PromptPad
Guide

How to add a custom AI keyboard on iPhone.

Adding a keyboard takes about a minute. This guide uses PromptPad as the example, but the steps are the same for any third-party keyboard.

Get PromptPad Jump to the steps

The quick answer

To add a custom keyboard on iPhone, install the keyboard app from the App Store, then open Settings, go to General, Keyboard, Keyboards, Add New Keyboard, and choose it under Third-Party Keyboards. Switch to it in any app with the globe key.

Add the keyboard, step by step

  1. Install the app

    Download PromptPad from the App Store. A keyboard only appears in Settings after its app is installed.

  2. Open keyboard settings

    Open the Settings app, then go to General > Keyboard > Keyboards.

  3. Add PromptPad

    Tap Add New Keyboard and choose PromptPad in the Third-Party Keyboards list.

  4. Allow Full Access

    Tap PromptPad in your keyboard list, turn on Allow Full Access, and confirm. Read what this means below.

  5. Switch to it

    Open any app with a text field. Touch and hold the globe key, then choose PromptPad. A quick tap on the globe key cycles through your keyboards.

That's it. Type a message, then tap a shortcut above the keys. A good first test is to try rewriting a rough message with Make Formal.

What Full Access means

When you turn on Full Access, iOS shows a warning that the keyboard's developer could transmit anything you type. Apple shows the same warning for every third-party keyboard, because Full Access allows network access. It is a statement about what is possible, not about what a given keyboard does.

Why PromptPad asks for it: Full Access lets the keyboard reach the internet when you use a cloud AI model, and share your shortcuts between the app and the keyboard.

What PromptPad reads: the keyboard only reads the text in a field when you tap a shortcut. It doesn't record what you type. In cloud mode the text is sent to the AI model, the result comes back, and the text is discarded. In on-device mode, nothing leaves your iPhone.

What no third-party keyboard sees: iOS switches to the Apple keyboard in password fields, so a third-party keyboard never handles your passwords. Some apps also choose to block third-party keyboards.

Is Full Access safe? It comes down to trusting the developer. Read the privacy policy before you turn it on, and prefer keyboards that say clearly what they collect. PromptPad's is short and readable: see the privacy policy.

Switch, reorder or remove keyboards

  • Switch: tap the globe key to move to the next keyboard, or touch and hold it to pick from a list.
  • Reorder: go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap Edit, and drag a keyboard up or down.
  • Remove: in the same list, tap Edit and delete the keyboard, or swipe left on it. Deleting the app also removes its keyboard.

Troubleshooting

The keyboard doesn't appear in the list

Make sure the app finished installing, then open it once. Go back to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard and look under Third-Party Keyboards.

It keeps switching back to the Apple keyboard

This is normal in password fields and in some number fields, where iOS uses its own keyboard. Some apps also block third-party keyboards. In other fields, hold the globe key and choose PromptPad again.

A shortcut doesn't change my text

Check that Full Access is on and that you're online if you use a cloud model. In Preview mode, tap Apply to put the result in the field. More fixes are on the support page.

Keyboard setup questions

Do I need Full Access to use PromptPad?

Turn it on for the full experience. Full Access lets the keyboard use cloud AI and share your shortcuts between the app and the keyboard.

Can a third-party keyboard see my passwords?

No. iOS switches to the Apple keyboard in password fields, so third-party keyboards don't handle passwords.

How do I go back to the Apple keyboard?

Tap or hold the globe key and choose your Apple keyboard. To remove PromptPad completely, go to Settings, General, Keyboard, Keyboards, tap Edit and delete it.

Next steps

You now have the PromptPad AI keyboard on your iPhone. Here is what to try first.

Next: create a shortcutBuild your own button in seconds. Try rewritingMake a rough message formal or shorter. Fix grammarCorrect a whole message in one tap.

Ready when
you are.

Free on the App Store. Works in the apps you already use.

Download on theApp Store

For iPhone. Free plan included. On-device AI needs iOS 26 and an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.