How to change the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: From system settings to third-party applications

Xiaomi Redmi 4X — One of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, which is still in active use today. MIUI It's not always good for users: someone wants a Russian layout with autocorrection, someone needs an emoji in one click, and some are just tired of bugs in their native input. 4X — From basic settings to installing alternative applications and even manually editing system files for power users.

It is important to understand that the procedure depends on the version. MIUI And the root rights. On old firmware. MIUI 10) the algorithm differs from the newer versions, and some methods may require unlocking the bootloader.We will look at options for all cases - including solving problems when the keyboard suddenly disappears after updating or resetting settings.

If you’ve never changed a keyboard on Xiaomi before, start with the first section.Savvy users can jump straight to installing third-party keyboards or system hacks.

1. Change the keyboard through standard settings MIUI

The easiest way is to use the built-in options on the system. 4X The default keyboard is Mi Keyboard (formerly Baidu). IME It's in Chinese firmware, so you can change it:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Language and input.
2. Tap the current keyboard (or keyboard management in older versions of MIUI).
3. Turn on the switch next to the keyboard you want (like Gboard or SwiftKey if they’re already installed).
4. Go back and select a new keyboard in Active Entering Methods.

If there is only one keyboard on the list (Mi Keyboard), then there are no alternatives installed, in which case move on to the next section.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 8-9 for Redmi 4X You may not have the language section and enter the main settings menu, in which case you can search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner) and type in the query "keyboard».

The standard Mi Keyboard supports:

• 🌐 Multilingual Input (up to 5 languages at a time).
• 🎨 Design themes (included in keyboard settings).
• 🔍 Predictive input and autocorrection (works better in English than in Russian).
• 🖼️ Insert emoji and gif (the appropriate plugin should be enabled).

But it has its downsides: no swipes, often bugs auto-replacement in Russian, and Chinese firmware may not have Latin. If these problems are relevant, read on.

2.Install an alternative keyboard from Google Play

If the built-in options don't work, the most reliable way is to install a third-party keyboard. 4X work best:

• 📱 Gboard (from Google) – Supports swipes, voice input and integration with Google Search.
• ⚡ SwiftKey (from Microsoft) – the best autocorrection and personalization for writing style.
• 🎨 Chroom – Minimalist keyboard with customizable themes.
• 🌍 Multiling O Keyboard – for those who write in 5+ language.

To install a new keyboard:

After installation, do not forget to configure the rights:

1. Run the downloaded keyboard (such as Gboard).
2. Follow the activation instructions (usually you need to allow access to the SMS and other data for autocomplete).
3. Back to Settings → Language and input and select it as the primary language.

If the keyboard does not appear after installation when you enter text, check:

• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI does not apply changes without rebut.
• 📱 Make sure the keyboard is included in Settings → Annexes → All applications (not forcibly disabled).
• 🔒 Check if the security is blocking it. MIUI (Auto-Start section).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware for Redmi 4X (For example, LineageOS may not work with voice input in Gboard due to the lack of Google services, in which case install the Open GApps package or use an alternative like SwiftKey.

3. Manual change of system keyboard (for advanced)

If you want to completely remove the standard keyboard MIUI or replace it at the system level (for example, to save memory), root rights will be required or ADB-This method is only suitable for experienced users!

Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (without root):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miuilatinime


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.baidu.input_mi

These commands will disable the standard Xiaomi and Baidu keyboards (if installed). Once executed, be sure to install an alternative keyboard, otherwise text entry will become impossible!

Method 2: Removal through TWRP (root):

1. Download the Mi Keyboard Remover Mod for Redmi 4X (Look for the santoni model code).
2. Reboot to Recavery (click Power) + Vol Up).
3. Install. ZIP-file via Install in TWRP.
4. Wipe your cache (Wipe → Cache) and restart.

On the firmware MIUI 12+ for Redmi 4X The standard keyboard is integrated into the system partition and does not delete without completely flashing it, in which case the only safe option is to disconnect through the system partition. ADB.

4. Common problems and their solution

When changing the keyboard to Redmi 4X Users often encounter the following errors:

🔹 The keyboard does not appear when you enter text

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 Internet is not available – some keyboards (such as Gboard) require a connection for the first setup.
• 🔧 Failure in settings – reset the keyboard settings in Settings → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 🛠️ Conflict with MIUI Optimization – Turn off optimization in Settings → Special opportunities → MIUI Optimization (reboot may be required).

🔹 The Russian layout is missing

After the update MIUI Russian language has disappeared:

1. Check if Russian is included in Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → [Your keyboard] → Languages.
2. If the language is not in the list, download the language package for your keyboard (for example, for Gboard, this is done in the application settings).
3. Chinese firmware may require full flashing to global version MIUI.

🔹 The keyboard brakes or lays

Possible fixes:

• 🗑️ Clear the keyboard cache in the app settings.
• 📉 Turn off animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then to the Developer Settings → You'll put it on. ×0.5).
• 🔄 Reinstall the keyboard – sometimes changing the version (for example, from beta to stable) helps).

💡

If the keyboard brakes only in a particular application (for example, in Telegram), try to turn off the “floating window” for it in the settings. MIUI. This function conflicts with some input methods.

5. Installation of custom keyboards (AOSP, iOS-style and others.)

If you don’t like either the standard Mi Keyboard or Gboard, you can install a fully customized keyboard with a unique design or functionality. 4X fit:

• 🎨 FlorisBoard – open keyboard with support for gestures and themes.
• 🍎 iOS Keyboard – Apple’s keyboard emulation (requires Xposed for full imitation).
• 🤖 AOSP Keyboard – stock keyboard from pure Android (without unnecessary functions).
• 🔧 Hacker's Keyboard - for developers (with support for Ctrl, Alt and arrows).

To install the custom keyboard:

1. Download. APK from the official website (for example, FlorisBoard or F-Droid).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
3. Install. APK and activate the keyboard in the settings MIUI (as described in the first section).

Some keyboards (such as iOS-style) may require:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
• 📦 Install Magisk and iOS Emoji module for correct display of emoji.
• 🔧 Setup via Xposed Framework (for deep customization).

⚠️ Note: Keyboards with modified system fonts (e.g. iOS-style) may break the text display in some applications (VK, WhatsApp). TWRP Mi Cloud.

6.Impact of updates MIUI keyboard

After the firmware update on Redmi 4X keyboard:

• 🔄 Reset to the standard (Mi Keyboard).
• 🌐 Lose language packs (especially on Chinese firmware).
• 🛑 Stop opening (due to conflict with new permits) MIUI).

To avoid problems:

If the keyboard is missing after the update:

1. Reinstall it from Google Play.
2. Clear the Settings app data (com.android.settings) through ADB: adb shell pm clear com.android.settings
3. If nothing helps, reset your settings (but it will delete all the data!).

On the firmware MIUI 12.5+ for Redmi 4X The function "Superstenography" (in the Chinese version - Mi) appeared AI Input. It automatically loads cloud sentences, but it can conflict with third-party keyboards to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Language and input → Superstension.
2. Turn off the slider Enable Superstenography.
3. Clear the data of the com.miui.textclassifier application.

💡

Before the update MIUI Always check the reviews on the forums (4PDA, XDA) — Some firmware versions break third-party keyboards due to security policy changes.

7. Alternative input methods (voice, handwriting, gestures)

If you are not comfortable typing on the Redmi screen 4X, Consider alternative input methods:

🎤 Voice input

It works on Gboard and Mi Keyboard (requires an internet connection) to enable:

1. Open any keyboard and tap the microphone icon.
2. Allow access to the microphone.
3. For offline recognition, download the language package in the voice input settings.

✍️ Handwritten input

Supported by:

• Google Handwriting Input (installed separately from the Play Market)
• SwiftKey (in settings, enable Manuscript input).

It is convenient for Chinese/Japanese or if you have thumbs.

👆 Gesture input (swipes)

Available at:

• Gboard (Settings) → Gesture input).
• SwiftKey Flow (you need to enable in the settings)
• Flesky (paid, but with better ergonomics)

For Redmi. 4X Small screen (5) gesture input can be uncomfortable – try demo mode first (there is in Gboard settings).

8 Security: What permissions should the keyboard be given?

Third-party keyboards ask for a lot of permissions, but not all of them are required.

To limit permits:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Permits.
2. Turn off unnecessary items (such as Location or Contacts).
3. For Gboard, you can also disable Personalization in the application settings.

Keyboards from unknown developers (especially third-party sources) may contain keyloggers. Use only verified apps from Google Play that are rated 4.5+.

💡

If you frequently enter passwords or sensitive information, use the incognito modes on the keyboard (there is in Gboard and SwiftKey) or temporarily switch to the standard Mi Keyboard without cloud sync.

Frequently asked questions