The present invention provides a method of inputting characters into a handheld device, comprising steps of: reading handwriting information; recognizing said handwriting information in one active recognition mode and at least one inactive recognition mode; displaying at least one character candidate obtained in said active recognition mode and at least one character candidate obtained in said at least one inactive recognition mode; and inputting into said handheld device a desired character candidate selected by a user among said character candidates being displayed. The present invention also provides a corresponding apparatus for inputting characters into a handheld device, and a related handheld device. A user no longer needs to designate handwriting recognition modes, and recognition accuracy is greatly improved.