Android - Programmatically Hide/Show Soft Keyboard

Levelling Up Keyboard Control

Let's take your handling of the soft keyboard's visibility to new vistas. A collection of advanced methods for you:

The Runnable Way

A Runnable in onResume ensures keyboard reveal happens spot on:

@Override
protected void onResume() {
    super.onResume();
    myEditText.post(()-> {
        myEditText.requestFocus(); // Roll out the red carpet
        InputMethodManager mgr = (InputMethodManager) getSystemService(INPUT_METHOD_SERVICE);
        mgr.showSoftInput(myEditText, InputMethodManager.SHOW_IMPLICIT); // Make some noise!
    });
}
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Focusing on EditText

Remember to:

• Set android:focusableInTouchMode="true" on your EditText in your layout. XML, it does wonders!
• Use myEditText.requestFocus(); programatically. Remember, what you focus on, expands!

InputMethodManager - The Keyboard Conductor

Be wary of the null state of our InputMethodManager. Always have a plan B:

InputMethodManager imm = (InputMethodManager) getSystemService(Context.INPUT_METHOD_SERVICE);
if (imm != null) {
    // It's showtime!
    imm.showSoftInput(view, 0);
    // or, undercover time:
    imm.hideSoftInputFromWindow(view.getWindowToken(), 0);
}


Mastering your AndroidManifest.xml

Make your AndroidManifest.xml work for you when soft keyboard orientation changes rock your boat:

<activity android:name=".MyActivity"
          android:windowSoftInputMode="adjustResize|stateHidden" />
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Dynamic Adjustments with Custom Views

For custom views, use the onFinishInflate() method to control dynamic keyboard visibility like a boss!

Toggling Keyboard - A Brave New World

Sometimes, all you need is a good ol' toggle:

InputMethodManager imm = (InputMethodManager) getSystemService(Context.INPUT_METHOD_SERVICE);
if (imm != null) {
    // Like flipping a coin!
    imm.toggleSoftInput(InputMethodManager.SHOW_FORCED, 0);
    // or flip it back:
    imm.toggleSoftInput(0, InputMethodManager.HIDE_NOT_ALWAYS);
}


Waving the Starting Gun and Showing the Keyboard

Don't rush to display the keyboard before your view is race-ready. Always wait for the starter's pistol:

editText.post(() -> {
    editText.requestFocus();
    InputMethodManager mgr = (InputMethodManager) getSystemService(INPUT_METHOD_SERVICE);
    mgr.showSoftInput(editText, InputMethodManager.SHOW_IMPLICIT);
});


Keyboard Visibility - Clear the Stage!

Sometimes multiple views need to be in the limelight. A layout wherein tapping a non-editable view needs to vanish the keyboard demands new moves:

<!-- In your XML layout file -->
<LinearLayout
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:focusableInTouchMode="true">

    <!-- Other views (co-stars in the grand play) -->

</LinearLayout>


Now, tapping outside an EditText briefly shines the spotlight on LinearLayout, pushing the keyboard offstage.

Staying Updated

Stay updated about new methods, APIs, and resources - knowledge is obsolete as soon it is acquired, always keep an eye out for the next frontier.