Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, despite its age, remains a popular device, but users often face the limitations of the standard shell MIUI in terms of text input. Standard keyboard may seem not functional enough, have an uncomfortable layout or simply do not support the necessary languages. That is why the question of how to configure the keyboard on the phone Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, is one of the most relevant for owners of this model.
The user-friendly configuration of the input tool allows for a much faster set of messages, emails and search queries. The Android operating system that runs MIUI has powerful customization mechanisms that are often hidden from the eyes of the average user. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the setup, from basic changes to advanced management methods.
You’ll learn how to change the font, add new languages, set up autocorrects, and even install third-party apps for maximum comfort. Customizing the input interface is the first step to personalizing your device, making interaction with your gadget truly convenient.
Basic settings of the standard MIUI keyboard
Before you install third-party solutions, you should explore the capabilities that are already built into the system. The standard MIUI keyboard is based on Google's engine, but has its own unique settings interface. To access them, you need to go to the Settings menu → Additional settings → Language and input. This is the main center for managing all input parameters.
In this section, you can choose the active input method. If you have multiple keyboards installed, the system will suggest you select the main one. By clicking on the gear next to the name "MIUI Keyboard", you will be taken to the deep configuration menu, where you can turn on or off the vibration response when you press, which gives a tactile sense of typing, or change the soundtrack.
⚠️ Warning: Changing system fonts or installing unverified keyboard themes can cause characters to display incorrectly in some applications, so back up important data before global interface changes.
Special attention should be paid to the Predictive Input and Autocorrection sections, which use the device's local vocabulary to predict words, so you can clear the personalized vocabulary if the keyboard starts offering incorrect options, or, conversely, add frequently used specific terms manually.
Install and configure Google Gboard on Redmi Note 4
The most popular and functional solution for Android devices is Google’s Gboard, which offers excellent ergonomics, built-in translator and the ability to slide your finger through letters for quick typing, and is installed through the Google Play Store, after which the system must be notified of the new input method.
After installation, go to Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Keyboard management. Here you need to activate the switch opposite Gboard. When you first start the keyboard in any application (for example, in messages), the system will request permission to use this input method - confirm the action. Now you can enjoy the enhanced functionality.
In the settings of the Gboard itself (available through the gear icon on the keyboard panel), you can find many useful options:
- 🎨 Topics: the ability to set a background image, change the transparency of keys or choose a dark theme to save energy on the keys AMOLED-screen.
- 📏 Height: adjusting the size of the keyboard (low, medium, high, extra), which is especially convenient for users with different finger sizes.
- 🗣️ Voice input: Integration of advanced speech recognition technologies to dictate text with high accuracy even without the Internet.
Importantly, the Gboard is regularly updated, adding support for new languages and improving prediction algorithms. For owners of the Redmi Note 4, this is a great way to upgrade the device, as official system updates for this model may not come.
☑️ Checking the Gboard settings
Managing languages and input layouts
Multilingualism is a standard feature for modern smartphones, but setting it up on Xiaomi sometimes raises questions. To add a new language, you don't need to change the interface language of the entire system. Go to the settings of the active keyboard and find the "Languages" option. Here you can add any supported layout, such as Tatar, Kazakh or specific English (US, UK).
Switching between languages is done by swiping over a space or clicking on a globe, depending on the settings you choose, which allows you to instantly change the alphabet without interrupting typing. If you often type in mixed languages, turn on the "Auto-Switching Language" feature, which tries to guess which language you are typing in based on the characters you type.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Autocorrection | Automatic correction of typos | Insert for quick printing |
| Proposal of words | The hint panel above the keyboard | Leave it on. |
| Vibration. | Tactile response when pressed | Set up the force or turn off |
| Keyboard sound | Sound accompaniment | Turn off in public places |
Some users prefer to use third-party layouts, such as YITSUKEN New or specialized layouts for programmers. These keyboards can be found in application directories. Once installed, they appear in the general list of available input methods and are configured similarly to standard ones.
The secret to rapid language change
Solving problems with hanging and keyboard lags
The Redmi Note 4 has a Snapdragon 625 processor that is well optimized, but with time and cache accumulation, even it can hang. If the keyboard stops responding to presses, disappears or typing with a delay, the first thing you need to do is clear its cache. This won't delete your dictionaries, but it will reset temporary files that may have been corrupted.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All apps, find your keyboard (such as “MIUI Keyboard” or “Gboard”) in the list and select “Clear Cache.” If the problem persists, you can try “Clear All Data”, but keep in mind that this will reset the learned words and personal settings to factory.
⚠️ Note: If the keyboard freezes immediately after installing the system or application update, the problem may be incompatibility of the Android version and the new version of the keyboard.
Another reason for the lags may be a lack of RAM. Redmi Note 4 often has a lot of background MIUI processes installed. Close extra applications through the recent task menu before actively typing a lot of text. Also check if the storage partition is crowded, as the lack of space for virtual memory also affects the speed of input.
💡
Use the "Do Not Disturb" or "Games" mode in MIUI during important correspondence so that background notifications do not interrupt the input process and do not cause the interface to hang.
Advanced setting: gestures and voice input
Modern keyboards offer functions that go far beyond just a set of letters. Gestyping allows you to type words without taking your finger off the screen. To activate this feature on Gboard or SwiftKey, you just need to turn on the appropriate switchboard in the settings. It takes some time to get used to, but the speed of printing increases significantly.
Voice input on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 works through a microphone built into the bottom or top of the case. For quality work, you need to ensure that the microphone is accessed to the system. Check the permissions in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone. If access is denied, the keyboard will not be able to activate dictation.
In addition, many keyboards support the addition of emojis, GIF-And you can have animations and stickers right in the input box, which makes communication more lively, and you can customize the emoji panel to put the commonly used emojis in the "Recent" or "Favorites" section, which saves time on finding the right emotion.
💡
Using voice input in noisy rooms can reduce recognition accuracy, so in such conditions it is better to switch to manual input or use headphones with a microphone.
Alternative keyboards and design themes
If standard options don’t suit you, Google Play offers hundreds of alternatives. SwiftKey is famous for its powerful prediction engine, Chrooma offers responsive themes that change color depending on the open app, and Typewise offers a revolutionary hexagonal layout.
Installing an alternative keyboard is the standard scenario: download, activate in the system, default choice. However, be careful with keyboards from obscure developers, as they have access to everything you type, including passwords and card data. Always check ratings and reviews before installing.
The themes allow you not only to change the color, but also to add functional buttons, change the character font and even click animation. IPS-screen well suited to high contrast themes that make it easier to read text in bright lighting.