WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows you to communicate with friends and family. While it supports sending messages in multiple languages, the default keyboard only includes English and a few other languages. If you want to type messages in Malayalam, you will need to enable the Malayalam keyboard.
Requirements for Malayalam Typing in WhatsApp
To get started with Malayalam typing in WhatsApp, you will need:
- A smartphone running Android 4.1 or higher, or iOS 10 or higher
- The latest version of WhatsApp installed
- A Malayalam keyboard app installed on your device
As long as your smartphone and WhatsApp meet the minimum version requirements, you can install any Malayalam keyboard app from the Play Store or App Store. Some popular options include Gboard, SwiftKey, Google Indic Keyboard, and various keyboard apps designed specifically for Indian languages.
Enabling Malayalam Keyboard in WhatsApp
The steps to activate Malayalam typing will vary slightly depending on whether you’re using an Android phone or an iPhone.
Android Phones
On Android, open your device Settings > System > Languages & input > Virtual keyboard. Make sure the Malayalam keyboard you’ve installed is enabled here. Next, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Keyboard. Select the Malayalam keyboard as your default WhatsApp input method.
Now, whenever you open a chat in WhatsApp, you should see a globe or language icon next to the text field. Tap this and it will switch your keyboard to Malayalam. Type your message out in Malayalam script and tap send. The recipient will be able to view the Malayalam text on their end.
iPhones
On iPhone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard and select the Malayalam keyboard you’ve installed. A Malayalam option should now show up when you tap the Globe icon next to the text field in chats. Select it to switch your WhatsApp keyboard and start typing in Malayalam.
That’s it! With just a few quick steps, you can set up Malayalam typing in WhatsApp on Android or iPhone. Some keyboards may have extra features like word predictions and shortcuts to make typing quicker. Make sure to enable them in your keyboard settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve followed the steps but are still unable to get Malayalam typing working properly in WhatsApp, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm WhatsApp is updated to the latest version. Older versions may not fully support newer keyboard languages.
- Check that your phone meets the minimum Android 4.1 or iOS 10 version requirements.
- Make sure the Malayalam keyboard is enabled in your device settings. Sometimes app-specific keyboard settings reset after an update.
- Try force quitting and restarting WhatsApp if keyboard options are missing or the globe icon won’t show up.
- Check for software updates for your Malayalam keyboard app and install if any are available.
- Try installing an alternate Malayalam keyboard if your current one is not working properly in WhatsApp.
- You may need to switch your default device language or region to India for full keyboard support.
If issues persist even after trying all troubleshooting steps, consider contacting WhatsApp support or your keyboard app developer to report the problem.
Typing Tips for Malayalam Keyboard
When you first start using a Malayalam keyboard, it can take some practice getting accustomed to it. Here are some useful typing tips:
- Start slow and build up your typing speed gradually. Take time to learn where each letter is placed.
- Refer to the keyboard layout chart whenever you forget where a letter is.
- Turn on predictions and suggestions to speed up typing. Let the keyboard guide you with the right spellings.
- Use the space bar to easily toggle between English and Malayalam keyboards.
- Don’t worry about typos! Most Malayalam keyboards automatically fix errors as you type.
- Add commonly used Malayalam words and phrases to your personal dictionary for quick access.
- Enable gesture typing and swipe-to-input on supported keyboards. It’s often faster than tapping.
With regular use, you’ll quickly get the hang of typing in Malayalam on WhatsApp. It will become second nature before you know it.
Using Voice Typing for Malayalam
If you are still struggling with the Malayalam keyboard layout, there is another option – voice typing. Both Android and iPhones allow you to dictate messages instead of typing them.
To use voice typing for Malayalam in WhatsApp:
- Open a chat in WhatsApp and tap the microphone icon in the text field.
- Speak your message clearly in Malayalam. Ensure you have an active internet connection.
- Once completed, tap Send or Done. The app will transcribe and send the voice message automatically.
While voice typing takes some practice, it can be faster than pecking away at a tiny on-screen keyboard. The dictation capabilities of voice typing apps keep improving as well. With clear pronunciation, most words and phrases can be accurately transcribed.
Voice typing works for short and medium length Malayalam messages. But for longer content, typing is still faster. Use voice input selectively for quick messages where your hands are occupied.
Using Malayalam Stickers on WhatsApp
In addition to typing, WhatsApp also allows you to send colorful stickers in Malayalam. Here’s how:
- Open a chat in WhatsApp > Tap on the emoji icon next to the text field.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap on the + icon to open Stickers options.
- Tap Get More Stickers. This will open the Play Store/App Store.
- Search for “Malayalam stickers” and install a sticker pack of your choice.
- Once installed, you can access the new Malayalam stickers directly within WhatsApp.
Popular sticker packs include Malayalam Dialogue Stickers, Malayalam Movie Stickers, and Kuthiravattom Pappu Stickers. Stickers are a fun way to spice up chats and express emotions in Malayalam.
Conclusion
With the right keyboard app and settings configured, chatting comfortably in your native language on WhatsApp is simple. Take some time to practice with the Malayalam keyboard and enable productivity features. You’ll be typing out long conversations and broadcasting Malayalam messages to groups in no time.
If you face any roadblocks, don’t hesitate to try out troubleshooting tips or alternative typing methods. WhatsApp’s support for native languages improves constantly, so keep the app updated for the best experience. Have fun chatting with family and friends in Malayalam!