How to disable the T9 feature on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Why T9 Auto Replacement Is Irritating to Xiaomi Users and How to Remove It Forever

The T9 (or auto-replace text) feature on Xiaomi smartphones is often a source of annoyance: it misfiles words, adds unnecessary spaces, or replaces slang expressions with formal ones. This is especially noticeable in MIUI, where auto-correction algorithms sometimes work too aggressively, for example, the word “hello” can turn into “hello” and “sps” into “thank you.”

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to disconnect T9 on Xiaomi, Redmi devices, POCO and Black Shark, including settings for the standard Gboard keyboard, system keyboard MIUI, And there are alternatives for those who want to get rid of auto replacement completely. MIUI 13–15.

Before you start, consider that disabling T9 can affect typing speed, especially if you are used to auto-complement. However, for many users, freedom from intrusive fixes is more important.

📊 What keyboard do you use on Xiaomi?
Gboard (Google)
MIUI keyboard
SwiftKey
Another.
I don't know.

Most Xiaomi users use Google’s Gboard keyboard, which is the default keyboard on many models. To turn off the T9 in it, follow the following steps:

  1. Open any application where you can type text (such as Messages or Notes).
  2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) on the keyboard to open the Gboard settings.
  3. Go to the Correction of the text section.
  4. Turn off the switches: 🔄 Auto-replacement (main function) T9) 📝 Autocompletion (word hints) ✍️ Show correction options

If the auto-replacement still works after these steps, check the language settings: sometimes the function is turned on separately for each language package.

☑️ Checking Gboard settings

Done: 0 / 5

⚠️ Note: In some versions of Gboard, the auto-replace option may be called typo fix. If you don't see the right item, update the app via Google Play.

Method 2: Configure the MIUI system keyboard (for standard input)

If you use a MIUI keyboard (the default on many Xiaomi devices), the T9 disablement algorithm is slightly different.

  1. Run any application with text input.
  2. Click on the settings icon (⚙️) on the keyboard or hold a space to open the menu.
  3. Select the MIUI keyboard settings.
  4. Go to the Smart Entering section.
  5. Turn it off: 🤖 Autocorrection (analogue) T9) 💬 Word hints 🔄 Auto-replacement of emojis (if not necessary)

The MIUI keyboard also has a typing learning feature that analyzes your writing style and adjusts auto-replacement. If you want to reset these settings completely, go to Settings → Additional → Reset Personal Data.

FunctionDescriptionRecommendation
AutocorrectionCorrects typos automaticallyShut down.
Word hintsOffers options for continuing the wordDisable (if intruding)
Auto-replacement emojisConverts text to emoji (e.g, «:)» → 😊)Leave (optional)
Input trainingAdapt the keyboard to your styleReset if auto replacement is not working properly

💡

If after turning off auto-replacement, the keyboard began to work slower, try clearing its cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Keyboard → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Using third-party keyboards without T9

If the standard settings don't help, you can install an alternative keyboard where the T9 function is either missing or easily disabled.

  • 📱 SwiftKey - flexible auto-replacement settings, gesture support.
  • ⚡ Fleksy – Minimalist keyboard without intrusive correction.
  • 🔒 AnySoftKeyboard – Open Source, Full Control of Auto Replacement.
  • 🎯 Chroom – keyboard with a focus on privacy (no cloud learning).

To install a third-party keyboard:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
  3. Activate the new keyboard and set it by default.
  4. In the keyboard settings, turn off all auto-replace options.

For example, in SwiftKey, the path would be: Settings → Fix → Disable “Auto-Replace” and “Word Prediction.”

What to do if the keyboard is not installed?
If you install a third-party keyboard error "App is not supported", check: 1. Is there enough space in memory (Settings → Memory). 2. Are installations from unknown sources allowed (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications). 3. Is the version of Google Play Services current (update to the Play Store).

Method 4: Disable T9 via ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can use them. ADB-This method is suitable for Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader or root rights.

You'll need:

  • 🖥️ Computer installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.

Follow the instructions in ADB:

adb shell settings put secure spell_checker_enabled 0


adb shell settings put secure text_correction_enabled 0

These commands will disable spell check and auto-replace at the system level, and once the device is restarted, the changes will take effect.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, use the other methods in this article. Also note that after resetting or updating. MIUI The parameters can return to the factory.

💡

ADB-Teams are the most radical way to shut down T9, But it requires technical skills. For most users, keyboard settings are sufficient (Methods 1-3).

Method 5: Reset keyboard settings to factory

If the T9 auto-replace is behaving unpredictably (e.g., ignoring your settings or “forgetting” the options disabled), resetting the keyboard to factory status will help, removing all saved words, input history, and personal settings.

For Gboard:

  1. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual Keyboard → Gboard.
  2. Choose the Dictionary.
  3. Click Delete Training Data.
  4. Confirm the action.

For the MIUI keyboard:

  1. Go to Settings → Further → Reset personal data.
  2. Select Reset keyboard settings.

Once reset, the keyboard will work as if you just bought a phone.This is the only way to fix the "stuck" auto-replace errors that don't disappear after manually disabling functions.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the T9 is turned off, Xiaomi users sometimes face unexpected challenges.

Problem 1: Auto-replacement is activated after the MIUI update.

Solution: Updates often reset your keyboard settings. After installing the new MIUI version, check the Gboard or MIUI keyboard settings again.

Problem 2: Some apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram) have auto-replacement work, while others don’t.

Solution: This is due to the settings of specific messengers. Go to the chat settings (for example, WhatsApp: ⋮ → Settings → chat → Enter text) and disable the built-in auto-replacement.

Problem 3: The MIUI keyboard does not save the settings.

Solution: Clear the keyboard cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Keyboard → Clear the cache) or reinstall it via MIUI Lab (if available).

💡

If you switch between languages often, add only the layouts you actually use to Gboard. The fewer languages you have, the less auto-replace conflicts you'll have.

Can I turn off T9 for specific applications only?
Yes, some keyboards (like Gboard) allow you to set up auto-replacement separately for each application. To do this: Open Gboard Settings → Text Correction. Select Settings for apps. Add the desired application to the list and disable Auto-replacement for it. There is no such feature in the MIUI keyboard - settings apply globally.
Why did the T9 switch off the keyboard?
This is because auto-complement and correction algorithms sometimes speed up input by predicting words. Without them, the keyboard has to process each character separately. Solution: Clear the keyboard cache. Turn off animations in Settings → Design → System animation. Try another keyboard (like Fleksy).
How do I get the T9 back if I change my mind?
Just repeat the steps from Method 1 or Method 2, but turn back on the Auto-Replace and Auto-Augmentation options. If you reset your keyboard settings, it may take time (a few days) for the algorithms to “learn” your writing style again.
Does this work on POCO and Black Shark?
Yes, POCO and Black Shark are MIUI-based (or modifications of it), so all the instructions in this article apply to these devices, except for pure Android models (such as POCO F1 with Android One), which use Gboard without Xiaomi add-ons.
Can I turn off the T9 permanently so that the settings don't reset?
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to permanently block autoreplacement - after MIUI updates or resets, it can turn on again.To minimize risk: Use a third-party keyboard (like SwiftKey). Disable automatic MIUI update in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Create a backup of keyboard settings through Settings → Additional → Backup.