However, you can stop the icon from appearing in the app drawer by manipulating the app settings.
This is the standard way to remove the shortcut icon from your launcher while keeping the keyboard functional. How to Hide Gboard App Icon
Here’s a step-by-step guide for hiding the on Android (since iOS doesn’t allow hiding the Gboard icon from the home screen without jailbreaking). However, you can stop the icon from appearing
✅ Gboard will no longer appear in the app drawer. ✅ It still works as your keyboard. ✅ Access it again via or by unhiding it in launcher settings. How to Hide Gboard App Icon