Microsoft SwiftKey Guide: Setup, Themes, Languages and Privacy
- Microsoft describes SwiftKey as a keyboard that learns from you, available for iOS and Android.
- You can download languages in the app; downloaded languages are enabled by default, up to five at once.
- A SwiftKey account is optional and opt-in. Backup & Sync needs it.
- Themes are free but cannot be transferred between Android and iOS.
Microsoft SwiftKey is a keyboard app that predicts words, learns how you type and lets you customize how the keyboard looks. This guide covers the setup and main settings from Microsoft's help pages. For clipboard and typing options, read our clipboard and typing settings guide.
Sources and accuracy
We read the Microsoft SwiftKey support pages on setup, themes, backup & sync and the support hub in October 2026. The setup page did not explain how to enable a keyboard in your phone's system settings, so we do not give those steps. Names and options differ by device and app version. We did not test the app ourselves.
What SwiftKey offers
- Predictions and autocorrect that learn your word choice and emoji use.
- A toolbar with tools and themes.
- Multiple languages, voice typing and emoji, GIFs and stickers.
- Optional backup and sync of learned words.
Set up in the app
- Open the Microsoft SwiftKey app.
- Tap Languages and tap a language to download it. Downloaded languages are enabled by default, up to five at once.
- To change the layout, tap the box under a language or use the Layout icon in the toolbar.
- Create an optional SwiftKey Account and make sure Backup & Sync is on if you want learned words on other devices.
- Open Typing to choose what the spacebar does (Quick prediction insert or Autocorrect) and to try Flow gesture typing.
- Under Rich input choose whether to show the voice input key.
Layout and keys
In Layout & keys you can add an arrow row or a number row, add accented characters, move the number pad, resize the keyboard and set the long-press duration. Under Sound & vibration you can change key sounds and vibration.
Themes
Open the app and tap Themes to see installed themes, then Gallery to browse more. You can also open the toolbar, pick the Themes tab (palette icon) and choose Gallery. Microsoft says themes are free and platform-specific, so they cannot move between Android and iOS.
Backup & Sync
Learned words and phrases can be backed up to your account and synced to other devices signed in to the same account. Enable or disable it under Account, then Backup & Sync. You can limit it to Wi-Fi. Disabling it does not delete data already stored. To delete the backup, use Delete personalized dictionary backup in Account.
Privacy points
- The account is optional.
- Learned words can be personal. Disable sync if you do not want them stored in the cloud.
- Microsoft has separate pages about privacy questions and a Data Portal. Read them before deciding.
- Avoid typing sensitive data in apps you do not trust, whichever keyboard you use.
Common problems
Predictions disappeared. Microsoft has a support article about this on its hub. Check it first.
Wrong language. Open Languages and select or change the layout.
Theme not available. Themes differ between Android and iOS.
Frequently asked questions
Is SwiftKey free? Themes are free per Microsoft's page. Check the store listing for other details.
Does it work on iPhone? Microsoft says it is available for iOS and Android.
Do I need an account? No, the account is optional.
Official links
More in Mobile Apps.
Conclusion
Set up your languages, pick a theme and decide about sync with privacy in mind.
Sources checked: support.microsoft.com SwiftKey pages above (October 2026).