Andy Walker / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Microsoft will soon start implementing third-party logins to back up SwiftKey.
- If you want the keyboard to save your personal dictionary files and sync them between devices, you now need to use a Microsoft account.
- If you’re already using a different login like Google or Apple, your data will be deleted if you don’t back it up by tomorrow.
For months, Microsoft has been advising SwiftKey users to switch to OneDrive-based backup. The latest deadline set by the software giant is May 31, which is tomorrow. Although the deadline for this switch has slipped, Microsoft doesn’t seem interested in another extension.
That’s why it’s ideal that you switch to signing in using a Microsoft account. Although the keyboard will continue to work as usual, you will lose any information about your typing.
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According to Microsoft’s support page, the recorded data includes your personal dictionary or a set of custom words (or non-words) you type using the SwiftKey keyboard it stores, as well as a personalized prediction model based on your personal dictionary. This can be especially valuable if you use swiping gestures for fast typing, something SwiftKey has mastered over the past 15-plus years.
If you don’t make the switch before tomorrow, you’ll also lose access to the “Backup & Sync” option on your keyboard.
How to transfer SwiftKey from Google or Apple to Microsoft account?
The process of switching to a Microsoft account is not tedious. But to make it easier for you, follow these steps:
- visit the Microsoft SwiftKey information portal in a web browser. You can also access it by going to SwiftKey settings on your phone and then tapping Account > View and manage your data.
- Select an existing account provider such as Google or Apple.
- hit Look at the datahere you will see the entire list of words in your personalized directory.
- You can register manually, but the preferred method would be to use Export all choice.
- Wait for the download to finish and keep the file handy.
- If you don’t already have a Microsoft account, create one.
- Sign in OneDrive Using your Microsoft account and go Apps > SwiftKey.
- Download the previously saved file here.
- Go back to SwiftKey on your phone, open its settings, and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- The personal dictionary you downloaded should be here. If you don’t see personalized recommendations, check the file in OneDrive under Apps > SwiftKey and update it manually.
Microsoft’s move to force users can certainly seem annoying. But if you apply for the switch, Microsoft will give you the opportunity to earn up to 1,000 Rewards Points that you can use at certain online stores. Xbox discountsor donate to a charity of your choice.
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