# Retro Txt T9 Number Keyboard — Text like it's 1999

> T9 keyboard app for nostalgic texting with predictive text and customization. (iPhone/iPad app by Digital Tools Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-txt-t9-number-keyboard/id936299405 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Digital Tools Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/852921471)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $0.99)
- Rating: 3.90/5 from 114 App Store ratings · 93 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 24 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-11-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-txt-t9-number-keyboard/id936299405/reviews.md

## What is Retro Txt T9 Number Keyboard?

Dive back into the nostalgia of the '90s with Retro Txt, the keyboard app that transforms your cutting-edge smartphone into a classic T9 cell phone. Remember the days when texting required a bit of skill, pressing '2' three times for 'c', and twice for 'b'? Retro Txt brings that memorable experience right to your fingertips, making every message a throwback adventure.

Why settle for ordinary when you can stand out? Retro Txt is perfect for those who miss the simplicity of the past or find modern keyboards too cramped for comfort. It's a breeze to use, offering the charm of retro texting combined with the convenience of your iPhone or iPad.

With Retro Txt, you get:

- A nostalgia-packed T9 keyboard that's easy to use system-wide.
- Advanced T9 predictive text.
- A variety of retro styles to customize your keyboard, ensuring it matches your unique taste.
- The ability to craft your own custom keyboards for that personal touch.
- A customizable T9 dictionary, making typing faster and more intuitive.
- Large buttons designed to accommodate all finger sizes, eliminating typos and frustration.
- Smart keypress technology: multiple presses on the same key produce different letters.
- A high-speed mode for those who've mastered the art of rapid texting.
- A dedicated number lock for switching between text and numbers effortlessly.
- Quick shortcuts for spaces, periods, and special characters, streamlining your typing experience.

Retro Txt is not just an app; it's a time machine for your phone. Compatible with both iPhone and iPad, it offers a seamless blend of the past and present. Whether you're texting, taking notes, or updating your status, Retro Txt makes every interaction fun and unique.

Get ready to Text Like It's 1999! Download RetroTxt now and add a touch of nostalgia to your digital life.

Some features require a one-time in-app purchase to enable.

## Key features

- Nostalgia-packed T9 keyboard
- Advanced T9 predictive text
- Variety of retro styles
- Customizable keyboards
- Large buttons for easy typing
- Smart keypress technology
- Customizable T9 dictionary

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 93)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-txt-t9-number-keyboard/id936299405/reviews.md

### 2/5 — It’s not T9

*2026-07-09*

It makes the keyboard *look* like T9, but it’s not. It’s predictive and it’s limited in its capacity to do so. Typing “old school” abbreviations is impossible because it guesses what you’re trying to say and gets it wrong. T9 texting meant pressing buttons several times to get the correct letter and that isn’t how this app works. The only things it has in common with old texting is the layout and the fact that is in fact more time consuming. But it doesn’t feel nostalgic either. So it fails at being useful or fun.

**Developer response:** Hey,

The app also has the press the button "2" three times to write the letter "T" T9 mode, you can just turn off predictive text in settings or by holding down the "#" key.

I hope this helps, please reach out to me via support so I can help you.

Cheers
Andy

### 1/5 — Full Access Non-Optional

*2026-06-11, version 2.9.0*

Most keyboards have an option to turn on/off full access. This one inserts itself into iOS list off keyboards with full access enabled and no way to turn that off! That means those keyboards can capture everything you type she send it to a third party. Absolute non-starter... you are crazy if you use this!

### 4/5 — small bug

*2026-05-02, version 2.9.0*

Id like it to default to number pad and it won't, even though it's in the settings

### 5/5 — good

*2026-04-08, version 2.9.0*

I FOUND OUT HOW TO FIX THE PREDICTIVE TEXT THING 5 STARSSSS

### 4/5 — SO close to the original T9, but not quite!

*2026-03-28*

I absolutely LOVED T9 “back in my day”, and this app is so close to how it was! It was incredibly nostalgic to use again. 
I do, however, wish that it was like the old T9 keyboards where it allow you to switch to “multi-tap” mode for individual spelling of words that isn’t in the typical “predictable text” options. Maybe I can’t figure it out despite having read the directions, but I can’t get the keyboard to allow for individual letters. 
I also wish it had the typical key that “set” a word in and then the word could be manipulated after rather than it deleting the whole word/changing the entire word again like the old T9 had. If you hit “>” then it would set the word. Removing the middle-of-typing blue highlight IYKYK 😂
Overall I love the app!

### 5/5 — As described!

*2026-03-19*

I'm not sure what any of the bad reviews are about (and I’m glad I didn’t pay them any mind) because this app is exactly what it set out to be! If you need any help understanding how to get to the other characters (such as ?,!,&,@, etc.) just click on the FAQ link in the settings. There, they have a nice reference chart. All the characters can be used on the keyboard. Great, simple app!

### 5/5 — Ya

*2026-01-19, version 2.8.0*

Ya

### 1/5 — High hopes for this app

*2026-01-04*

Really wished it worked better than claimed. Pressing space 2times did not give a period. Can’t access your emojis. $4.99 for not getting a functioning keyboard. Will be asking for a refund. The app was not designed well unfortunately. Added some words to my dictionary and they weren’t being picked up. Trying to type “Happening” not happening lol. I loved using that type of keyboard and wanted to use it again but this app was a dud. Don’t waste your money on this one. I really wanted to like it.

### 4/5 — Almost Perfect!

*2025-12-29, version 2.7.0*

One thing that needs to be addressed,

When I click the uppercase key, only the first tap registers as capital letter when it should it should be all capital as long as I'm not yet finished cycling through the letters.

### 1/5 — No enter key

*2025-12-23, version 2.7.0*

Look, it’s fine if I can’t customize it, that really sucks butt, but I wouldn’t care, if this keyboard had an enter button. i can type all I want on it, but it doesn’t matter, because I cant even enter it.

## Frequently asked questions about Retro Txt T9 Number Keyboard

### What is Retro Txt T9 Number Keyboard?

Retro Txt T9 Number Keyboard is an app that transforms your smartphone's keyboard into a classic T9 input system, reminiscent of 1990s cell phones. It allows you to text using the familiar multi-press key system and offers features like predictive text and customizable styles.

### What are the key features of this T9 keyboard?

Key features include a nostalgia-packed T9 keyboard, advanced predictive text, various retro styles for customization, large buttons for easy typing, smart keypress technology, and a customizable T9 dictionary. It also offers a high-speed mode and a dedicated number lock.

### How much does Retro Txt T9 Number Keyboard cost?

The app is free to download and use, but some advanced features require a one-time in-app purchase to unlock. This allows users to try the core functionality before committing to a purchase.

### Is this app compatible with my device?

Yes, Retro Txt T9 Number Keyboard is compatible with both iPhone and iPad devices. It integrates seamlessly system-wide, allowing you to use the T9 keyboard for texting, note-taking, and other applications.

### Who would benefit from using this keyboard app?

This app is ideal for users who miss the experience of texting on older phones, find modern keyboards too cramped, or simply want a unique and fun way to type. It's also great for those who appreciate customizable input methods and a touch of digital nostalgia.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.9.1 — 2026-07-30

# Bug Fix
Fixed issue where default keyboard mode option was not working.

### 2.9.0 — 2026-02-10

# Out of Beta
Emoji suggestions are now out Experimental Features and everyone can now access them :)

# Bug Fixes
This update also fixes issues creating custom keyboards in iOS26

### 2.8.0 — 2026-01-01

# New Year, New Keyboard
This update brings a fantastic new Retro Mechanic style keyboard to start the new year right.

# Bug Fixes
This update also has some minor bug fixes and performance updates.

### 2.7.0 — 2025-09-12

# Liquid Glass
Updated the design for Liquid Glass on iOS 26

### 2.6.0 — 2025-05-14

# Adaptive Word Prediction
Your keyboard just got smarter. It now learns which words you use most often and ranks them higher in your suggestions — making typing faster, more personal, and more accurate over time.

This feature can be enabled in experimental features settings.

# Bug Fixes and Improvements
* Fix double space for period - the timing was off so it would not always trigger, when using make sure to wait a moment for the first space to be "entered".
* Capitalization improvements -Capitalization also auto activates in more scenarios.
* Double Tap for Caps Lock - as well as long press you can now double tap to enable caps lock.

This update also includes some minor bug fixes and improvements 

Thanks for everyones feedback, 
Cheers

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## More apps by Digital Tools Ltd

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All apps by Digital Tools Ltd: https://appshunter.io/developer/852921471

## Related topics

[t9 keyboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/t9-keyboard) · [retro txt t9 number keyboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/retro-txt-t9-number-keyboard) · [t9 texting](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/t9-texting) · [t9](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/t9) · [tnine keyboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/tnine-keyboard) · [number keyboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/number-keyboard)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*