Your Swiftkey account will soon require a Microsoft account and your data will be moved to OneDrive. This week, Microsoft sent an email to users about the upcoming retirement of SwiftKey accounts that will take place on May 31, 2026.
The tech giant says the change is being made to "make SwiftKey better. Microsoft states that by moving to Microsoft accounts:
- Your typing data will be more securely stored in OneDrive.
- You’ll benefit from enhanced privacy protections and easier access to your data across devices.
- You can earn 1000 Microsoft Rewards points to spend on top online shops, Xbox discounts, or donate to your favorite charity.
- It simplifies your experience by using the same credentials you already use for other Microsoft apps and services.
I'm shocked this did not happen sooner. Microsoft purchased SwiftKey in 2016. The company has maintained SwiftKey on iOS and Android since then, though there was a brief stint during which Microsoft planned to end iOS support.
SwiftKey has been a popular third-party keyboard for over a decade, though I'd argue its development has stagnated in the last few years. It still holds 4.4/5 and 4.6/5 ratings on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, respectively.
SwiftKey technology was also integrated into the keyboard on Windows.
For many, the shift to using a Microsoft account will not matter. Apple and Google accounts have been supported on SwiftKey until now, but many use Microsoft accounts to sign in or will be okay switching to a Microsoft account.
Others will be upset by Microsoft's increasing and continuing efforts to get people to sign up for and use a Microsoft account. Windows 11 integrates deeply with Microsoft accounts and set up of the operating system requires a Microsoft account in most cases.
Soon, SwiftKey will join the ranks of Microsoft apps and services that either require a Microsoft account or effectively force you to use one.
The shift to storing SwiftKey data on OneDrive may also draw criticism.
What you need to do
All SwiftKey account data will be permanently deleted on May 31, 2026. To retrieve your account data, you need to visit https://data.swiftkey.com before that cutoff.
If you switch to a Microsoft account before the end of May or already use a Microsoft account to sign in to SwiftKey, you don't need to take any further action. Microsoft account users will have their data backed up on OneDrive automatically.
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Microsoft Accounts have transitioned from an "optional extra" to a non-negotiable requirement for more and more services. While many are okay with it, some prefer to avoid making a Microsoft account or having data stored on OneDrive.
Do you use a Microsoft account? Are you okay with SwiftKey requireing one? Let me know in the comments.
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