Question

In my app, the user is required to input car license plates (It’s a private app for parking guards). However, the default Android keyboard is extremely inefficient to do that. My client has asked me to override the default keyboard to make it easier.

I’ve been told this is a dangerous approach, but this is a private app that only 3 people will use so security risks aren’t that important.

I only need to override it in one EditText, so alternative methods are also welcome.

How can I override the default keyboard layout?

Answer 1

My client has asked me to override the default keyboard to make it easier.

That is not possible.

I’ve been told this is a dangerous approach

It’s an impossible approach.

I only need to override it in one EditText, so alternative methods are also welcome.

Don’t use an EditText. Use your own set of Button widgets and a TextView.

How can I override the default keyboard layout?

You can’t. You are welcome to write your own input method editor (a.k.a., soft keyboard). However, the user has to decide to use it — you cannot force it upon them. That may be sufficient for your scenario.