Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Use the Virtual Keyboard

Cool features available in Samsung Galaxy SIII will give you a different experience in doing many things with this device. By using Galaxy SIII you can send a text message or multimedia message up to send regular or scheduled email with ease.

See also: How to Send Text or MMS Messages on Samsung Galaxy S3

When you compose a new messages you usually use the virtual keyboard to type your message. Virtual keyboard on the Galaxy SIII has a similar function as a computer keyboard, for example: to write capital letters, enter number, enter symbols, etc..

Image Credit: ubergizmo.com


How to use the virtual keyboard?
Taken from videotron.tmtx.ca, here the steps to use the virtual keyboard on your Galaxy SIII:
  1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
  2. Scroll to Messaging, then tap on it.
  3. In the text entry screen tap on the letters key on the virtual keyboard to enter text.
  4. Tap on the Space bar key to enter a space.
  5. Tap on the Shift key to enter an uppercase letter.
  6. To turn on or off CapsLock double tap the Shift key.
  7. To view alternative character on a certain letter, tap and hold on the letter you want. Keep your finger on the screen then drag over on the alternative character you want to use then release your finger.
  8. Tap on 123Sym to enter number and symbols.
  9. Tap on 1/3 key to access symbols.
  10. Tap on 2/3 key to access emoticons.
  11. Tap on ABC key to return to letters.

Well, the above is how to use the virtual keyboard on the Galaxy SIII. By knowing the steps, now you can compose new message that contains letters, alternative character, numbers, symbols or emoticons easily. So, try this useful tips then share your experience here through the comment below :)

16 comments:

  1. Where is the enter key please???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi There,
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      In virtual keyboard on Samsung Galaxy S3, Enter key located under the delete key, or the right of the dot key, or in the bottom right corner which shown with curved arrows as found on computer keyboard.
      Hope it helps :)

      Delete
  2. Any way to disable holding down to view alternate characters? ( number 7 on your list). I use a Bluetooth keyboard To play a game on My Phone which utilizes holding down A W S And D, its so annoying when the Alternate characters Pop Up

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ian Perkins,
      Thanks for coming here.
      Here are the steps to disable character preview on keyboard:
      1. Go to Settings.
      2. Tap Language and input.
      3. Enable Samsung keyboard then tap gear icon next to this option.
      4. Tap Advanced.
      5. Unchecked Character preview option.

      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  3. i used to be able to access some of the smiley's from the dot key (right to the enter key) and now i'm not able to...does anyone know how i can get that back?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dimitra Matthews,
      Thanks for coming.
      Can you please tell me, did you made any changes before you realize that you no longer can access smiley using dot key? Actually, I just found out about it from you. Did you use stock keyboard or else?

      Delete
  4. Ive just updated my samsung galaxy s3 snd now I cant change the keypad . I don't like qwerty but cant find the option to change it since the update. Please help x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Donna Saunders,
      Thanks for coming.
      Did you mean to change to the 3x5 keyboard? If so, seems this option has been removed on Android 4.3. If you're not uncomfortable using the small qwerty keyboard, then you might have to try another keyboard app, such as Big Button Keyboard Standard app. This keyboard has more bigger button than the stock, which I thinks will be able to help those who have the difficulties to use the small qwerty keyboard. Here's the link:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bigbuttons&hl=en
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
  5. Hi Rehan;
    Thanks for your reply. Yeah, its the 3x5 that I prefer. I have rheumatoid arthritis so my fingers don't eork too well. I will look at the apps; thanks again.
    Donna :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Donna Saunders,
      Thanks for coming back here.
      I will be happy to know how this app will work on you :)

      Delete
  6. Hi, I've actually added the app called perfect keyboard which so far seems to be OK. You get a little icon appear at the top of the pull down screen on the phone which gives you the option to swap between the two different keyboards. I'm still getting used to it but it seems OK.
    Happy New year
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Donna Saunders,
      Glad to see you again.
      Yep, the Perfect Keyboard app is one of the most popular keyboard app. Lot of users confirmed that they're satisfied with this app rather than the stock.
      Happy New Year to you too :)

      Delete
  7. Hello. Do you know where i can find a keyboard like in the first photo? I'v searched everywhere and I couldn't find one... It is verticaly aligned. Can you help me?
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Buddy,
      Thanks for coming.
      Well, I'm so sorry to say that there's no keyboard app that is vertically aligned in the Google Play Store. CMIIW, the first phone is an old Nexus phone. I used these pictures just as an example of the virtual keyboard in a phone.

      Delete
  8. Hi. Do you know how how to force the Return/Enter symbol when the Enter-key is replaced?
    I'm using a chat environment within a certain social application and the Enter key there is replaced with a button for emoticons.
    Maybe I can use some code, or special menu for it?

    (Another missing feature is the lack of cursor buttons. Editing text properly is difficult without them...)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi DD,
      Thanks for coming.
      - Bring back the enter key
      Since you didn't mention the app name, I couldn't give you any possible solution for your issue.
      But, I found the same problem when I was composing message in Hangouts app. The enter key was replaced with the emoticon key.
      Some of users of other Android phones confirmed that they were able to bring back the enter key by pressing the shift key (it's located in the left side of "Z"), unfortunately it didn't work when I tried in my S4 and S5.
      Another way to bring back the enter key while using Hangouts app is by using third-party keyboard app (I've tried using Jelly Bean keyboard). The enter key is available but when I press it, it will send the message automatically instead of enter a new line within the message.

      - Editing text
      You can easily correct the wrong text simply by tapping the screen where the text is located.

      Delete

Hi the insiders,
Thanks for coming and I hope you can get something useful here.
Before submitting your comment to ask about an issue, please make sure to provide information as much as possible (at least write your model number and Android version) and describe the problem clearly.
Also, since all comments will be moderated, all comments with irrelevant links(if any) or contain with offensive/harsh word will be deleted.
The last, if you have a question and can't find the relevant article, please feel free to reach me through the Contact us page. I'll be more than happy to reply the email and answer the question :)