How to Change Keyboard on Xiaomi: From Standard MIUI to Gboard and SwiftKey

Changing the keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that almost every user faces. Whether you want to install Gboard for easy voice input, SwiftKey with adaptive suggestions or return the standard MIUI keyboard after experiments, the process has its nuances. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, including hidden system settings, which the manufacturer does not always advertise.

Xiaomi devices (and other brands under the company’s umbrella, such as Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) are deeply integrated with branded services. For example, the standard Mi Keyboard keyboard is closely linked to the Mi Account cloud, which can cause conflicts when installing third-party solutions. We will show how to bypass typical errors, such as when a new keyboard does not appear in the list of available after installation or is reset after rebooting.

Important: Instructions are relevant to MIUI 12–14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions) and for most models released after 2019 (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F4 For older devices (e.g. Redmi 5 Plus on the MIUI 10 additional steps may be required.

1. Standard method: change the keyboard through the MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the system’s built-in tools, which are suitable for installing both the Mi Keyboard’s proprietary keyboard and third-party apps from Google Play.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install an alternative keyboard from the store (such as Gboard or SwiftKey).
2. Open Settings → System and device → Language and input.
3. Tap the current keyboard (or keyboard management in older versions of MIUI).
4. Turn on the switch next to the desired keyboard and select it as the main one.

⚠️ Note: If the list does not show the installed keyboard, check if permissions for the application are disabled in Settings → Annexes → Application management. Also make sure that the application is downloaded from an official source — MIUI blocks keyboards from third-party APK.

Download the keyboard from Google Play|Provide all permissions to the application|Restart the phone after installation|Check for updates MIUI In Settings → The phone.-->

2. Installation of the keyboard via ADB (for power users)

If the standard method did not work (for example, the keyboard does not appear in the list or resets after a reboot), you can resort to the use of the keyboard. ADB-This method is useful for devices with limited rights (for example, on Chinese firmware) or in conflicts with Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI Version.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell im enable [name packet keyboard] For example, for Gboard: adb shell im enable com.google.android.inputmethod.latin
4. Set the default keyboard: adb shell im set com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This can cause system failures if you type the wrong command. Before execution, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

3. Problem Solving: Keyboard doesn't change or reset

A frequent complaint of Xiaomi users - the keyboard returns to standard after rebooting or updating MIUI.

• 🔄 Automatic resetting of settings: B MIUI There's a system optimization feature that can reset the input settings. Turn it off in Settings. → Battery and performance → Optimization.
• 🔒 Mi Account conflict: If you use Chinese firmware, some keyboards may be blocked due to security policy.Try changing device region to global in Settings → Additionally. → Region.
• 📱 Cache Error: Clear the cache and application data Settings (com.android.settings) through Settings → Annexes → Application management.

If the problem persists, try resetting the keyboard settings:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Enter.
2. Select the current keyboard and tap Reset Settings.
3. Install the alternative keyboard again.

Standard Mi Keyboard|Gboard (Google)|SwiftKey|Other third-party |I don't know-->

4. Keyboard comparison: which one to choose for Xiaomi

The choice of keyboard depends on your tasks, and below is a comparison of key parameters for popular solutions:

For most Xiaomi users, Gboard is the best choice – it offers maximum functionality and rarely conflicts with the system. If you care about privacy, look at AnySoftKeyboard or OpenBoard (open-source solutions).

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To speed up the input on the Mi Keyboard, enable the swipe function to enter in the keyboard settings. This will allow you to type without taking your finger off the screen, as on SwiftKey.

5. How to return a standard MIUI keyboard after installing a third-party

If you’ve been experimenting with alternative keyboards and want to return to the branded Mi Keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → System and device → Language and input.
2. Slip on the current keyboard (such as Gboard) and select Disable.
3. In the list of available keyboards, find the Mi Keyboard and activate it.
4. If the Mi Keyboard is not listed, reinstall it via the Mi App Store or clear the system app cache (see Section 3).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China) a standard keyboard can be deeply integrated into the system, in which case deleting or disabling it will lead to input errors in system applications (for example, in Messages or Contacts).

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Before removing the Mi Keyboard, make sure you have an alternative keyboard installed and configured. Without an active keyboard, you won't be able to type text into the system fields!

6. Configure the keyboard for specific tasks

Modern keyboards allow you to finely customize input for different scenarios. Consider useful chips for Xiaomi:

• 🎤 Voice input in messengers: In Gboard, hold the space button and say the text. MIUI This feature is only available through Google Assistant.
• 🌐 Quick language switching: In keyboard settings, add the desired languages and assign a gesture (for example, swipe over the space in SwiftKey).
• 🔑 Secure Entering: For banking applications, use the Viirtual Keyboard (a virtual keyboard inside the app) to protect yourself from keyloggers.
• 🎨 Themes and design: Mi Keyboard has branded themes from the Mi Theme Store, and Gboard has its own wallpaper creation.

For gamers on Black Shark or POCO F, it is useful to configure the keyboard game mode:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Game mode.
2. Activate the Transparent Keyboard option to reduce overlay on the game interface.
3. In the keyboard settings, turn off the vibration and key sounds so as not to get distracted.

7. Frequent errors and their correction

Even after a successful keyboard change, Xiaomi users may encounter bugs.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your phone to factory settings (pre-saving data!). Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset. After resetting, the keyboard will return to the standard Mi Keyboard, and you can repeat the installation process of the alternative.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions