How to change the keyboard for entering a password on Xiaomi: from system settings to bypassing restrictions

Entering a password on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models and POCO) Often accompanied by inconveniences: standard keyboard MIUI It can slow down, it can be missing characters or input language, and sometimes it can block the change of layout in the password field. MIUI 12-14, where the manufacturer tightened security policies, restricting access to system settings.

In this article, you will find 3 working methods for changing the keyboard to enter a password, from simple settings to bypassing restrictions through ADB and third-party utilities. We will also discuss why Xiaomi blocks keyboard change in protected fields, which models support flexible configuration (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12), and where additional manipulations will be required (POCO F5, older versions of MIUI).

Why Xiaomi is blocking keyboard change in the password field?

The manufacturer argues that the restrictions are more security measures, because third-party keyboards (such as Gboard or SwiftKey) can:

• 🔍 Intercept input – some applications with Accessibility rights are able to log clicks, which risks leaking the password.
• 🛡️ Breaking the policy MIUI — Xiaomi system keyboard is certified security, while third-party solutions may contain vulnerabilities.
• 🔄 Conflict with encryption on File-Based Encryption devices (FBE) (for example, Xiaomi 12T) Unauthorized keyboard can interrupt the authentication process.

However, these restrictions are not always justified. POCO X5 Pro MIUI 14 Users Face a Bug When the System Keyboard Does Not Display Cyrillic in the Field PIN-In this case, circumvention of the constraints becomes a necessity, not a whim.

⚠️ Note: On devices with corporate profiles (such as those tied to Microsoft Intune or Google Workspace), changing the keyboard in the password field may be blocked by the administrator. → Accounts. → Working profile.

Method 1: Change the keyboard through system settings (for MIUI 14 and later)

If your device runs MIUI 14+ (Xiaomi 13/13T/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), try the standard method.

• 📱 The device is not tied to a corporate profile.
• 🔓 a pattern lock is used or PIN (faceless).
• 🔄 The keyboard is set as a system default.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → System and device → Language and input → Current keyboard.
2. Activate the desired keyboard (such as Gboard) by pressing the switch.
3. Return to Settings → Passwords and Security → Set up a screen lock.
4. Enter the current password – the system should suggest changing the keyboard in the top panel (icon) 🌐).

If the keyboard change icon doesn't appear, your Xiaomi model is blocking this functionality at the kernel level.

Method 2: Bypassing restrictions through ADB (for power users)

The method requires debugging by USB It works on most Xiaomi devices, including POCO F4/F5 redmi K50. The essence is to force the third-party keyboard system through the command ADB.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times.
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell settings put secure default_input_method com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME

For other keyboards, replace the path:

• 🔹 SwiftKey: com.touchtype.swiftkey/.LatinKeyboard
• 🔹 Microsoft Keyboard: com.microsoft.skydrive/.inputmethod.LatinKeyboard

Once you've done the command, restart the device. Now, when you enter the password, the selected keyboard should appear.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (for example, MIUI EU) After this method, Anti-Rollback protection can work, blocking the boot. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

💡

If the team ADB If it didn’t work, try deactivating the Xiaomi system keyboard first with the adb shell pm disable-user. --user 0 com.miui.mishare.connectivity, then repeat the steps.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (without root)

If ADB seems complicated, use apps that emulate keyboard change through feature-specific services.

Example of settings through Keyboard Manager:

1. Install the application and provide access to Special Features.
2. Select the target keyboard (such as Gboard).
3. Activate the Force default keyboard option.
4. Reset the device.

On the POCO X3 Pro and Redmi 10 with MIUI 13, this method works 80% of the time, but can cause lags when you enter a password. If the keyboard doesn't change, try turning off battery optimization for the application in Settings → Applications → Battery Management.

Problem Solving: The keyboard doesn’t change or disappears

If after all the manipulations the keyboard still does not change, check:

• 🔧 Application conflict: Remove other keyboards (such as Samsung Keyboard if installed accidentally).
• 🔒 Lockdown MIUI: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi). 11 Lite) keyboard change locked at level boot.img. It'll only help to flip the sniffle.
• 📱 Cache Error: Clear the app's cache Settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

For devices with unlocked bootloader, you can install a patch through Magisk:

Magisk Module: "Disable MIUI Keyboard Restrictions" (available on the XDA Developers forum)

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

For most users, the first or second method is optimal. If you are not ready to work with ADB, try Keyboard Manager – it does not require root and rarely causes crashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the keyboard to Xiaomi

💡

On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi 12C), the keyboard change in the password field is often blocked due to the FSB's encryption requirements, in which case only flashing to a global or European version will help.