Gboard is testing new font controls, and they’re a bigger deal than anyone saw coming.
Gboard font setting opens the door to real customization
Google’s latest Gboard beta quietly added a pair of font options that could finally give users more say in how their keyboard looks. First, you can now change the keyboard font size independently of your phone’s system settings. The new scale spans from 85% to 200% of the default size, offering more flexibility for those who need either smaller or larger text when typing.
This option lives in Settings > Preferences > Font Size. Once opened, it reveals a slider with defined steps: 85%, 100%, 115%, 130%, 150%, 180%, and 200%. It’s not a fluid scale, but it still covers the bases for most users.
The second Gboard font setting shows up on some devices
On top of that, Gboard now includes a second option to switch between Google’s font (likely Google Sans) and your system font. That means if your phone uses a custom font, Gboard can now mirror it. But don’t expect to find both features everywhere just yet.
They’re rolling out through Gboard beta version 15.9.0.799068799, though only some devices show the options even when running the same build. For instance, the OnePlus 13 showed both options, but other phones didn’t, pointing to a server-side switch or targeted A/B testing.
Why these Gboard font settings matter
For anyone who’s changed their phone’s display size or font settings only to find Gboard behaving like a rogue app, this is a win. Finally, users can:
- Shrink or enlarge the keyboard text without affecting other apps
- Match the keyboard’s font with their system style
- Keep legibility intact even on custom ROMs or accessibility setups
Still, it’s worth noting that changing your phone’s Display size will continue to influence Gboard’s layout slightly. But the new font settings offer enough separation to stand on their own.
Gboard is experimenting, but it’s listening
These new options don’t just look like experiments; they feel like features shaped by user feedback. While they’re in beta limbo now, their presence on multiple devices is a strong hint: Google may be prepping them for a broader rollout.
Let’s just hope they don’t disappear again like so many Gboard betas before. Some features are too useful to stay buried in testing.
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