The New Samsung Keyboard on One UI 6.1 - Issues, Changes & Tricks

Samsung’s One UI has long been praised for its sleek design and user-friendly features. With each new update, Samsung refines its software experience, introducing innovative tools while enhancing the existing ones. One of the major components that users interact with daily is the Samsung Keyboard, and with One UI 6.1, this essential tool has undergone significant changes. While there are several exciting new features and enhancements, the update hasn’t been without its share of issues. Let’s dive deep into the changes, common problems, and some handy tricks to get the most out of the Samsung Keyboard on One UI 6.1.

What’s New in the Samsung Keyboard on One UI 6.1?

Samsung has made several tweaks to the keyboard interface and functionalities in One UI 6.1, aiming to make typing more intuitive and efficient. Here are the standout changes:

1. Refreshed User Interface

The Samsung Keyboard UI has received a more modern look. The keys are slightly more spaced out, making typing more comfortable, especially on larger devices like the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The icons for settings, emojis, and other tools have also been redesigned for better clarity and aesthetics.

2. Enhanced Auto-Correct and Predictive Text

The auto-correct and predictive text algorithms have been significantly improved, leveraging Samsung’s AI-powered suggestions. The keyboard now learns your typing habits faster, offering smarter word predictions and personalized suggestions based on your writing style.

3. New Emoji and GIF Integration

One UI 6.1 brings a broader range of emojis and improved GIF search capabilities. The keyboard is now better integrated with Samsung’s AR Emoji and offers more expressive options, catering to users who love adding a visual touch to their conversations.

4. Advanced Clipboard Management

The clipboard feature has been enhanced, allowing users to manage copied items more efficiently. You can now pin frequently used snippets and access them quickly, making multitasking smoother and more productive.

5. Language Support and Customization

One UI 6.1 expands language support, introducing new dialects and regional variations. Additionally, users can now customize their keyboard themes more extensively, adding personal touches like custom backgrounds and key shapes.

6. New Gesture Controls

Samsung has introduced new gesture-based controls in the keyboard settings. These include swipe-to-type enhancements and shortcuts for quickly switching between languages or accessing special characters.

Common Issues with the Samsung Keyboard on One UI 6.1

While these changes have been largely well-received, some users have reported issues that have affected their typing experience. Here are some of the most common problems:

1. Lagging and Freezing

One of the most frequently reported issues is keyboard lag or freezing, especially on older devices like the Galaxy S21 or Galaxy A series. This often occurs when switching between apps or typing rapidly.

2. Auto-Correct Overcorrection

While the new auto-correct algorithm is designed to be smarter, some users have found it to be overly aggressive, changing words unnecessarily. This can be frustrating, particularly when typing in multiple languages or using industry-specific terms.

3. Keyboard Not Appearing

In some cases, the keyboard fails to appear when needed, particularly in third-party apps like WhatsApp or Instagram. This might be due to compatibility issues with certain apps post-update.

4. Gesture Typing Glitches

The newly introduced gesture typing features have also shown inconsistencies. Some users report that swipe-to-type doesn’t register correctly or misinterprets words.

5. Clipboard Issues

While the clipboard functionality has improved, some users have experienced issues with clipboard items not saving properly or disappearing after a short time.

6. Customization Settings Resetting

A handful of users have reported that their keyboard customization settings (like themes and layouts) reset after restarting the phone or after minor software patches.

Tricks and Tips to Enhance Your Samsung Keyboard Experience

Despite these issues, there are several tips and tricks you can use to make the most of the Samsung Keyboard on One UI 6.1.

1. Optimize Keyboard Performance

If you’re facing lag or freezing issues, try the following steps:

• Clear Cache: Go to Settings > Apps > Samsung Keyboard > Storage, then clear the cache.
• Disable Unnecessary Features: Turn off features like vibration feedback or keyboard sounds if they’re not needed.
• Update the App: Ensure your Samsung Keyboard is updated to the latest version via the Galaxy Store.

2. Adjust Auto-Correct Sensitivity

If auto-correct is being overzealous:

• Navigate to Settings > General Management > Samsung Keyboard Settings > Auto Replace.
• Adjust the auto-correct sensitivity or disable it for specific languages.

3. Use a Custom Theme

Personalize your keyboard for better visual appeal and comfort:

• Go to Samsung Keyboard Settings > Theme.
• Choose from light, dark, or custom themes, or even upload your own background.

4. Master Gesture Controls

Take full advantage of the new gesture typing:

• Enable Swipe Typing in Samsung Keyboard Settings > Swipe, touch, and feedback.
• Customize gestures to perform specific tasks like deleting text or moving the cursor.

5. Manage Clipboard Like a Pro

To make the most of the clipboard feature:

• Pin frequently used snippets by holding down on the copied item and selecting Pin.
• Access the clipboard quickly by tapping the clipboard icon above the keyboard when typing.

6. Enable Multilingual Typing

If you switch between languages often, here’s how to optimize that experience:

• Go to Samsung Keyboard Settings > Languages and Types.
• Add the languages you frequently use and enable Multilingual Typing. This allows the keyboard to automatically detect the language you’re typing in without switching manually.

7. Use Text Shortcuts

Save time by setting up custom text shortcuts:

• Go to Samsung Keyboard Settings > Text Shortcuts.
• Create shortcuts like “omw” for “On my way!” or “brb” for “Be right back.”

How to Troubleshoot Major Issues

If you continue to experience persistent issues, you can try more advanced troubleshooting techniques:

1. Reset Samsung Keyboard Settings

Resetting can often fix stubborn bugs:

• Go to Settings > General Management > Samsung Keyboard Settings.
• Scroll down and select Reset to Default Settings.

2. Use Safe Mode to Identify Conflicts

If the keyboard works in Safe Mode, a third-party app might be causing the problem:

• Turn off your device.
• Press and hold the power button until the Samsung logo appears.
• When the logo appears, release the power button and immediately press and hold the volume down button.
• You’ll see Safe Mode in the bottom left corner if done correctly.

3. Report Issues to Samsung Support

If all else fails, report persistent bugs directly to Samsung:

• Open the Samsung Members app.
• Tap on Get Help > Feedback > Error Reports, and describe the issue.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Keyboard on One UI 6.1 brings exciting new features and a refined typing experience, but it’s not without its share of hiccups. By understanding the changes, troubleshooting common problems, and applying the tips shared here, you can make the most of your keyboard experience.

Samsung is known for rolling out quick patches and updates to resolve user-reported issues, so if you’re facing problems now, chances are they’ll be ironed out in future updates. In the meantime, experiment with the new features, and tailor your keyboard settings to suit your personal style. Happy typing!

For more tips, tricks, and the latest updates on Samsung devices and One UI, stay tuned to Ask Anything – Your Ultimate Guide to Samsung Mobiles.