handwriting detection: Some keyboard apps offer handwriting detection as an integrated feature, allowing you to write on the screen without enabling full handwriting input.
3. Turn off the handwriting feature within individual apps: Some apps have their own handwriting settings that can be disabled separately from the device settings.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your Android typing experience:
1. Experiment with different keyboard apps: There are numerous keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, each offering unique features and customization options. Try out a few different apps to find one that suits your preferences.
2. Explore advanced typing features: Most keyboard apps offer advanced typing features like swipe typing (where you glide your finger over the keys without lifting it), customizable themes, and predictive text. Take some time to explore these features and see if they improve your typing speed and accuracy.
3. Practice using voice dictation: Android devices come with a built-in voice recognition feature that allows you to dictate text instead of typing it manually. This can be especially useful for longer messages or when you’re on the go.
5 FAQs about Turning off Handwriting on Android
Q1: Can I turn off handwriting on any Android device?
A: While most Android devices offer handwriting settings, the exact location and options may vary depending on the device and version of Android. Some older or budget devices may not have the handwriting option at all.
Q2: Will turning off handwriting affect other input methods?
A: Disabling handwriting should not affect other input methods like the on-screen keyboard or voice dictation. However, it’s always a good idea to test the changes and make sure everything is functioning as expected.
Q3: Can I selectively disable handwriting for specific apps?
A: Some apps have their own handwriting settings that can be disabled separately from the device settings. Check the individual app settings to see if this option is available.
Q4: What if I accidentally disable something important while trying to turn off handwriting?
A: If you accidentally disable or change a setting that affects the overall functionality of your device, you can usually reset the settings to their default values by going to the device settings and selecting the “Reset” or “Factory reset” option. However, keep in mind that this will revert all settings and configurations back to their original state.
Q5: Can I re-enable handwriting after turning it off?
A: Yes, if you decide to use handwriting again in the future, you can simply follow the same steps for turning it off but enable the toggle switch or settings instead.
In Conclusion
Handwriting recognition can be a useful feature on Android devices, but it’s not for everyone. If you prefer to type using the on-screen keyboard or other input methods, you can turn off handwriting using the device settings, keyboard app settings, or third-party apps. Remember to consider the pros and cons of each method and explore alternative solutions if the built-in options don’t work for you. As with any settings changes, it’s always a good idea to test the changes and make sure everything is functioning as expected.