How to reduce or increase the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways

The keyboard on the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone may seem too large or too small โ€” especially if youโ€™re used to a different button size โ€” a problem thatโ€™s common for users with big fingers, poor eyesight, or simply an uncomfortable arrangement of input elements. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to zoom in, and third-party apps extend customization options.

In this article, we'll look at all the methods available, from standard MIUI settings to developer-based fine calibration and alternative keyboard installations, and learn how to resize not only the Gboard or Mi Keyboard system keyboard, but also to adapt the interface to your own physiological characteristics. Importantly, some of the ways require developer mode activation, but we'll explain each step in detail.

1. Standard keyboard settings in MIUI

To start with, the basics are built-in MIUI tools. Most Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and older versions) allow you to resize your keyboard without installing additional apps.

Open any field to enter text (such as Messages or Notes) to activate the keyboard.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Press the gear icon (โš™๏ธ) in the top row of the keyboard to open its settings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Select Size and layout (or layout settings in new versions) MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Move the slider Keyboard Size to the left (reduce) or right (increase).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Some firmware offers a choice of pre-scale: Small, Medium, Large.

If your MIUI version doesnโ€™t have a slider, check the Additional Settings โ†’ Keyboard Settings. On Redmi with Android 13/14, the path may differ: Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Language and input โ†’ Virtual Keyboard.

โš ๏ธ Warning: After resizing the keyboard, restart the smartphone. In rare cases, settings are reset when you update. MIUI โ€” Check them out after installing new versions of the firmware.

๐Ÿ“Š What keyboard do you use on Xiaomi?
Standard Mi Keyboard
Gboard by Google
SwiftKey
Another.
I don't know.

Rescaling through โ€œSpecial Capabilitiesโ€

If standard settings donโ€™t work, try adjusting the size of all interface elements, including the keyboard, through Special Features, a method that is suitable for users with vision problems or those who want to globally scale up/reduce the interface.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Special features โ†’ Scale and text.
  2. Activate the screen scale slider and move it to the desired value (we recommend starting with 110% for a small zoom).
  3. Return to Special Features and select font size โ€“ this will indirectly affect the keyboard button height.
  4. Restart the device so that the changes take effect.

Note that this changes the scale of the entire interface, not just the keyboard. Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or Redmi 8) may need to disable the Auto Scale option in the same menu.

Model RedmiDoes the scale of the keyboard supportMaximum size (%)
Redmi Note 12/13Yes (MIUI 14+)130%
Redmi 10/11Yes (MIUI 12.5-13)120%
Redmi 9/9A/9CPartially (only through special opportunities)110%
Redmi 8 and olderNo (third-party keyboard required)โ€”

โš ๏ธ Note: On Redmi with Android 10 and below, zooming through Special Features can cause text to be cropped in some apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram.

3. Setup through Developer Mode (for power users)

If you need to calibrate your keyboard size more accurately or fix scale bugs after you update MIUI, use the hidden options in Developer Mode, a method that requires caution but gives you access to options not available in the standard menu.

How to turn on the developer mode:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone.
  • ๐Ÿ”จ 7 times press the item Version MIUI (A notification will appear saying, โ€œYou have become a developerยป).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Back to Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers.

Now find the parameters associated with the keyboard:

  • Minimum keyboard width โ€“ sets the base size in pixels (default value: 320).
  • System font size โ€“ indirectly affects button height (range: 0.8-1.3).
  • USB debugging โ€“ You may need to reset your keyboard settings via ADB (see next section).

Example of commands to scale through ADB (PC required):

adb shell settings put system font_scale 1.1


adb shell settings put secure min_keyboard_width 360

After you apply the commands, restart your smartphone. If the keyboard is too large or small, return the standard values:

adb shell settings delete system font_scale


adb shell settings delete secure min_keyboard_width

Make a backup copy of the data|Record the current parameter values|Connect the charger (battery) >50%)|Use the original USB-cable-->

4. Installation of third-party keyboards with flexible settings

If the built-in MIUI tools donโ€™t work, consider alternative keyboards from Google Play, which offer more customization options, including:

  • ๐ŸŽจ Change in string height (e.g. in SwiftKey or Chroom).
  • ๐Ÿ”  Customize the width of the buttons (useful for the thumbs).
  • ๐ŸŽญ Topics with different font sizes (in Gboard or Fleksy).
  • ๐Ÿ‘† Scaling gestures (e.g., finger mixing/dilution in Grammarly Keyboard).

Recommended keyboards for Xiaomi Redmi:

keyboardSupport for resizingAdditional chips
Gboard (Google)Height slider, layout setupVoice input, real-time translation
SwiftKey (Microsoft)3 pre-sizes + manual settingAI word prediction, synchronization between devices
ChroomPixel precise height settingMinimalist design, support for dark theme

To install a third-party keyboard:

  1. Download the app from Google Play (like Gboard).
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Language and input โ†’ Virtual keyboard.
  3. Activate the new keyboard and set it by default.
  4. Open the keyboard settings (usually through the icon) โš™๏ธ on its panel) and find the Size or Layout section.

๐Ÿ’ก

In Gboard, you can quickly change the height of the keyboard by holding the stripe at the top of the panel with your finger and dragging it up/down.

5.Scaling issues solved after MIUI update

After updating the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi, users often find that the keyboard size is reset or becomes incorrect, due to changes in MIUI scaling policy or conflicts between system and user settings.

What to do if the keyboard becomes too large or small after the update:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the keyboard settings: go to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Manage applications, find your keyboard (such as Mi Keyboard) and click Erase Data.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Check system scale: in Special features, reset screen scale to 100%.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Update your keyboard: If youโ€™re using Gboard or SwiftKey, check for updates on Google Play.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Switch to another keyboard: temporarily install an alternative keyboard (like Simple Keyboard) and check if the problem persists.

If the problem is not solved, try resetting MIUI to factory settings (donโ€™t forget to save the data first!):

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ Reset settings.
  2. Select Reset all settings (not Reset to factory so you donโ€™t lose files!).
  3. After restarting, reset the keyboard size.
What to do if the keyboard is cut off at the edges?
This problem is typical for Redmi with a non-standard aspect ratio (for example, 20:9 or 21:9). Try: 1. Enable Full-screen mode in the keyboard settings. 2. Disable navigation gestures in Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Full-screen display. 3. Install a third-party keyboard with support for adaptive layout (for example, Fleksy).

6. Additional tips for ease of typing

In addition to resizing, you can optimize the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi in other ways:

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Sensitivity settings: C Keyboard settings โ†’ Extra, increase the touch area of the buttons (useful for thumbs).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Voice input: activate the microphone on the keyboard to dictate text instead of typing.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Gestures: You can enable swipe input in Gboard (Settings) โ†’ Swipe input, which speeds up printing.
  • ๐ŸŒ™ Dark theme: Use dark keyboard mode at night to reduce eye strain.

For users with disabilities, MIUI offers special features:

  • Keeping the keys - increases the reaction time to press (useful for hand tremors).
  • Sound prompts โ€“ voices the clicked symbols.
  • The vibration when pressed is tactile feedback.

These options are in Settings โ†’ Special Features โ†’ Physical Features โ†’ Keyboard settings.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you often type in two languages, set up a quick language switch on the keyboard (usually a globe button or a space swipe).

FAQ: Frequent questions about keyboard size on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I change the size of the keyboard to Redmi without root rights?
Yes, all of the methods described in this article (standard settings, special features, developer mode, third-party keyboards) work without root. The exception is deep modification of system files, but it is not required for basic zoom configuration.
Why did the keyboard become huge after the MIUI update?
This is due to a change in the zoom policy in new versions of MIUI 14+.The manufacturer increases the size of interface elements to improve accessibility, but sometimes this leads to incorrect display. Solution: reset the keyboard settings or install a third-party application (for example, Gboard).
How to return the standard Mi Keyboard after deleting?
If you have removed the system keyboard, you can restore it as follows: Go to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ App management. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show System Processes. Find Mi Keyboard and click Enable. If there's no item in the list, install the keyboard through APK-file from the official Xiaomi website.
Can I make the keyboard transparent on Redmi?
Yes, but only through third-party keyboards (like Chroom or Fleksy) the standard Mi Keyboard doesn't have that feature. For transparency: Set an alternative keyboard. Integrate the Topic or Design section in its settings, select a theme with a transparent background or create your own.
Why doesnโ€™t Redmi Note 10 have a keyboard size slider?
On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10/10 Pro with MIUI 12.5), the option is hidden. Solutions: Update the firmware to MIUI 13/14. Use Developer Mode (Article 3). Install Gboard - it is guaranteed to have a size setting.