How to configure the T9 keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones: from basic parameters to hidden features

Keyboards with T9 technology (or predictive input) on Xiaomi smartphones can significantly speed up typing — if it is set up correctly. Many users are faced with the fact that auto-replace is too aggressive, prompts appear inappropriate, and dictionaries are not updated. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from the basic activation of the T9 to fine-tuning to personal preferences.

It's important to understand that the configuration depends on the version of MIUI (14 or 15) and the keyboard you use, like the standard Gboard (from Google) or the branded Mi Keyboard. We'll look at both options, and we'll also solve the typical problems of why the T9 doesn't save new words, how to reset the dictionary or disable unnecessary prompts. If you want to not just turn on the feature, but make it really convenient, read on.

What is T9 and how does it work for Xiaomi?

The T9 (Text on 9 keys) technology was originally developed for button phones, where each digital key was responsible for several letters. Modern Xiaomi smartphones use its adapted version - predictive input, which analyzes:

• 📊 Word usage frequency – the more often you type a word, the higher it rises in clues.
• 🔄 Context: The algorithm tries to guess the next word based on previous ones (for example, after "hello" often goes "how are you").
• 🌍 Language settings — T9 It takes into account selected languages and switches between them automatically.
• 📱 System dictionary – a word database that is updated along with firmware MIUI.

On Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T), the T9 is integrated into two keyboards:

• 🔹 Mi Keyboard – a branded keyboard from Xiaomi (set by default).
• 🔹 Gboard – Google Keyboard (often preinstalled or available on the Play Market).

Both support T9, but the settings and features are different, such as Gboard syncs better with your Google account and offers more accurate hints in English, while Mi Keyboard is optimized for Chinese and Russian.

How to turn on or off T9 on the standard Mi Keyboard

If you use the Mi Keyboard, the path to T9 settings depends on the MIUI version. In the latest firmware (14/15), the menu is simplified, but some items are hidden deeper.

1. Open any application where you can type text (such as Messages or Notes).
2. Tap the input field to make the keyboard appear.
3. Press the gear icon (⚙️) In the top row of the keyboard is quick access to settings.
4. Select keyboard settings → Text input.
5. Scroll down to Predict Text and turn on the Show Tricks switch.

To turn off the T9 completely, follow the same steps, but deactivate:

• ❌ Showing clues
• ❌ Auto-replacement
• ❌ Automatic comma placement (optional)

Are the tips included in the settings?

Is the required input language added?

Is the system dictionary updated (check Settings → More)?

Reboot your smartphone after the changes?-->

Attention! On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M5), after upgrading to MIUI 15, the T9 settings may be reset.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting the smartphone settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting) dictionary T9 To restore it, you'll need to re-enter frequently used words within 2-3 days.

T9 setup in Gboard on Xiaomi: key differences

The Gboard keyboard offers more flexible T9 settings, including cloud-based synchronization of the dictionary with your Google account.

1. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Select Gboard (if it is not listed, install it from the Play Market).
3. Go to the text input settings → Show the hints.
4. Activate: 🔘 Showing clues 🔘 Offer emoji (optional) 🔘 Synchronization of the dictionary (requires login to your Google account)

The advantages of Gboard over Mi Keyboard:

Critical Feature: If you use Gboard on Xiaomi with MIUI 14/15, after the system update, the keyboard may reset the microphone access rights (required for voice input). To return the feature, go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Microphone and enable access for Gboard.

How to Add or Delete Words to the T9 Dictionary

If the T9 persists in correcting your name, surname, or specific terms (such as cryptography), the dictionary needs to be updated manually.

For Mi Keyboard:

Xiaomi’s signature keyboard doesn’t allow you to edit the dictionary directly, but there’s a workaround:

1. Enter the problem word in any messenger (for example, in Telegram).
2. When T9 suggests “fixing” it, ignore the prompt and send a message.
3. Repeat this word 3-5 times, and the algorithm will remember it as correct.

For Gboard:

You can add words here manually:

1. Open Settings → System → Language and Input → Gboard → Dictionary.
2. Choose a personal dictionary and language (e.g. Russian).
3. Click + and enter the word/phrase you want to save.

Tip: Use Gboard → Settings → Sliding Input → Word Flow – it helps to remember the trajectories of movements.

2. Voice input with support for T9

You can dictate the text, and the keyboard converts it to your vocabulary.

1. Click on the microphone icon on the keyboard.
2. Say the phrase clearly, with pauses between words.
3. T9 will analyze the dictation and suggest correction options (if necessary).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and below voice input in the Mi Keyboard may not work without an internet connection. Use Gboard for offline recognition.

3. Contact-based personal tips

If you write names from the phone book often, the T9 can pull them up automatically.

• 📱 In Mi Keyboard: Enable Settings → Personalization → Contacts.
• 📱 In Gboard: Activate Settings → Text input → Personalized clues.

💡

Swipe speeds up typing by 30 to 40 percent after a week of practice, especially for long words and messages.

How to Reset T9 Settings to Factory

If the keyboard starts to work incorrectly (for example, suggests words in an incomprehensible language or ignores your fixes), a complete reset will help.

For Mi Keyboard:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Keyboard and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and confirm the action.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

For Gboard:

1. Open Settings → System → Language and Input → Gboard → More
2. Choose Reset settings.
3. Confirm the reset and restart the keyboard.

After discharge:

• 🔄 T9 Start learning from scratch – the first 2-3 days of tips may be inaccurate.
• 📱 It is recommended to add frequently used words manually (in Gboard).
• 🌍 Check that the main input language is installed correctly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about T9 on Xiaomi