Why users change the keyboard to the Redmi Note 8T and what the alternative gives
The standard MIUI keyboard on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is a basic text input tool that is not for everyone. Many smartphone owners face inconveniences from slow operation to the lack of support for multiple languages at once. Alternative keyboards such as Google's Gboard or Microsoft's SwiftKey offer advanced functionality: gesture control, adaptive input, cloud synchronization and even a built-in translator.
But it's not that simple. Changing the keyboard to the Redmi Note 8T has nuances related to the MIUI version and regional settings. For example, some firmware has blocked third-party keyboard installation by default due to Xiaomi's security policy. In addition, not all alternative solutions are optimized for 2340Γ1080 screens, which can lead to problems with button scaling. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to change the keyboard, including bypassing possible restrictions, and give recommendations for choosing the best option for your tasks.
Before you get to the instructions, make sure your Redmi Note 8T is updated to the latest MIUI (current in 2026 β MIUI 14 or later) and this minimizes the risk of conflicts with system applications.
π What keyboard do you use on Xiaomi?
Standard MIUI
Gboard
SwiftKey
Another.
I don't know.
Method 1: Install the keyboard from Google Play (the easiest method)
If your Redmi Note 8T doesnβt have regional restrictions (like Chinese firmware), the quickest way to change the keyboard is to download an alternative from the Google Play Market.This method is suitable for most users and doesnβt require Root rights or complex manipulations.
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Open the Google Play Market and search for the keyboard name (e.g., βGboardβ or βSwiftKeyβ).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- Once installed, open the keyboard app (like Gboard) and follow the setup wizard: select languages, theme, and allow access to the microphone (if you need voice input).
- Return to Settings β System β Language & Input β Current keyboard and activate the new keyboard by dragging the slider.
Important: Some keyboards (such as Microsoft SwiftKey) may request access to Notifications for text prediction function. This is secure, but if you are concerned about privacy, opt out of this permission - the basic functionality will remain.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Check the space available (minimum 200 MB)
Disable VPN (can block access to Play Market)
Remember the current auto-replacement settings
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Method 2: Manual installation APK-File (if Play Market is not available)
On some firmware Redmi Note 8T
Google Play Market
APK-file
Instructions:
- Download. APK-Keyboard file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror) for Gboard up-to-date version for 2026 β 13.x.x.
- Go to Settings β Applications β Special Access Rights β Install unknown applications and allow installation from your file manager (e.g., Xiaomi Files).
- Open the downloaded APK through the file manager and click Install.
- After installation, go to Settings β System β Language and input β Keyboard management and turn on the new keyboard.
β οΈ Attention: Installation APK From unreliable sources, it can lead to virus infection. Always check the hash of the file (for example, through the use of a virus). SHA-256) on the official resources of the developer.
On the Redmi Note 8T with MIUI Global firmware, APK keyboard installation is usually smooth, but on Chinese versions (such as MIUI CN) additional rights settings may be required via ADB.
How to check the hash APK-file?
Use the Hash Droid app from the Play Market or the command in the terminal: sha256sum file name.apk Compare the hash received with the official one on the developerβs website.> Method 3: Configure the keyboard through ADB (For power users) If standard methods do not work (for example, the keyboard does not appear in the list of available), you can resort to the use of the keyboard. ADB β It's a debugging tool for Android, and it requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, but it's guaranteed to work even on locked firmware: π₯οΈ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools. π USB-cable (preferably original). π± Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then return to Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB). Instructions: Connect the Redmi Note 8T You can go to your computer and confirm that you're debugging on your phone screen. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices (Your device name should be displayed.) Enter the command to activate the keyboard (replace com.example.keyboard with your keyboard package, for example, com.google.android.inputmethod.latin for Gboard): adb shell ime enable com.example.keyboard Then set it by default: adb shell ime set com.example.keyboard After that, the keyboard will become active. If you want to return the standard one, use the command: adb shell ime set com.miui.internal.inputmethod.LatinIME β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Don't change other settings through this tool without understanding the consequences. 8T: choose? The choice of keyboard depends on your needs: someone is important speed of dialing, someone - support for rare languages, and someone - design. Below is a comparison of the most popular options tested on the Redmi Note. 8T: Keyboard Advantages of Deficiency Size (APK) Support MIUI 14 Gboard Built-in translator, voice input, gesture support High RAM consumption (~300MB) ~50MB β
Full SwiftKey Best text prediction, cloud synchronization Ads in free version ~45MB β
Full Fleksy Minimalist design, themes support Plugins require separate payment ~30MB β
Partial (no Russian in beta) Chroom Open source, no advertising Limited language set ~15MB β οΈ Requires manual installation for most Redmi Note users 8T Gboard is the best choice β it is integrated with Google services and supports all functions. MIUI, including quick responses in notifications. If you care about privacy, look at Chroom or AnySoftKeyboard β they don't collect data about your clicks. Problem solving: the keyboard doesn't install or doesn't work Even after you install it correctly, the keyboard may not appear on the list of available ones or malfunction. Letβs look at typical problems and their solutions: π Keyboard does not appear in settings: Reboot your phone and check if it is enabled in Settings β Annexes β Application management β [Keyboard name] β Included. π± The keyboard opens and closes immediately: Clear the app cache in the same settings. If it doesn't work, reinstall it. π No Russian: Make sure the language is added in the keyboard settings (e.g. Gboard) β Languages β Add a keyboard). β‘ Lags when entering: Turn off animation in Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (press 7 times) β For developers β The scale of window animation β Off..If the problem persists, try resetting the keyboard settings to standard: Go to Settings β System system β Language and input β Keyboard control. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset. Confirm action and restart the phone. β οΈ Attention: On firmware MIUI CN (Chinese version) some keyboards can be blocked by the system as "unsafe", in which case only installation through the system will help. ADB Or changing firmware to global, how to get back a standard keyboard. MIUI If the alternative keyboard experiment failed or it started to conflict with the system, you can always go back to the standard keyboard. MIUI. To do this: Open any field to type (such as notes or a message). Swipe down the notification bar and click on the Keyboard icon (usually as a small icon with the letter "A"). In the window that appears, select the Keyboard. MIUI (If it's not on the list, go to Settings. β System system β Language and input β Control keyboards and turn it on. If a standard keyboard has been disabled or deleted (which is unlikely without Root rights), you can restore it by resetting: Go to Settings β The phone. β Settings reset. Select App Settings Reset (this won't delete your data, but will reset all application settings). Important: Some custom firmware (like LineageOS) have a standard keyboard. MIUI It might not be there, and you'll have to install an alternative, or you'll have to go back to the stock firmware on Fastboot. π‘Resetting app settings is the most reliable way to return a standard keyboard if it was accidentally disabled. FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the keyboard to the Redmi Note 8T Can I install a keyboard without Google Play? Yes, you can download it. APK-A keyboard file from a trusted source (e.g., APKMirror) and manually install it, pre-authorizing installation from unknown sources in the security settings. Why doesn't the keyboard appear on the list after installation? This may be due to regional firmware restrictions or conflict with other apps.Try: Reboot your phone.Clear cache in Settings β Annexes β [Keyboard name] Set the keyboard through ADB (See Method 3. Which keyboard is best for Redmi Note games 8T? For games, Gboard or SwiftKey is recommended in One Hand mode (Settings) β With one hand). These keyboards support gesture control and have minimal input latency, which is important for dynamic games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty. Can I use an iPhone keyboard on Xiaomi? No, iOS keyboards (like the standard Apple keyboard) are not compatible with Android due to different operating systems. However, you can find similar keyboard designs in Google Play, for example, iKeyboard or Apple Keyboard Theme for Gboard. How to transfer keyboard settings to a new phone? Most of the keyboards are synchronized to your account (Swireboard and switch to your account).