How to change the keyboard on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 4X: from standard to custom

Redmi series smartphones have long proven to be reliable devices with excellent autonomy, but the standard software does not always meet the needs of advanced users. This is especially true for virtual text input, where standard solutions from Xiaomi may seem too simple or not functional. Replacing the standard input tool with a more advanced analogue is the first step to personalizing the gadget, which immediately improves the usability of everyday use.

Owners of the Redmi 4X model often face the need to expand functionality, since the built-in keyboard does not always work correctly with the predictive set or does not support modern swipe gestures. The process of changing this component of the system does not require obtaining superuser rights (root) and is available to anyone who knows how to confidently hold the phone in their hands. The main thing is to clearly follow the algorithm of actions to avoid conflicts between applications or loss of personalization settings.

In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of replacement, from downloading the installation file to fine-tuning autocorrect and design themes, and learn how to properly activate a new application in the MIUI system and make it the default one so that each set of messages will trigger the tool you choose.

Why Change the Standard Keyboard to Redmi 4X

The MIUI shell text application is often criticized for its intrusive advertising and limited vocabulary. Installing a third-party solution opens up powerful features that speed up printing. For example, modern AI algorithms allow you to type without taking your finger off the screen, simply moving it between letters, which is especially true for devices with a screen diagonal of 5 inches.

And custom keyboards also offer deep customization of the look, so you can set up live wallpaper, change the height of the panels, or add your own. GIF-It turns a boring typing process into a more enjoyable and visualized action.

Security is an important aspect: Third-party developers often release updates faster, closing vulnerabilities that may be present in older versions of system software. Using trusted applications from large companies ensures that your passwords and personal data are protected by modern encryption protocols.

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party keyboards, avoid questionable low-ranking apps in the store, as they can intercept passwords and sensitive data you enter.

For users who communicate a lot in instant messengers, speed and no delays are critical. Redmi 4X, having a Snapdragon 435 processor, can experience difficulties with heavy system applications, whereas optimized third-party counterparts work much easier and faster.

Selecting the right application for text input

The Android app market offers dozens of options, but not all of them are worth installing on your smartphone, and the leaders in this niche for many years remain products from large technology corporations that guarantee stability and regular updates.

The most popular choice is Google’s Gboard, which is minimalist, has great voice input and has a built-in translator that integrates perfectly into the Android ecosystem and rarely causes conflicts with the system.

Another strong competitor is Microsoft SwiftKey, which has a phenomenal adaptation to user handwriting, and it remembers your type style, slang, and frequently used phrases, and offers them as predictions after a few days of use.

• 🎨 Topics and design: The ability to install any background images and change the color scheme of the buttons.
• 🗣 Voice input: High accuracy of speech recognition even in background noise.
• 📊 Statistics: Tracking print speed and number of clicks to improve skills.

Also worth paying attention to Yandex Keyboard, which is great for Russian and offers built-in spell check and emoji search. The choice of a particular application depends on your personal preferences: someone cares about design, and someone – the functionality of the clipboard.

Process of installing a new application

The first step to change the input tool is to download the installation file. Xiaomi Redmi 4X owners are strongly advised to use the official Google Play Store, as this ensures that there is no malicious code in the downloadable package.

Open the store app on your device and search for the name of the desired keyboard, such as "Gboard." Once you find the app, click Set and wait until the download is complete. It takes only a few seconds, even with the slowest mobile Internet.

Once installed, the system will automatically prompt you to activate the new application. Don't rush to accept all permission requests at once; carefully study what data the program accesses. It usually only needs access to text input and, optionally, a microphone for voice typing to function properly.

It is important to note that on MIUI shell devices, the installation process may be accompanied by additional security alerts. It is normal practice to protect the user, so just confirm your actions by pressing the appropriate confirmation buttons.

Activation and Configuring in the MIUI System

Once the app is successfully installed, it is not yet active by default. To start using the new keyboard, you need to make changes to the Android system settings. On Redmi 4X, this process may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.

Go to the Settings menu and find the Additional or Advanced Settings section, and you're interested in Language and Input, and that's where you manage all the input methods that you have installed on your device.

In the menu that opens, select Keyboard Management, and you'll see a list of all the input applications available, find the program you just installed, and switch to active position, and the system will issue a warning that a third-party keyboard may collect data, which is the standard message for all these applications.

Once activated, you need to make the new application by default type. To do this, in the same Language and input menu, click on the Current Keyboard and select the desired application from the list. Now, any call to the input field will appear a new panel.

Fine tuning and personalization of the interface

When the technical part is done, you can start creative. Most keyboards today allow you to change not only the color, but also the behavior of the buttons. Go to the settings of the application itself (usually through the gear icon on the keyboard panel) to access the advanced options.

One of the most useful features is to set up the word prediction bar, so you can increase its height or add an emoji button and clipboard, so you can insert frequently used phrases or emojis faster without switching between tabs.

For minimalist fans, a “swing” or smaller keyboard mode is available that allows you to type with one hand on large screens, although this is less relevant for the Redmi 4X with its compact screen.

• 🔤 Dictionary: Adding own words that are not in a standard dictionary (nicknames, specific terms).
• 🔊 Sounds: Selecting the type of pressed sound (mechanical, digital, quiet).
• 🎨 Animation: Turning on or off effects when you press keys.

⚠️ Warning: Excessive use of animated themes and live keyboard wallpaper can increase battery consumption, which is critical for devices with worn-out batteries.

Don't forget to set up autocorrect, too. If you use slang or professional vocabulary a lot, aggressive autocorrection can be annoying, and you can reduce sensitivity or completely disable it by relying on your own typing skills.

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Tip: Periodically clear the keyboard learning history in its settings if it has started offering incorrect words or if another person has used the device.

Addressing problems and conflicts

During operation, users may experience a situation where a new keyboard periodically disappears or is replaced by an old one, often after a system update or reset, in which case you need to recheck the activation status in the Language and Input menu.

Another common problem is desynchronizing taps, where the letter is printed in the wrong place where you touched the screen.This can be due to both software failure and contamination of the screen or lack of calibration. First of all, try to wipe the screen and reboot the smartphone.

If the problem persists, try to remove app updates or reinstall it. Sometimes conflict arises with other applications that have access to overlays (overlaying over other windows), such as blue light filters or memory cleaners.

A critical point is to have a stable Internet connection when you first start to download language packets and dictionaries, without which functionality may be limited.

In rare cases, Xiaomi encounters a bug where the keyboard blocks the input field in some applications, whether it is by updating the keyboard application itself to the latest version or updating the MIUI system to the current version.

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Regularly updating the keyboard app is the best way to avoid bugs and get new security features and emojis.

Comparison of popular input solutions

To make a final decision, it is worth comparing the market leaders by key parameters: each of the keyboards has its own strengths, which can be decisive for different categories of users.

Gboard is a winner in integration with Google services and speed on weak devices. SwiftKey leads in text prediction quality and layout flexibility. Yandex offers the best tools for the Russian-speaking segment, including advanced search and translation.

The choice depends on whether you value speed, beauty or smart features. For the Redmi 4X, which is a mid-range device (at launch) or a budget segment, the best choice will be lightweight versions of the no-frills keyboards.