The key icon on Android phones indicates that your device’s keyboard is in capitalization lock mode. This means that when you type, your text will default to ALL CAPS until you turn off this feature.
While some users intentionally enable caps lock, many find the persistent key icon annoying or unnecessary. Android makes removing the key icon from your phone’s display easy. Below, we’ll explore how to remove key icon on android phone and banish the critical icon for good!
Understanding the Key Icon
The caps lock key icon appears in the navigation bar at the top of your Android screen, to the left of the WiFi and battery indicators. It resembles a key with an upward arrow next to it.
This icon indicates that the caps lock feature is enabled on your keyboard. With caps lock on, any letters you type will automatically be capitalized. The critical icon is a persistent reminder that your caps lock is engaged.
Caps lock is applicable when you must type multiple words in ALL CAPS. However, most users prefer to order with standard capitalization. Having the critical icon ever-present can be distracting.
You can easily dismiss the critical icon and return to lowercase typing. Below, we’ll cover some quick methods to turn caps lock off.
Method 1: Press the Shift Key
Pressing the Shift key on your Android keyboard is the easiest way to turn Android off.
To do this:
- Tap inside any text field to pull up the on-screen keyboard.
- Locate the Shift key on the left side of the keyboard.
- Tap the Shift key once.
This will instantly turn off the caps lock and remove the critical icon from your navigation bar. Now, when you type, your letters will default to average capitalization.
If you ever need caps to lock again, double-tap the Shift key to re-enable it. The key icon will reappear.
Pressing Shift is the fastest way to toggle caps lock on and off as needed. Remember to hit it once more to revert to lowercase when you’re finished typing in ALL CAPS.
Method 2: Toggle Via Settings
You can remove the critical icon by changing your caps lock settings within Android’s Settings menu. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Select System> Languages & input.
- Choose Virtual keyboard > Gboard.
- Tap Text correction.
- Toggle Caps lock to the off position.
With caps lock disabled here, the key icon will disappear from your navigation bar. This prevents ALL CAPS from accidentally enabling again.
If you need to type in caps lock mode, revisit the text correction settings and toggle caps lock back on. The key icon will return.
Adjusting the caps lock setting directly gives you more permanent control over the critical icon’s visibility. Just flip it on or off anytime as needed.
Method 3: Try a Different Keyboard
Another option is to replace Gboard with a third-party Android keyboard that doesn’t display the caps lock key icon. Popular choices include:
- SwiftKey
- Microsoft SwiftKey
- Chrooma
- Fleksy
- TouchPal
To change your keyboard:
- Go to Settings > System > Languages & input > Virtual keyboard.
- Tap Manage keyboards > Add virtual keyboard.
- Select the keyboard app you want to install.
- Follow the prompts to configure your new keyboard.
- Tap Default from the Languages & input settings and choose your new keyboard.
Many third-party keyboards don’t indicate when the caps lock is active. You can enable ALL CAPS as needed without the visual key icon.
Remember that you may lose access to other useful Gboard features, such as gesture typing and Google search integration. Try out a few keyboard apps to see which best fits your preferences and needs.
Method 4: Hide the Key Icon with Automation
Try using an automation app if you use caps and locks frequently but still want to hide the critical icon. Options like MacroDroid or Tasker allow you to set up custom triggers and actions.
You can configure an automation to:
- Detect when the caps lock key icon appears
- Automatically dismiss the icon
- Run this sequence in the background anytime caps lock is enabled
Here is an example automation recipe:
Trigger: Icon visible – Key icon
Action: Press the Shift key
Constraint: Repeat every 5 minutes
This would automatically tap Shift to turn off the caps lock every 5 minutes. You could still type in ALL CAPS, but the icon would remain invisible.
Automation does require some technical know-how to set up. There are also paid-tier options for more advanced features. But it can be clever to utilize caps lock while hiding its key icon indicator.
When the Key Icon Won’t Go Away
Sometimes, the critical icon may get stuck on your Android screen and persist even when caps lock is disabled. What causes this, and how can you fix it?
A stuck key icon is typically the result of a bug or glitch in your device’s software. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your phone
- Check for Android updates
- Reset your keyboard dictionary and settings
- Clear cache and data for the Gboard app
- Factory reset device (if all else fails)
The critical icon appearing randomly or getting stuck on the screen indicates a system software issue. A restart or update can refresh the System and resolve any conflicts.
For hardware-related problems, you may need to contact your device manufacturer for repair options. But software bugs are the main culprit behind a stubborn key icon that won’t disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the critical icon on Android mean?
The key icon indicates caps lock is enabled on your Android device’s on-screen keyboard. When caps lock is on, any letters you type will appear in ALL CAPS until you turn it off.
2. How do I remove the key icon on my Android?
To remove the critical icon, disable caps lock by pressing the Shift key once or toggling caps lock off in your keyboard settings. You can also install a third-party keyboard app that doesn’t display the icon.
3. Why does the critical icon keep coming back on my Android?
If the critical icon reappears randomly, even with caps lock disabled, it likely indicates a software glitch or bug. Try restarting your device, checking for updates, or resetting your keyboard.
4. Is there a way to use caps lock but hide the critical icon?
Yes, you can use automation apps like MacroDroid or Tasker to detect when the icon appears and automatically dismiss it. This allows you to type in ALL CAPS without the visual indicator.
5. My Android key icon is stuck on the screen. How can I fix this?
A stuck key icon usually indicates a system software conflict. Try restarting and updating your Android device. If that doesn’t work, reset your keyboard settings or perform a factory reset as a last resort.
Caps Lock Key Icon: Conclusion
While the caps lock key icon has been used, many Android users find its constant presence distracting. You can banish the critical icon when you don’t need ALL CAPS capability.
The easiest method is tapping your Shift key to quickly toggle the caps lock off. Settings adjustments, keyboard swaps, and intelligent automation can also give you more control over hiding the icon.
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