What to know

  • Gboard version 16.0+ introduces toggles to hide comma and full stop keys.
  • The options live under Gboard Settings > Preferences.
  • Users can retain either or hide both punctuation keys.
  • Update rolls out on both beta and stable Android channels.

Google is testing a new customization feature in Gboard that allows users to hide the dedicated “.” (full stop) and “,” (comma) keys from the bottom row of the keyboard. The option appears under the Preferences menu as Comma key and Full stop key.

When the toggle is turned off, those punctuation keys disappear from the main typing layout, leaving extra space around the spacebar. To insert a comma or period, users can access the “?123” symbols layout instead. This mirrors the iOS keyboard design but gives Android users the choice to enable or disable it.

How to hide or show comma and full stop keys in Gboard keyboard

Here’s how to access the option on your Android device:

Step 1

Update to the latest version of Gboard from the Google Play Store (or join the beta program).

Step 2

Open any text field to bring up the keyboard.

Step 2

Tap the gear icon (⚙️) or the three-dot menu on the toolbar.

Step 3

Go to Settings → Preferences.

Step 4

Look for the toggle for Comma key and Full stop keys.

Step 5

Turn it off to hide the punctuation keys, or on to restore them.

If you don’t see the setting yet, it may still be rolling out to beta testers.

Pros and cons of hiding punctuation keys

With and without comma and full stop

Benefits:

  • Cleaner keyboard appearance with fewer keys.
  • Reduces accidental punctuation while typing.
  • Creates a more minimal layout similar to iOS.

Drawbacks:

  • Requires an extra tap to access commas and periods.
  • May slow down typing for users who use punctuation frequently.
  • Not yet available for all Android devices or Gboard versions.

This tweak aligns with Google’s broader push toward customizable and adaptive UI design. The company has been refining Gboard’s layout to better suit various screen sizes and typing styles. Allowing users to hide punctuation keys supports a more focused and less cluttered interface—something particularly useful for one-handed typing on larger phones.