Why users are changing the standard keyboard to Xiaomi
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are equipped with the Mi Keyboard (formerly Xiaomi Keyboard) by default, which is integrated into MIUI firmware and offers a basic set of features: auto-replace, themes and support for multiple languages, but many users prefer alternative solutions such as Google’s Gboard, Microsoft’s SwiftKey or Fleksy.
The main reasons for changing the keyboard:
- 🔍 Advanced Features: Third-party keyboards have gestures (e.g. swipe to type), integration with Google Translate, support GIF And stickers right in the input field.
- 🌍 Better multilingual: Some keyboards (such as Gboard) automatically recognize sentence language and switch between layouts without manual selection.
- 🎨 Flexible design configuration: the ability to change the color scheme, button size, add your own backgrounds.
- 🛡️ Privacy: Mi Keyboard collects data to improve Xiaomi services, which is not satisfied with some users.
It is important to understand that replacing the keyboard does not require root rights or unlocking the bootloader.The procedure takes no more than 5 minutes and is reversible - you can return the standard Xiaomi keyboard at any time. MIUI regional firmware (global, Chinese, European).
Preparation: What to do before changing the keyboard
Before you install a new keyboard, follow a few simple steps to avoid problems:
- Check out the MIUI version. In older versions (below MIUI 12), the keyboard change algorithm may be different. You can find out the version from the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Download an alternative keyboard from Google Play. Popular options: 📱 Gboard – Google with gesture and translation support. 📱 SwiftKey – from Microsoft, with advanced AI for text prediction. 📱 Fleksy – Minimalist, with extended themes.
Charge the phone.
On Chinese firmware (without Google services), keyboard installation from the Play Market is impossible – manual download will be required. APK-a file from a verified source (e.g., APKMirror).
Make sure that the MIUI version is at least 10.
Download an alternative keyboard from Google Play
Charge your phone at least 30%
Disable VPN (can block installation)
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Method 1: Standard keyboard change via MIUI settings
This is the simplest method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI 10 and later.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard (on some versions, the path may look like Additional → Language and Input → Keyboard Management).
- Turn on the switchboard opposite the installed keyboard (for example, Gboard).
- Click on Current Keyboard and select a new keyboard from the list.
If the keyboard is not on the list, check:
- 🔄 Is it set at all (go to the settings) → Annexes → Manage applications and find it in the list).
- 🔄 Are the keyboard rights disabled in the security settings (path: Settings) → Confidentiality → Special permits → Keyboards).
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If after changing the keyboard it is reset to standard when restarting, try clearing the cache of the Settings application (in the Settings menu → Apps → All Apps → Settings → Clear the cache).
Method 2: Quickly switch keyboard from input panel
If you've already installed several keyboards, you can switch between them right while typing, without going into the settings. Here's how to do this:
- Open any application that has a field to enter text (such as Messages or Notes).
- Tap the keyboard icon in the lower right corner of the input panel (usually an icon in the form of a small keyboard or a globe).
- In the menu that appears, select the keyboard you want, and if it's not in the list, it's not activated in the settings (see Method 1).
This method is convenient if you often switch between layouts (for example, for work and personal correspondence), but it does not change the default keyboard - the next time you open the application, the Mi Keyboard may appear again.
What to do if the keyboard icon is not displayed?
Method 3: Reset keyboard settings via ADB (for power users)
In rare cases, the Mi Keyboard can get stuck as the main one, even if you choose another, due to errors in MIUI when the system ignores user settings, and the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) team will help solve the problem.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press the version MIUI, Then go back to the settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to your computer via USB and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows) and type:
adb shell settings put secure default_input_method com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIMEFor SwiftKey, replace the line with:
adb shell settings put secure default_input_method com.touchtype.swiftkey/.SwiftKeyInputServiceWarning: improper use of ADB may disrupt the system, and if you are not sure of your actions, you should contact the service center.
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The ADB approach is a last resort, and 90% of the time, a standard keyboard change through MIUI settings (Method 1) helps.
Table: Comparison of popular keyboards for Xiaomi
| keyboard | Advantages | Deficiencies | Sign support | Integration with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Keyboard | Lightweight, pre-installed, optimized for MIUI | Limited settings, collects data | ❌ No. | ✅ Complete. |
| Gboard | Translator, GIF, voice input | Heavy for weak smartphones | ✅ Yeah) | ⚠️ Partial (may lay) |
| SwiftKey | Best Text Prediction, Cloud Dictionary | Paid themes, sometimes slowing down | ✅ Yeah (swipe and tap) | ⚠️ Partial |
| Fleksy | Minimalist design, extended themes | Fewer features than Gboard | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
For most Xiaomi users, Gboard is the best choice – it is free, regularly updated and has maximum compatibility with MIUI. However, if you are interested in privacy, look at AnySoftKeyboard or FlorisBoard (open-source solutions).
Frequent problems and their solutions
When changing the keyboard to Xiaomi, there may be errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:
⚠️ Warning: If after installing a new keyboard it does not appear in the list of available, check if it is not locked in the security settings. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Keyboards.
Problem 1: The keyboard is reset to standard after rebooting.
- 🔧 Solution: Clear the Settings app cache (see tip above) or install the keyboard as a system via ADB.
Problem 2: The new keyboard is lagging or slowing down.
- 🔧 Solution: Turn off animations in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → The scale of window animation (off.).
Problem 3: Voice input in Gboard is not working.
- 🔧 Solution: Install Google App and update Google Play Services to the latest version.
Problem 4: Gboard is not installed on Chinese firmware.
- 🔧 Solution: Download APK-file with APKMirror and install manually, allowing installation from unknown sources.
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If the keyboard doesn’t respond to touch, try calibrating the screen: type ##6484## in the phone dialer and follow the instructions.