How to completely remove the Emoji Keyboard with Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a step-by-step guide

The emoji keyboard on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is often a source of annoyance: it takes up space in memory, loads unnecessary updates, and can conflict with other keyboards like Gboard or SwiftKey. Unlike most applications, the standard Emoji Keyboard cannot be removed in the usual way - the "Delete" button in the application menu is simply absent, this is due to the fact that it is built into the MIUI system firmware as part of the basic software.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from simple disabling to complete deletion (including methods for users without root rights).We will pay special attention to the nuances of the Redmi Note 7, a model where, due to MIUI 10/11/12 and manufacturer restrictions, standard instructions often fail.

Why the Emoji Keyboard cannot be removed in the standard way

Unlike third-party keyboards, the preinstalled Emoji Keyboard on Xiaomi is a system application, which means that:

• 🔹 It's integrated into firmware. MIUI and has no separate APK-file /data/app.
• 🔹 Its code can be “sewn” in sections. /system/priv-app or /system/app, Protected from changes without root.
• 🔹 Xiaomi blocks removal of such applications through Settings → Applications, leaving only the option "Disable».

Moreover, on the Redmi Note 7 (lavender model), the emoji keyboard can be tied to the service com.sohu.inputmethod.sogou.xiaomi, a modified version of Sogou Input that Xiaomi has adapted for its devices. This complicates the process, since simply turning off does not always help: the keyboard can be activated again after a restart or update of the system.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI 12.5+, Attempting to remove the system keyboard without root can cause other applications to crash, such as Mi Video or Mi Community, where emojis are built into the interface.

Method 1: Disable keyboard via settings (without root)

The safest method is not to delete, but to deactivate the keyboard, which will not free the memory, but will prevent it from appearing accidentally when you type.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → System and device → Language and input.
2. Tap the current keyboard (or keyboard management in MIUI 12+).
3. In the list of active keyboards, uncheck the Emoji Keyboard or Emoji Keyboard.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Disable in the window that appears.

After that, the keyboard will disappear from the list of available input, but it will remain in the system and can be activated again after resetting settings or updating MIUI.

Reset keyboard settings to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Emoji Keyboard → Storage → Clear data

Reboot the phone.

Check if the keyboard is installed as “default” in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)

Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (new versions of bug with spontaneous inclusion corrected)-->

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

If you don't shut down enough, you can uninstall the keyboard via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn't require root rights, but requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi Note 7: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔧 Unlocking OEM (if)

Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.

ADB Tools

adb devices

Make sure your device is listed.

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.sohu.inputmethod.sogou.xiaomi

com.miui.emojikeyboard

Once the command is executed, the keyboard will be removed for the current user (not from the system completely), and to return it back, you will need to reset the settings or flash it.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi Note firmware 7 (for example, MIUI Global 12.0.3) The team can recover the Failure error. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]. In this case, try first to disable the keyboard through the settings, then repeat the command.

Gboard (Google)

SwiftKey (Microsoft)

Fleksy

Another.

I'm leaving the standard.-->

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root access (for example, through Magisk), you can delete the keyboard permanently, including its system files, a method that is risky – wrong actions can lead to a bootloop.

Instructions:

1. Install a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.
2. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
3. Find the folders with the names: 📁 SogouInput 📁 EmojiKeyboard 📁 MiuiEmojiKeyboard

.bak

Settings → Applications → Show all applications → Emoji Keyboard → Storage

Reset the device.

Once you restart, the keyboard will be completely uninstalled, and if you have trouble starting the system, restore deleted files from the backup or reflash the phone.

Alternative solutions: Replace the keyboard without removing

If you don't want to take the risk, you can just hide the standard keyboard by installing an alternative one.

• 🎯 Gboard – supports emoji, gestures and sync with Google account.
• 🎯 SwiftKey – offers advanced prediction and themes.
• 🎯 Fleksy – Minimalist keyboard with extended emoji.

To hide the system keyboard:

1. Install an alternative keyboard from Google Play.
2. Activate it in Settings → Language and input → Current keyboard.
3. Turn off the Emoji Keyboard (see Method 1).
4. In the settings of the new keyboard, turn off the option “Show keyboard selection” – this will prevent accidental switching to the standard one.

💡

If the new keyboard is installed, the emojis are displayed in black and white, check the font settings in Settings → Screen → Font. Choose a font that supports color emoji (for example, Noto Sans).

What to do if nothing helps

If the keyboard keeps appearing despite all the manipulations, the problem may be:

• 🔄 Cache system – try to clean it through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI — Some versions (e.g., some versions, MIUI 12.0.2) automatically restore system applications.
• 🔄 Viruses or malware – scan your device through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

The last option is to reset to factory settings:

1. Create a backup of data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.

Once reset, the keyboard will be deactivated, but its files will remain in the system. To prevent re-activation, immediately install an alternative keyboard and disable the standard one.

💡

The factory reset deletes all user data, but does not physically delete system applications (including Emoji Keyboard) that remain in firmware and can be activated again when updated.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Emoji Keyboard