Quick answer
Key points
- Add Encode Keyboard from Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards.
- Use the globe key to switch, then choose a codec and Encode or Decode.
- Full Access is not required; secure and phone fields use the system keyboard.
Before you start
Install Encode Keyboard from the App Store and open it once. The current release supports iPhone and iPad on iOS 18 or later.
You do not need to create an account. The keyboard performs supported transformations on device and declares RequestsOpenAccess=false, so do not enable Full Access while following this guide.
Add the keyboard in iOS Settings
Apple requires every third-party keyboard to be enabled by the device owner. Follow these steps:
- Open Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards.
- Tap Add New Keyboard and choose Encode Keyboard.
- Confirm that Encode Keyboard now appears in the keyboard list.
- If iOS offers an Allow Full Access switch, leave it off.
Encode or decode while typing
Open Notes or another app with a normal text field. Touch and hold the globe key, then choose Encode Keyboard. Type or place the cursor after the line you want to transform.
In the compact toolbar, choose the codec, choose Encode or Decode, select EN or VI for typing, then tap Convert. Convert replaces the current line before the cursor. If the result is not what you wanted, tap Undo before changing the surrounding text.
HelloSGVsbG8=Choose Base64 → Encode → Convert. Run Decode on the result to restore Hello.
Where the custom keyboard can appear
Test first in Notes. iOS automatically replaces third-party keyboards with the system keyboard in secure password fields and phone-pad fields. An app developer can also block all third-party keyboards in that app.
Those restrictions are normal platform behavior, not a reason to enable Full Access. If Encode Keyboard is missing from an ordinary text field, use the troubleshooting guide below.
Frequently asked questions
Does Encode Keyboard need Full Access?
No. The keyboard declares RequestsOpenAccess=false and is designed to work without network access.
What text does Convert change?
It changes the current line before the cursor. Use Undo immediately if you want to restore the previous line.
Why does it disappear in a password field?
iOS uses the system keyboard in secure fields so a third-party keyboard cannot access that input.
Primary sources
This guide prioritizes documentation from the organizations responsible for the standard or platform.