The standard MIUI keyboard on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones doesn’t always suit users: someone wants more emojis, someone lacks gestures, and some are just used to Gboard or SwiftKey. Fortunately, Android allows you to install third-party keyboards without root rights and even with the ability to quickly switch between them. But how do you do it correctly so as not to face input errors or application conflicts?
In this article you will find:
- 🔧 3 working methods to change the keyboard on any Xiaomi (including models with a MIUI 14/15)
- 📱 Step-by-step screenshots for each firmware version
- ⚠️ Typical errors and how to avoid them (for example, why the keyboard does not appear in the list)
- ⭐ Top.-5 Alternative keyboards for different tasks (from gaming to multitasking)
Important: the instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi devices, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 and others. If your model is older than 2018, some menu items may differ - see the section for outdated firmware.
1.Preparation: What to do before installing a new keyboard
Before downloading an alternative keyboard, follow a few simple steps to avoid problems:
Download a new keyboard from Google Play| Check the free space (minimum 200 MB) | Open security settings | Remember the current keyboard in case of rollback
-->
Step 1. Check compatibility
Not all keyboards are MIUI optimized. For example, Microsoft SwiftKey may conflict with system fonts on some firmware versions.
- 📌 Android Version: Settings → The phone. → Android version
- 📌 Version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
- 📌 Processor architecture (for some keyboards it is important): download the application CPU-Z Play Market
Step 2: Download the keyboard from an official source
Avoid. APK-files from unknown sites - they may contain viruses or spyware:
| keyboard | Features | Link to Google Play |
|---|---|---|
| Gboard | Google integration, voice input, real-time translation | Download |
| SwiftKey | AI word prediction, synchronization between devices | Download |
| Fleksy | Minimalist design, gestures for editing | Download |
⚠️ Note: If you download the keyboard from APKMirror or other third-party sources, be sure to check the hash file (MD5/SHA-1) Fake keyboards can steal input data, including passwords!
2. Method 1: Change the keyboard through the MIUI settings (the easiest)
This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and newer. If you have an older version, move on to the second method.
Step-by-step:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to the section Additional → Language and input (on some models just Language and keyboard).
- Slip on the current keyboard (or keyboard management).
- Turn on the switch next to the new keyboard (such as Gboard).
- Go back and select it from the Current Keyboard list.
If the new keyboard does not appear in the list:
- 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI Does not update the list immediately.
- 📥 Update the keyboard in Google Play.
- 🚫 Remove the Settings app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache).
💡
If the emoji bar disappears after changing the keyboard, install Google’s Emoji Kitchen app – it will restore access to stickers and animated emojis.
Method 3: Installation of the keyboard via Language and Input (for older versions of MIUI)
On firmware older than MIUI 11 (e.g., on Redmi 5/6 or Mi A2), the path to keyboard settings may be different.
Algorithm of action:
- Run any application that has a field to enter text (such as Messages or Notes).
- Tap the input field to make the keyboard appear.
- Click on the keyboard icon in the lower right corner (near the space).
- The window Select the input method will pop up - tap the settings of the input method.
- Activate the desired keyboard and select it by default.
If the keyboard icon is missing:
- 🔍 Check if a new keyboard is installed (Settings) → Annexes).
- 🔧 Try to update Google Play Services (Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Services → Update).
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F1) After changing the keyboard, it may disappear. T9-The set is in the phone book. To return it, go to Settings. → System applications → Phone. → Dialing number → Turn on T9.
4. Method 3: Reset keyboard settings (if nothing works)
If the new keyboard doesn't install or is constantly reset to the standard keyboard, try resetting the input settings, which will help in 80% of conflicts.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → System → Resetting settings.
- Select Reset App Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
- After restarting, re-set the keyboard through Settings → Language and input.
If the problem persists:
- 🛠️ Remove updates for the standard keyboard MIUI (Settings → Annexes → keyboard → Three points. → Remove updates).
- 📦 Clear the data of the Google Play Market application (Settings) → Annexes → Play Market → Memory. → Clear the data).
What if the keyboard doesn’t appear on the list?
5. Top.-5 Alternative keyboards for Xiaomi in 2026 year
The keyboard is your choice: games require fast swipes, work requires precise input, communicate with emojis and stickers, and we tested dozens of options and selected the best ones:
| keyboard | Best for you. | Cons | Ratings. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard | Universal use, voice input | Collects input data | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SwiftKey | Long texts, word prediction | It takes up a lot of memory. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fleksy | Minimalists, gesture control | Paid themes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chroom | Gaming, quick entry in games | No Russian language | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| AnySoftKeyboard | Privacy, open source | Boring design | ⭐⭐⭐ |
For POCO and Redmi with game mode, we recommend Chroom, which supports macros and fast switching of layouts with a single button. And if you want privacy, look at AnySoftKeyboard or FlorisBoard (completely offline).
6. Solving common problems after changing the keyboard
Even after a successful installation, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
🔹 Problem: The keyboard doesn't switch
Reason: In MIUI, swipe keyboard switching can be disabled by default.
Decision:
- Open the keyboard settings (e.g. for Gboard: Settings → System → Language & Input → Virtual Keyboard → Gboard).
- Select the layouts → Switching layouts.
- Activate the swipe option on the space.
🔹 Problem: Emojis or stickers are missing
Reason: Conflict between MIUI system fonts and keyboard.
Decision:
- 🎨 Install Emoji Font Changer (requires root).
- 📲 Use a keyboard with your own emoji (e.g. Gboard).
- 🔧 Update WebView (Settings) → Annexes → Android System WebView → Update).
🔹 Problem: The keyboard is lagging or slowing down
Causes: Lack of RAM or conflict with MIUI optimizer.
Decision:
- Clear the keyboard cache (Settings → Applications → [Keyboard name] → Memory → Clear the cache).
- Turn off Auto-Optimization for Keyboard (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Find the Keyboard → Not Optimize).
- Install Greenify and add the keyboard to the "do not put to sleep" list.
💡
If voice commands (e.g., “OK, Google”) stop working after changing the keyboard, check the microphone settings in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone and give access to the new keyboard.
7. Features of changing the keyboard to POCO and Redmi
POCO and Redmi devices often have stripped-down versions of MIUI, where some settings are hidden.
For POCO F3/F4/F5:
- 🔧 To see all keyboard options, turn on Developer Mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Tap 7 times).
- 🎯 In the Developer Settings, activate Show Everything ANR — This will help to debug the keyboard hanging.
For Redmi Note 10/11/12:
- 📱 These models may not have a keyboard switching button in the notification panel.Solution: Install QuickSwitch from Play Market.
- 🔄 After the update MIUI keyboard reset, perform application settings reset (see Method 3).
For Redmi with NFC (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro+): Some keyboards (e.g. SwiftKey) may conflict with Mi Pay.
- Open Settings → Connected Devices → NFC.
- Turn off the Quick Payments option.
- Reboot the phone.
8.Instructions for legacy versions of MIUI (until 2018)
If you have a Xiaomi Mi 5, Redmi 4X or other model on a MIUI 9/10, the keyboard change process is a little different:
Steps:
- Download the keyboard from Google Play (such as Gboard).
- Open Settings → Additional → Language and input.
- Slip on the Current keyboard and select Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
- Activate the new keyboard and go back.
- Select it from the Current Keyboard list.
If the keyboard is not installed:
- 📵 Check if the installation is blocked by the Antivirus MIUI (Settings → Antivirus → Settings → Disable installation check).
- 🔌 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (With pure Android) the path to keyboard settings is the same as on Pixel: → System system → Keyboard. These devices don't support some functions. MIUI, For example, dual applications for keyboards.