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How do I change my keyboard background on my iPhone?

Changing your keyboard background on an iPhone allows you to customize the look and feel of your typing experience. With a few simple steps, you can set a personal photo or choose from Apple’s default wallpapers to make your keyboard uniquely yours.

What are the options for customizing your iPhone keyboard background?

There are a few different options for customizing your iPhone keyboard background:

  • Use one of Apple’s default wallpaper options – Choose from a variety of colorful and artistic wallpaper designs included on your iPhone.
  • Use a photo from your Camera Roll – Select any photo on your device to make it your keyboard background.
  • Download wallpaper apps – Apps like Wallpix provide thousands of free keyboard wallpapers to browse and use.
  • Take a photo with your camera – Snap a new photo and instantly set it as your keyboard background.

The default wallpapers offer abstract patterns and textures in different colors. Using a personal photo is a great way to customize your keyboard with memories, your favorite places, pets, designs, etc. Wallpaper apps provide a huge variety of keyboard backgrounds to choose from. Taking your own photo gives you complete control to get the exact image you want.

How do I change the default iPhone keyboard background?

Here are the steps to change your default iPhone keyboard background to one of Apple’s included wallpaper options:

  1. Go to your iPhone Settings.
  2. Tap General > Keyboard.
  3. Tap Keyboards > Keyboard Background.
  4. Browse the wallpaper options and tap on your desired background.
  5. Tap Set on the upper right corner to confirm.

This will change the background used by your default keyboard. You can change it back at any time by repeating the steps but selecting a different wallpaper.

How can I set a photo from my Camera Roll as the iPhone keyboard background?

To use one of your own photos as the keyboard background on your iPhone, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Photos app and select the photo you want to use.
  2. Tap the Share button in the lower left corner.
  3. Scroll down and tap Use as Keyboard Wallpaper.
  4. Pinch and zoom on the photo to set the section you want used.
  5. Tap Set on the upper right corner when ready.

That photo will now be set as your keyboard wallpaper anytime you open your keyboard. You can repeat these steps to change it to a different photo anytime.

Can I customize the keyboard background for individual keyboards?

Yes, if you have multiple keyboards enabled on your iPhone, you can customize the background for each one:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
  2. Tap Edit in the upper right corner.
  3. Tap the keyboard you want to customize.
  4. Select Keyboard Background and choose your desired wallpaper.
  5. Repeat for any other keyboards you want to customize.

This way, you can have different backgrounds for different keyboards such as English, Emoji, or your alternate language keyboard. The steps are the same as changing the default keyboard, but you do it on a per-keyboard basis.

How do I use a wallpaper app to change the iPhone keyboard background?

Wallpaper apps offer a wide selection of keyboard background images. Here is how to use one:

  1. Download a wallpaper app from the App Store. Some options are Wallpix, Today’s Wallpaper, Vellum, and Keyboard Themes.
  2. Open the app and browse the wallpaper collections.
  3. When you find a wallpaper you like, tap on it.
  4. Tap the option to Set as Keyboard (or Set as Keyboard Wallpaper).

The app will automatically enable the wallpaper as your keyboard background. Most apps have thousands of wallpapers available spanning categories like nature, space, textures, minimalism, and more.

Can I set a Live Photo as my iPhone keyboard background?

Yes, you can set a Live Photo from your Camera Roll as the wallpaper for your iPhone keyboard. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Photos app and find the Live Photo you want to use.
  2. Tap on the Live Photo to open it.
  3. Swipe up and tap the Share button.
  4. Scroll down and select Use as Keyboard Wallpaper.
  5. Adjust the crop if desired and tap Set.

Your keyboard will now play that Live Photo animation in the background as you type! This works great with Live Photos of nature, waterfalls, landscapes, pets, and more.

Can I use a video or GIF as an iPhone keyboard background?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly set a video or GIF as the keyboard wallpaper on an iPhone. The keyboard only supports static images and Live Photos. However, there are a few workarounds:

  • Convert the video/GIF into a Live Photo using an app like IntoLive or GifToLive.
  • Use an app like GIPHY to save just a single frame from the GIF as an image.
  • Take a screenshot of the paused video to use as a static image.

While not quite the same as a true animated background, these provide options for mimicking the effect of a video/GIF keyboard wallpaper on iPhone.

Do keyboard backgrounds impact battery life?

Using a keyboard background image or Live Photo has minimal impact on battery life. The keyboard animation and wallpaper operate without draining much additional power. There are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Complex Live Photos with a lot of motion may use slightly more power.
  • Photos taken with flash may also drain more battery.
  • Very bright, high-contrast images require more power.
  • Avoid overly large photos that take up storage space.

As long as you choose optimized wallpaper images/Live Photos, the battery difference will be negligible. Using keyboard backgrounds provides a great customization benefit without significant battery tradeoff.

What are some tips for choosing great keyboard wallpapers?

Here are some tips for choosing keyboard backgrounds that look great and perform well:

  • Pick images with subjects/elements near the center – This is the part you’ll see the most while typing.
  • Avoid cluttered or overly complex images – Simple tends to look better on a keyboard.
  • Bright colors and high contrast stand out at smaller sizes.
  • Make sure images are high resolution – At least 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Watch file size – Large photos will take up storage space.
  • For Live Photos, keep motion smooth and minimal.
  • Match the theme to your personality – Pets, nature, travel, etc.

Evaluating these factors when choosing a keyboard wallpaper results in the best experience and aesthetics.

Conclusion

Customizing your iPhone keyboard background is an easy way to add personal flair and enjoyment to your typing experience. With just a few taps, you can select an Apple wallpaper, use a photo from your Camera Roll, download fun wallpapers from an app, or even set Live Photos. Experiment with different looks and find one that puts a smile on your face every time you open your keyboard.