How to change the keyboard on Xiaomi Android smartphones: from installation to fine tuning

The keyboard on Xiaomi is not just a typing tool, but a set of functions that affect communication, speed and even data security. Many MIUI users find that a standard keyboard (usually a Mi Keyboard or Google Keyboard) does not always meet their needs: someone wants swipe gestures for quick typing, someone needs support for several languages, and some are looking for additional themes.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to change the keyboard on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from basic installation of alternative applications to manually adjusting system settings. You’ll learn how to avoid common errors, which keyboards are better for specific tasks, and what to do if a new keyboard doesn’t work. And for those who like experiments, we’ve prepared instructions on hidden MIUI features that allow you to fine-tune even a standard keyboard.

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand that changing the keyboard to Xiaomi does not require root rights or complex manipulations, but some methods (for example, installing keyboards via APK) can conflict with the MIUI security policy, so we recommend starting with the official methods - they are simpler and more reliable.

1. How to install a new keyboard from Google Play

The easiest and safest way to change the keyboard is to download an alternative app from the Google Play Market, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and even older devices on MIUI 12 and later.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Google Play Market and search for the keyboard name (such as Gboard, SwiftKey, or Fleksy).
2. Click “Install” and wait for the download to be completed.
3. After installation, open the keyboard application – it usually offers to go through a brief setup (choice of language, theme, permissions).
4. Return to any field to type (such as Messages or Notes), swipe down the notification bar and click on the Keyboard icon (usually an icon with an “A” or emoji).
5. In the window that appears, select a new keyboard and confirm the choice.

If the new keyboard doesn’t appear on the list, check:

• 🔹 Permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find the keyboard and enable all permissions.
• 🔹 Activation: Some keyboards require manual inclusion in Settings → System system → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
• 🔹 Updates: Make sure you have the latest version of the app.

Check the available space on the device (minimum 100 MB)

Disable VPN (some keyboards block installation when an active VPN is in place)

Close all applications that use the keyboard (messengers, browser)

Restart your smartphone after installation (recommended for MIUI 13 and newer)-->

Tip: If you switch between languages frequently, look for instant-switch keyboards (like Gboard or Multiling O Keyboard) that allow you to swipe over space.

2. Top.-5 Alternative keyboards for Xiaomi in 2026 year

The keyboard is a function of your task: someone needs top speed dialing, someone needs support for rare languages, and someone appreciates design, and we tested dozens of apps and selected the best options for Xiaomi devices.

For most Xiaomi users, Gboard is the best choice — it’s free, supports swipe input, and has built-in GIF and emoji searches. If privacy is important to you, look at Fleksy or AnySoftKeyboard — they don’t send typing data to servers.

Important: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, some keyboards (e.g. SwiftKey) may conflict with system services. If the keyboard brakes after installation, try disabling MIUI Optimization in the battery settings for this application.

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If you often write in two languages, you can configure bilingual input in Gboard: go to the keyboard settings → Languages → Bilingual keyboard and select the desired combination (for example, Russian + English).

3. How to change the keyboard through MIUI settings

If you don’t want to install third-party apps, you can customize the standard Mi Keyboard to suit your needs. MIUI offers many hidden options that many users don’t notice.

To open the extended settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input.
2. Click on the Virtual Keyboard → Mi Keyboard (or Gboard if installed).
3. Here you will find sections: 🔹 Topics – change of design (including transparent background). 🔹 Layouts – Adding languages and switching control. 🔹 Type of text - setting vibration, keyboard sound, auto-replacement. 🔹 Additionally – gestures, quick answers, digital panel key.

Please note the “Gestural” section – you can include:

• 👆 Swipe up key 123 for quick access to characters.
• 👇 Swipe down the space for switching the language.
• 👈 Swipe left on the Backspace key to delete the whole word.

An important nuance: on some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro), the Gesture option may be hidden. To activate it, you need to turn on Developer Mode and manually allow full access to the keyboard in the special features settings.

Installation of the keyboard via APK: risks and instructions

Sometimes the keyboard is not available on Google Play (such as beta or modified builds). APK-file, but there are nuances.

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Note: Installing APKs from unverified sources can lead to data leakage or virus infection. Always download files only from official developer sites (such as APKMirror) and check hash amounts.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-Keyboard file on a reliable resource.
2. Before installing, go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications and allow installation for your file manager (e.g. Files by Google or Mi File Manager).
3. Open the downloaded file and click "Install".
4. After installation, activate the keyboard in Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.

If the keyboard does not appear in the list:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔧 Check if it's blocking it. MIUI Optimization (in battery settings, turn off optimization for this application).
• 📱 Make sure that the device has enough free memory (minimum 200 MB).

Warning: Some keyboards (such as modified versions of Gboard with an iOS theme) can cause errors in MIUI, such as spontaneous closing of applications or failures when you enter text. If problems arise after installation, delete the keyboard and perform Cache Clearing in the system settings.

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Installing keyboards via APK is only suitable for power users. If you are not sure about the source of the file, it is better to use official app stores.

5. How to Get Back a Standard Xiaomi Keyboard

If the experiments with alternative keyboards have failed, or you just want to return the Mi Keyboard, you can do it in a few steps.

Method 1: Through language and input settings

1. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Click on Keyboard Management.
3. Turn on the switch next to the Mi Keyboard (or Android Keyboard (AOSP) on older models).
4. Return to any text box, swipe down the notification bar and select Mi Keyboard in the list.

Method 2: Resetting keyboard settings

If the standard keyboard is not working properly (for example, it does not save words or forgets the language), reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Keyboard in the list and click on it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Reset the device.

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Warning: Cleaning the keyboard data will remove all saved words from the dictionary and personal settings (such as added gestures) and you will have to retrain the keyboard to your typewriting style after resetting.

If the Mi Keyboard disappeared from the list of available keyboards, it could mean it was disabled or deleted.

• 🔍 Check the folder Disabled applications in the application settings.
• 🔧 If the keyboard is removed, it can only be restored through resetting the phone settings or flashing it.

6. Solving Keyboard Problems on Xiaomi

Even if you install it correctly, the keyboard may not work properly, so let's look at some of the most common problems and how to solve them.

If none of these methods worked, try removing and reinstalling the problem keyboard, and check if it is blocked by antivirus or MIUI Security.

Advice for owners POCO: On the devices. POCO shelled POCO Launcher sometimes has keyboard display bugs. To fix them, temporarily switch to a standard launcher. MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → Home.
2. Select Standard Launcher.
3. Restart the device and check the keyboard.

7. Hidden Keyboard Chips by Xiaomi

Many users are unaware that the standard Mi Keyboard hides useful features that can be activated through access codes or deep settings.

Here are some life hacks:

• 🔢 Quick number entry: hold the key 123 and swipe to the desired number – it will be entered without switching the layout.
• 🌙 Night mode: In the Mi Keyboard settings, there is a hidden option Dark theme on schedule. To enable it, translate the system theme to Auto (timed).
• 🔍 Search GIF and emoji: Mi Keyboard has a built-in search engine - click on the emoji icon and enter a request (works without the Internet for standard emojis).
• 📎 Clipboard: hold the comma (,) – the history of copied text (up to the last 20 elements) will appear).

For customization enthusiasts:

Enter the code in the keyboard field: ##6484##


This will open a hidden keyboard testing menu where you can:




- Check the sensitivity of the press.




- Set up a re-entry delay.




Include debugging information (useful for developers).

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Note: Not all codes work on newer versions of MIUI 14+. On devices with POCO Launcher, some features may be disabled.

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Xiaomi’s hidden keyboard features often depend on the MIUI version. For example, the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13 runs the code to enable one-handed mode (#64663##), while the Xiaomi 13 with MIUI 14 does not.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)