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Keyboard Replacement

Migration from Gboard to Futo Keyboard. The goal is to remove Google's proprietary keyboard, which may exfiltrate typed input, track usage patterns, capture messages, and introduce other privacy risks.

Additionally, Gboard recently integrated a generative AI for text prediction that relies on models hosted on Google's servers, meaning typed content can be processed off‑device by an external AI.

Risks with Gboard​

  • Passive data collection: Gboard sends keystrokes and telemetry to Google's servers to "improve corrections and prediction." Even if Google claims to anonymize data, it still leaves the device and may be correlated with the Google account.
  • Behavioral tracking: integration across the Google ecosystem can correlate words you type with other services (Search, Gmail, Messages), strengthening silent profiling of usage.
  • Expanded attack surface: as a proprietary app with non‑auditable code, Gboard may receive updates that introduce unreviewed behavior (dynamic module downloads, additional collection, etc.).
  • Network permissions: features like voice recognition or translation require network access, increasing exposure to interception.

Benefits of Futo Keyboard​

  • Open source and auditable: Futo's code is available on GitHub, allowing verification that no hidden collection or backdoors exist.
  • Local-only operation: suggestions, corrections, and learning stay on the device without transmission to external servers.
  • Minimal permissions: Futo only requests the necessary keyboard permissions and does not require network or broad data access.
  • Custom keyboard support: supports custom themes and layouts while preserving protections against input logging.
  • Distribution via F‑Droid or a personally signed APK: avoids closed app stores and keeps the distribution channel under control.

Migrating from Gboard to Futo​

On most Android devices you cannot fully uninstall Gboard because it is installed as a system app. However, you can disable it and replace it with an alternative keyboard like Futo. Steps to migrate:

  1. Preparation: uninstall Gboard updates to revert to the factory version, then force stop, clear cache and app data.
  2. Install: install Futo Keyboard from F‑Droid or download the signed APK from the official site: https://keyboard.futo.org/.
  3. Select keyboard: open the app and follow the setup instructions.
  4. Disable Gboard:
    • Rooted device: uninstall Gboard using a root file manager or a system uninstaller.
    • Non‑root device: go to Settings > Apps > Gboard > Disable.