Fix: ‘Unfortunately Gboard has stopped’ Error on Android

Your Gboard might stop working due to a corrupted cache and data, an outdated Gboard app, or a bad update. The error message states that “Unfortunately Gboard has stopped” when you are either using it or randomly when you are switching applications.

How to Fix the Gboard Virtual Keyboard?

Gboard is a multi-platform app, having apps for Android, iOS, and Android TVs. It will not be possible to list down solutions for all versions. You may have to dig deeper to make the solution work for you according to the scenarios and symptoms of the problem.

Moreover, there are two case scenarios of this error,

A. When a user can use his device.
B. When a user cannot enter the password to unlock his phone as the keyboard (Gboard) is not working.

If you are experiencing the 2^nd scenario, then follow the last three solutions. For other users, you can try to restore your Gboard by following the undermentioned solutions.

1. Make sure you have a working internet connection.
2. Close all running or suspended apps.
3. If you are using Gboard with smart TV, then make sure there is no dongle receiver for the wireless mouse/keyboard.
4. If you are not locked out of your phone, then install another keyboard from the store as soon as possible.
5. Make sure that Gboard is your default/primary keyboard.

Force Stop the Gboard App

Gboard can get stuck in operation, leaving you deserted. In that case, force stopping (not closing) the app may solve the problem. This will essentially delete all the operating and temporary configurations of the keyboard and reinitialize when we open the application again.

1. On your device, open Settings.
2. Now, find and tap on Apps (or Application Manager).
3. Then find and tap on Gboard.

   

4. Now tap on Force Stop and then confirm to force stop by tapping on OK.

   

5. Now open any app where you have to use a keyboard and check if Gboard is working fine.

Disable and the Re-Enable Gboard from Keyboards Settings

In Android, keyboards are managed in Language and Input. Disabling Gboard and re-enabling it may solve the problem if there are problems with preferences.

1. Open your device’s settings.
2. Find and tap on Language and Input (it can be under More Settings).

   

3. Now tap on Virtual Keyboard (you may see the Current Keyboard option depending upon your model).

   

4. Now disable Gboard and then re-enable it.

   

5. Now check if Gboard is working fine.
6. If not, then again open the Virtual Keyboard setting. Now disable all keyboards and then just re-enable Gboard and check if it is functioning fine.

Restart Your Device

The Gboard stopping can be due to a software glitch, which can be rectified by a simple restart of your phone. But if your device requires a password on the restart, then do not restart your device. This way, you will not be able to enter the password if Gboard is not working (you can still go ahead if the default keyboard is still working).

1. Long press the Power button of your phone.
2. Then tap on Reboot.

   

3. After your phone has restarted, check if Gboard is working fine.

Clear Cache and Data of the Gboard App

Corrupted cache/data of the Gboard app can stop Gboard from working. In that case, clearing the cache and data of the Gboard app may solve the problem. Moreover, if you are having Gboard’s issue only in one app, then clearing the cache and data of that app may also solve the problem.

1. On your phone, open Settings.
2. Then find and tap on Apps (or Application Manager).
3. Then find and tap on Gboard.
4. Then tap on Storage.

   

5. Now tap on Clear cache and then confirm to clear the cache.
6. Then tap on Clear data and confirm to clear the data.

   

7. Now launch any app where you need to use a keyboard and check if Gboard is working fine.

Update Gboard to the Latest Build

Gboard is frequently updated to add new features and improve performance. Also, known bugs are fixed via new updates and if the issue you are facing is due to a known bug, then updating to the latest build may solve the problem.

1. Launch the Play Store and open the Hamburger menu.
2. Then tap on My apps & games.

   

3. Now find and tap on Gboard.
4. Then tap on Update.

   

5. After completion of the update process, check if the problem is fixed.

Uninstall Updates for Gboard

Gboard has a known history of patchy updates. The current Gboard problem could be the result of a patchy update. In that case, uninstalling the updates may solve the problem. This option may or may not be available (depending on the make and model of your device) for all users.

1. Launch the Play Store and open the Hamburger menu by tapping on it.
2. Then tap on My apps & games.
3. Now find and tap on Gboard.
4. Then tap on 3 dots (action menu) near the top right corner.

   

5. Now tap on Uninstall Updates.
6. After uninstallation of updates, check if Gboard is working fine.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Gboard App

If nothing has helped you so far, then uninstalling the Gboard and then re-installing it may solve the problem. This will fix any corruption issues you are facing because of the faulty installation of the application.

1. Launch the Play Store and open the hamburger menu.
2. Then tap on My apps & games.
3. Now find and tap on Gboard.
4. Then tap on Uninstall and confirm to uninstall.

   

5. After completion of the uninstall process, re-install the Gboard app and check if it is functioning normally.

Revert to Stock Keyboard of Your Device or Use Any Other Keyboard App

If nothing has worked for you, then it is time to change the android keyboard of your device or install another keyboard app. If you are having issues in uninstalling the Gboard app, then you can use the safe mode of your device to uninstall Gboard.

1. Long press the power button of your device.
2. Now long-press the Power Off option until the prompt of “you want to boot into safe mode” appears.
3. Tap on OK and wait for the phone to be booted into safe mode (you could see safe mode at the corner of your screen).

   

4. Now uninstall the Gbaord app (as you would normally uninstall any app) and restart your device normally.

What if You Cannot Log in to the Device?

If you are locked out of your phone. then your options are limited. Try the following solutions before factory resetting (the last resort) your device.

Use Web Version of the Play Store

If you are logged out of your device, then using the web version of Google Play Store to uninstall/reinstall/update Gboard. You may also install another keyboard app as an alternative.

1. Open the Play Store in a web browser.
2. Now search for Gboard and click on it.
3. If it is shown as installed, then click on Installed, then in the drop-down of the window that appeared, select your device and proceed with the installation.

   

4. If it is showing install, then install the app.
5. If it is showing that an update is available, then click on Update.
6. After installing/updating the Gboard app, check if the problem is solved.
7. If not, then try to install another keyboard app through Google Play web, so that, you can log in to your device.

Attach a Physical keyboard to Your Device

If nothing has helped you in logging in to your device, then it is time to test a real/physical USB keyboard attached to your phone through an OTG adapter.

1. Attach an OTG adapter to your USB keyboard.

   

2. Plug the OTG adapter into the device and check if you can type in the password.

Factory Reset

If nothing has worked for you so far, then maybe your only option is to perform a factory reset. Do note that this will erase all your existing data on your Android device. Make sure that you back up all important information before proceeding. Also, you will be required to input your Google email address and password if your device is registered to it.