How to Hide the Period and Comma Keys in Gboard for Android?

Google’s Gboard keyboard now includes two new options that allow users to remove the period and comma keys from the main layout. This small update helps create a cleaner interface and improves typing comfort on Android devices.

After introducing the Font Size setting earlier in October 2025, Google rolled out this usability tweak in Gboard version 16.0 and later. Many users wanted more control over the bottom-row layout, especially on smaller screens where extra keys can feel cramped. The new toggles solve that by letting you choose exactly which punctuation keys stay visible.

Process / Step-by-step

Follow these steps to hide the period and comma keys in Gboard:

1. Open Gboard Settings

• Launch any app that brings up the keyboard.
• Tap the gear icon on the suggestion bar or go to Settings › System › Languages & Input › On-screen keyboard › Gboard.

1. Navigate to Preferences

• Inside Gboard Settings, select Preferences from the menu.

1. Locate the new toggles

• Scroll until you find Comma key and Period key: Show on keyboard for applicable languages.

1. Turn off the keys you don’t want

• Switch off either or both toggles to remove those punctuation marks from the layout.

1. Test your keyboard

• Open a chat or notes app to see the cleaner bottom row.
• The layout should now show only ?123 and the Enter key beside a wider space bar.

1. Optional: Enable Emoji key for symmetry

• You can keep the Emoji key on for a balanced design if you disable just one punctuation key.

Benefits

• Cleaner look: A minimal keyboard layout frees up space for larger keys.
• Better ergonomics: Reduces accidental taps on punctuation marks.
• Customization: Gives users more control over their typing experience.
• Faster typing: Fewer keys mean less visual clutter and smoother focus.

Best practices

• Keep the double-space shortcut enabled so you can still insert periods quickly.
• If you frequently type commas, consider keeping that key active while hiding only the period.
• Always update Gboard to the latest version via the Play Store to access new layout features.
• Experiment with Font Size and Emoji key placement for an optimized keyboard feel.

Did You Know?

Gboard first launched in 2016 and now supports over 900 languages. With this update, it continues Google’s trend of giving users fine-grained layout controls once reserved for third-party keyboards.

Conclusion

The option to hide the period and comma keys in Gboard may seem minor, but it reflects Google’s ongoing focus on personalization and user comfort. Whether you prefer a minimal look or need more thumb room, this update makes Gboard a bit more flexible for every Android user.

FAQs

How do I get the new Gboard update?

Install or update Gboard from the Google Play Store to version 16.0 or later.

Can I bring back the period and comma keys?

Yes. Return to Settings › Preferences and re-enable the respective toggles.

Will this change affect autocorrect or suggestions?

No. Autocorrect and predictive text features work the same way.

Does it work on non-English languages?

Yes, but the option appears only for languages where the comma and period keys are used.

What if I don’t see the option yet?

Wait for the feature to roll out to your region or join the Gboard beta program on Google Play.

Can I still type a period without the key?

Yes. Double-press the space bar to insert a period automatically.

References

• 9to5Google — Gboard for Android now lets you hide the period and comma keys — https://9to5google.com/2025/10/21/gboard-period-comma-keys/
• Google Play Store (Gboard App Page) — https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.inputmethod.latin
• Android Developers Input Method Documentation — https://developer.android.com/reference/android/view/inputmethod