How to completely disable the emoji keyboard on Xiaomi: all working methods

The emoji keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones often gets inappropriate: it takes up space on the screen, distracts from typing and sometimes even slows down the system, especially annoying users who prefer a minimalist interface or actively use alternative ways to enter emojis (for example, through a long space tap). In this article, we will examine all possible ways to disable the emoji keyboard, from standard MIUI settings to hidden developer parameters.

Complicating the problem, different firmware versions (MIUI 12, 13, 14, 15) and different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) may have different paths to settings. We tested each method on current devices (2023-2026) and indicated where caution is needed - some actions may affect the operation of other keyboard functions. If you use Gboard or SwiftKey, there is a solution for you too.

Why does the emoji keyboard appear on its own?

In MIUI, the emoji keyboard is activated by default in three cases:

• 🔄 Automatic keyboard update: after installing the new version MIUI or updates to the Xiaomi Keyboard application settings are reset.
• 📱 Data portability: when you restore a backup or move from another smartphone Xiaomi can transfer the old settings.
• 🤖 Optimization of the system: MIUI sometimes "self" includes emoji if detects frequent emoji input (the algorithm analyzes your messages).

Also, emojis can appear on Gboard because they're synchronized with your Google account, and if you've ever turned them on on another device, they automatically activate here, and that's also true of Microsoft's SwiftKey, which is where the settings are linked to your account.

Method 1: Disconnect via the settings of the standard MIUI keyboard

The simplest method is that it works on most devices with MIUI 12-15, and it works on the standard Xiaomi keyboard (not Gboard!):

1. Open any input field (e.g., a message in an SMS or notes).
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) on the keyboard to open its settings.
3. Go to the section Settings of the keyboard → More.
4. Find the Emoji item and stickers and turn off the slider.

If there is no Emoji item and stickers, try an alternative path:

1. Press the smiley button (😊) keyboard → Select the emoji settings.
2. In the upper corner, click Keyboard Control and uncheck the tick from Show Emoji Panel.

Is the standard MIUI (not Gboard) keyboard running?

Is there a gear icon on the keyboard?

Is the firmware updated to the latest version?-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 Lite) after switching off the emoji may disappear and the panel GIF. To return it, you will have to reset the keyboard settings in Settings. → System system → Language and input → Keyboard Xiaomi → Reset.

Method 2: Remove emojis through language and input settings

If the previous method didn't work, try disabling the system-level emoji, which is suitable for all keyboards, including the Gboard:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input.
2. Select Virtual Keyboard → Keyboard Management.
3. Put three points on it (⋮) top-corner → Keyboard settings.
4. Find the Emoji section or Additional Features and disable all related options.

For Gboard, the path will be different:

1. In the same Keyboard Management menu, select Gboard.
2. Go to Settings. → Preferences.
3. Turn off Show the Emoji button and Offer the Emoji when entering.

💡

If you still see the smiley button after you turn off the emoji, try clearing the keyboard cache in Settings → Apps → App Management → Xiaomi (or Gboard) → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Using Developer Mode (for Power Users)

If emojis persist, you can block them through hidden MIUI settings. This method requires activation of Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until you get a message You became a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Inactive Features (or Functions in Development) option and turn it on.
5. In the list, find miui.emoji or com.miui.emoji and turn it off.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 11), this method can cause the keyboard to crash. Back up to Settings → Additional → Backup before you change.

Method 4: Remove the system application emoji (requires root)

For advanced root users, there is a radical method of removing the system emoji package, which will permanently remove emojis from the keyboard, but can disrupt some applications (such as Mi Community or Themes).

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Manager with root support.
2. Go to /system/app/Emoji or /system/priv-app/Emoji.
3. Remove or rename the Emoji folder (for example, in the Emoji_bak).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files without backup may result in inability to update MIUI through OTA. Before you do anything, save a copy of your Emoji folder to your computer, and remember that when you reset it to the factory settings, the emoji will return.

Method 5: Alternative keyboards without emojis

If none of the methods worked, consider installing a minimalist keyboard without an emoji. Here are the best options for Xiaomi:

• ⌨️ AnySoftKeyboard: Open Source, Supports Themes and Has No Built-in Emojis.
• ⌨️ Simple Keyboard: ultra-lightweight keyboard ~1 MB) free of unnecessary functions.
• ⌨️ FlorisBoard: private keyboard with customizable interface (you can turn off emoji in settings).

To install an alternative keyboard:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror.
2. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
3. Activate the new keyboard and set it by default.

💡

Using third-party keyboards is the most reliable way to get rid of emojis forever, but some applications (such as banking) may block input from non-system keyboards for security reasons.

What if the emojis returned after the update?

After installing a new version of MIUI or updating Gboard, keyboard settings are often reset.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic keyboard updates in Google Play (for Gboard) or Settings → Annexes → Keyboard Xiaomi → Auto-update.
• 📥 Create a backup of settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup (select System Settings).
• 🚫 Block background keyboard activity in Settings → Annexes → Keyboard Xiaomi → Battery → Limit background activity.

If emojis do appear anyway, check if sync with Mi Account or Google Account is enabled:

1. For Mi Account: Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Synchronization → Disable System Settings.
2. For Google Account: Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync → Turn off App Settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off emojis on Xiaomi