Gboard update lets Android users hide period and comma keys

Gboard update lets Android users hide period and comma keys
Gboard for Android has introduced a new feature letting users hide the period and comma keys, following last week’s rollout of the “Font size” setting. The update, available in Gboard 16.0 and above, provides greater control over keyboard layout.

To enable or disable the keys, open Gboard Settings and navigate to Preferences. Here, you will find toggles labelled “Comma key” and “Period key: Show on keyboard for applicable languages.” These keys are enabled by default, a layout that has remained standard for years.

Turning off these keys removes them from the bottom row, leaving only the ‘?123’ key and the enter key. This results in a much wider space bar and a cleaner overall keyboard appearance. Users can still insert a period by double-pressing the space bar. Removing the comma key is a less conventional choice, but it can be disabled independently while keeping the Emoji key for a more symmetrical design.

The change is rolling out broadly across both beta and stable channels. Users who prefer a minimalist layout or want extra space on the keyboard will find this update particularly useful, while the existing shortcuts ensure that essential punctuation remains accessible.