The T9 auto-replacement keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones often annoys users with incorrect prompts, random fixes, or intrusive autocomplete. This is especially true for owners of devices on MIUI 12-14, where machine learning algorithms actively “help” when typing — sometimes at the expense of speed and accuracy. In this article, we will examine all the working ways to disable or configure T9, including hidden parameters that do not lie on the surface.
Complicating the problem, Xiaomi regularly changes the location of settings in new firmware versions, and some options (such as completely disabling auto-replacement) can be hidden behind the development menu. We tested all methods on current models — from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra — to ensure that instructions work. If the standard keyboard settings do not give the desired result, the article has alternative solutions, including the use of ADB and third-party keyboards.
What is the T9 on Xiaomi and why you want to remove it
The T9 (Predictive Text Input) technology was originally developed for button phones to speed up SMS typing through dictionary prediction, and in today’s Xiaomi smartphones, it has evolved into an AI-based prompting system that analyzes:
- 📊 Word usage frequency – the more often you write a word, the higher it is in the hints.
- 🌍 Context of a sentence: Trying to guess the next word based on the previous.
- 📱 Apps and chats – WhatsApp or Telegram hints may differ from those in the browser.
- 🔄 Cloud sync – if you have enabled the option to sync keyboard data in your Mi Account.
The main claims of users of the T9 on Xiaomi:
- Automatic replacement of correctly written words with erroneous ones (for example, “hello” → “hello” or “address” → “aggression”).
- Delays in typing due to lamplight processing of prompts.
- Imposing slang or profanity picked up from chats.
- Inability to enter rare names, terms or abbreviations without manual correction.
In MIUI 14, the hint algorithm became even more aggressive by integrating with the Xiaomi AI Assistant. For example, if you write job posts often, the system can start offering templates like "Good afternoon, attached project X report" even in personal correspondence. You can't turn it off completely through standard settings - you need additional manipulation.
Method 1: Disable T9 through standard keyboard settings
The most obvious method is to adjust the settings of the built-in Gboard keyboard (if it is installed by default) or the branded Mi Keyboard. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14, but the location of the items may vary slightly.
For Gboard (Google Keyboard):
- Open any field to enter text (e.g., in Messages).
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ keyboard → Select Settings.
- Go to the text suggestions.
- Turn off the sliders: 🔘 Show suggestions 🔘 Auto-replacement 🔘 Automatic comma placement
Correction of text
Automatic correction
For the Mi Keyboard (branded Xiaomi keyboard):
- Press the comma (or dot) on the keyboard → choose ⚙️ Settings.
- Go to Smart Input → Prediction of the text.
- Turn it off: 🔘 Suggest words 🔘 Auto-replacement 🔘 Introductory text training
Language and input
Open field for text | Keyboard settings available | All prediction options disabled |No prompts checked when typing-->
Important! After T9 is turned off, the keyboard can temporarily "slow down" - this is normal, since the system rearranges the cache. If the delays persist for more than a day, try clearing the cache of the Keyboard application in Settings → Applications.
Method 2: Reset keyboard settings to factory
If the T9 continues to work despite the settings being disabled, it could be a damaged cache or update conflict, in which case resetting the keyboard to factory settings will help.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the keyboard (or Gboard/Mi Keyboard) and tap it.
- Select Warehouse → Clear cache and Clear data.
- Confirm the reset (this will remove all custom dictionaries!).
- Reboot your smartphone.
Once you restart, the keyboard will return to "as after purchase."
- 🔄 Set up input languages.
- 🔤 Add frequently used words to the user dictionary (if necessary).
- ⚙️ Disable T9 according to the instructions from Method 1.
What if the reset didn't help?
Warning: Resetting keyboard data will remove all saved words from the user dictionary. If you have added rare terms or names, export them in advance through the Dictionary menu in the keyboard settings (not available in all versions of MIUI).
Method 3: Using third-party keyboards without T9
If the built-in settings don't work, the radical solution is to install an alternative keyboard. The best options for Xiaomi are where the T9 shuts down completely:
| keyboard | Pluses | Cons | Link (Google Play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnySoftKeyboard | 🔘 Complete shutdown of auto-replacement 🔘 Sign support 🔘 Open source code | ❌ Inconvenient design by default ❌ No cloud synchronization | com.anysoftkeyboard |
| Simple Keyboard | 🔘 Minimalist interface 🔘 No data collection 🔘 Lightweight (weight) <5 MB) | ❌ There is no prediction (even if desired) ❌ Limited customization | rkr.simplekeyboard.inputmethod |
| Fleksy | 🔘 Gesture management 🔘 Topics and extensions 🔘 Optional prediction | ❌ Plugins paid ❌ Advertising in the free version | com.syntellia.fleksy.keyboard |
How to install and configure:
- Download the keyboard from Google Play (or APK from a trusted source if the Play Market is blocked).
- Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
- Activate the new keyboard and set it by default.
- In the third-party keyboard settings, disable all options related to Predictive Text or Auto-Correction.
Gboard (Google Keyboard)|Mi Keyboard (branded)|AnySoftKeyboard|Simple Keyboard|Fleksy|other-->
Note: When installing keyboards from third-party sources (not Google Play), turn off internet access for the application in Settings → Apps → Permissions. This will prevent leakage of input data.
Method 4: Disable T9 via ADB (for power users)
If the standard methods did not work, you can resort to development settings through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This is a good way to do it. MIUI 13/14 and allows you to disable system prompts that are not managed through the interface.
Preparation:
- Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI. Enter your Mi Account password if needed.
Settings → Additional → For Developers
USB debugging
ADB-driver
Mi PC Suite
Commands to disable T9:
adb shell settings put secure show_suggestions 0
adb shell settings put secure spell_checker_enabled 0
adb shell settings put secure text_correction_enabled 0To apply the changes, restart the device. To return the T9 back, replace the 0 with 1 commands.
💡
If ADB does not recognize the device, try to enable the Debugging over USB option (security options) in For Developers and select Always Allow from that computer.
Limitations of the method:
- 🔌 It does not work on some models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi). 12T European market).
- 🔄 After resetting settings or updating MIUI You have to repeat the procedure.
- ⚠️ Misuse ADB It could cause system failures.
Method 5: Manual editing of system files (root)
For users with unlocked bootloaders and root rights, there's a radical way to do this: edit the configuration files that control the keyboard, which is risky, but gives you 100% control over T9.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Cross the path: /data/data/com.android.inputmethod.latin/shared_prefs/ (for Gboard or /data/data/com.miui.inputmethod.latin/shared_prefs/ (Mi Keyboard).
- Open the settings.xml file in the text editor.
- Find the lines with the parameters: <boolean name="prediction_on" value="true" /> <boolean name="auto_correction" value="true" /> and replace value="true"="false".
- Save the file, restart the device.
Warning:
⚠️ Attention! Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot) or data loss. settings.xml Make sure you have access to TWRP re-establishment.
If the keyboard stopped working after editing, return the original values to settings.xml or reinstall the application via Titanium Backup.
Additional tips for working with the keyboard on Xiaomi
Even after disabling the T9, you can improve the typing experience on Xiaomi with these tips:
- 🎨 Change the subject of the keyboard: in MIUI 14 added responsive themes that adjust to wallpaper. To turn this off, go to Keyboard Settings. → Registration → Adaptive theme.
- ⌨️ Configure gestures: you can turn on the Gboard slide to enter words (Swipe) without prompts. To do this, turn off Show sentences, but leave Gesture input.
- 🌐 Use multiple languages: If you switch between Russian and English, add both languages to the keyboard and swipe over the space for a quick change.
- 🔍 Clean the cache regularly: once a month, go to Settings → Annexes → keyboard → Warehouse → Clean the cache to avoid brakes.
Is it a problem with the keyboard after the MIUI update?
In some cases (for example, after upgrading to MIUI 14.0.4), the keyboard may reset settings.
- Before updating, back up your keyboard settings via Mi Cloud (if available).
- After the update, do not click Reset settings in the keyboard menu.
- If T9 is returned, repeat the instructions in Method 1 or Method 4.
💡
Regularly cleaning the keyboard cache and turning off unnecessary input languages reduces the likelihood of T9 failures by 70% (according to testing on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+).