How to change the keyboard on Xiaomi phone: 5 ways for different versions of MIUI

Changing the keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that most users face after buying a device. The standard MIUI keyboard (usually Baidu IME or Sogou Input in global firmware) does not always suit owners in terms of speed, design or functionality. Fortunately, Android allows you to install alternative solutions, from Gboard to specialized keyboards for gamers or polyglots.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the keyboard on Xiaomi (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), taking into account the features of different versions of MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

• 🔄 Install a third-party keyboard from Google Play or APK-file
• ⚙️ Set up a standard keyboard MIUI fittingly
• 🛠️ Solve typical problems (keyboard does not change, disappears after updating)
• 🌐 Use multilingual layouts and gestures

We will pay special attention to hidden MIUI settings that block keyboard change on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with regional restrictions).

1. How to install a third-party keyboard on Xiaomi

The easiest way to change the keyboard is to download an alternative from the Google Play Market.

• 📱 Gboard (from Google) – universal keyboard with support for gestures, translator and search GIF
• 🎯 SwiftKey (Microsoft) – the best AI word predictor and responsive design
• 🎮 Fleksy – Minimalist keyboard for gamers with support RGB-backlighting on Black Shark
• 🌍 Multiling O Keyboard – for users 5+ language

Installation process:

1. Open the Google Play Market and find the keyboard you want (like Gboard).
2. Click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed.
3. After installation, open the keyboard app (the icon will appear in the menu).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to activate.

If Google Play is not available (e.g., on Xiaomi’s Chinese firmware), download the.apk file from the developer’s official website (e.g., Gboard) and install it manually through the file manager. Be sure to allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Apps → Special Access → Install unknown apps.

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On Chinese MIUI firmware, it is recommended to switch to English temporarily before installing a third-party keyboard, which will help avoid errors with regional restrictions.

2. Activation of the new keyboard in the MIUI settings

Installing an application is only half the battle, and in order for the keyboard to work, it needs to be activated in the system settings. MIUI 13/14 HyperOS:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Language and input → Current keyboard.
2. Click on Keyboard Management (or Keyboards and Entering Methods in HyperOS).
3. Turn on the switch next to the keyboard installed (such as Gboard).
4. Go back and select a new keyboard in the Current Keyboard section.

On some models (Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro) the path may be different:

Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard

If the new keyboard is not on the list, check:

• ✅ Is the application installed (the icon should be on the menu)
• ✅ Is installation from unknown sources (for.apk) allowed)
• ✅ Are there any regional restrictions (on Chinese firmware)

3. Set up the standard MIUI keyboard

Not all users want to install third-party solutions. The standard MIUI keyboard (usually Baidu IME or Sogou Input) has hidden settings that allow it to improve its performance:

To open the advanced settings of the standard keyboard:

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Notes).
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ keyboard.
3. Select the "Additional Settings" section (may be called "Advanced Features").

On Chinese firmware (China ROM), the standard keyboard is often tied to your Mi Account account. If you are not logged in, some features (such as the cloud dictionary) may not be available.

4. Solving problems when changing the keyboard

Sometimes, after installing a new keyboard, it doesn't activate or malfunctions. Let's look at common errors and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Some keyboards (such as Gboard) may be blocked due to regional restrictions, in which case changing the region in the settings of the Mi Account or installing global firmware will help.

If after the MIUI update the keyboard stopped working:

1. Check if the default settings (Settings → Language and input) have reset.
2. Clear the keyboard application data in Settings → Applications.
3. Restart the phone – sometimes it helps to restore the input.

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Xiaomi’s HyperOS (2026) has changed the keyboard algorithm to require confirmation via Mi Account when you first turn on a third-party keyboard, a security measure that cannot be turned off.

5. Specific settings for gamers and polyglots

Black Shark gaming smartphone owners or users working with multiple languages can customize the keyboard for specific tasks.

For gamers (Black Shark 5/6, POCO F5):

• 🎮 Enable the "Game Keyboard" mode in the Gboard or Fleksy settings to display additional buttons (macros, hot keys).
• 🔥 Use a theme with a transparent background so that the keyboard doesn’t close important interface elements in games.
• ⚡ Activate the “Quick Enter” function in Keyboard Settings → Additional for accelerated chat dialing.

For polyglots (3+ languages):

• 🌍 In Gboard or Multiling O, add the languages you want to use to Settings. → Languages.
• 🔄 Set up automatic switching of the layout on the first character (for example, when entering "a" - Russian, "q" - English).
• 📚 Sync your user dictionary with Google Account or Mi Cloud.

Xiaomi has introduced the “Intelligent Input” feature (Settings → Additional → Intelligent Features) with HyperOS, which analyzes context and offers phrase translation on the fly, an option only available when using a standard MIUI keyboard.

6.How to completely remove the standard MIUI keyboard

If you want to get rid of a standard keyboard (like Baidu IME), keep in mind that it is a system application and is not deleted in the usual ways.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the standard keyboard without an alternative will make it impossible to type! Make sure you have another keyboard activated (e.g. Gboard).

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Baidu IME or Sogou Input (name depends on firmware).
3. Press "Disable" (the button may be gray if the keyboard is active).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Complete removal will require root rights or use of ADB. Commands to delete via ADB:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.baidu.input_mi

Replace. com.baidu.input_mi to your keyboard identifier (can be found through App Inspector).

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Before disabling a standard keyboard, check its identifier in Settings → Applications → [Keyboard Name] → More information. Some Xiaomi models use different packages for different regions.

7. Alternative ways to enter on Xiaomi

In addition to traditional keyboards, other input methods are available on Xiaomi:

• 🗣️ Voice input: works via Google Assistant or XiaoAI (Chinese firmware) and is activated by long-term click on the space in the Gboard.
• ✍️ Manuscript: Available in a standard keyboard MIUI (Handwriting section in settings. Supports Chinese characters and Latin.
• 👆 Gestures: SwiftKey or Gboard can configure swipes to quickly enter frequently used phrases.
• 🔤 External keyboards: Xiaomi supports Bluetooth keyboards (e.g., Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard). → Connected devices → Add a keyboard.

On the Xiaomi Pad 6 and other tablets of the company, the "Share Input" mode is available, which allows you to use the keyboard on the half screen for easy typing in landscape orientation. → Display. → Tablet mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the keyboard to Xiaomi