How to completely disable T9 on Xiaomi Poco: 5 working ways

Auto-replacement and T9 tips on Xiaomi Poco smartphones are often a source of annoyance: the system persistently corrects names, slang words or specialized terms, and sometimes even substitutes the wrong options. This is especially true for users who actively correspond in several languages or use professional slang. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to disable the T9 — from standard MIUI settings to hidden keyboard settings that the manufacturer does not advertise.

It's important to understand that the term "T9" is often used today as a generic name for any auto-replacement and predictive input system, even though it was originally a technology for button phones. On Xiaomi Poco (whether it's a Poco X5, Poco F5 or Poco M6 Pro), these functions are either the standard MIUI keyboard or Google's Gboard. The methods for disabling them are different, so we'll look at both options. You'll also learn how to return the original keyboard settings if after experiments it stops working correctly.

1. Why T9 is in the way: real user problems

Before we get to the instructions, it’s worth figuring out exactly where auto replacement is becoming a problem, and here are the most common complaints from Xiaomi Poco owners:

• 🔄 Distortion of names and surnames: the system stubbornly replaces "Alexander" with "Alexander", and "Dmitriy" with "Dmitriev".
• 💬 Jargon problems: Words like “crypt,” “token,” or “steaking” are automatically corrected to “crypto,” “token,” or “steaking".
• 🌍 Language conflict: when switching between Russian and English, the keyboard substitutes words from the wrong dictionary.
• ⚡ Lags and getting stuck: on weak models (Poco) C55, Poco M4 Pro) pre-entry may inhibit text input.
• 📱 Discomfort for programmers: Auto-replacement spoils code by replacing variables or commands (e.g., git commit on git commit commit commit).

According to surveys on the Mi Community and 4PDA forums, more than 60 percent of Xiaomi Poco users have tried to disable the T9 at least once, but not everyone knows that there are several levels of this feature: for example, you can selectively disable auto-replace by leaving hints, or completely deactivate keyboard learning.

2. Method 1: Disable T9 in the standard MIUI keyboard

If you use the built-in MIUI keyboard (it is activated by default on all Xiaomi Poco), then the auto-replacement switching off algorithm is as follows:

1. Open any application to enter 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 to open the settings.
4. Go to the Text Input section → Auto-replacement.
5. Turn off the automatic replacement slider.

But that's often not enough, because the system keeps telling you the words, and you need to shut down completely.

• 🔍 In the same menu of keyboard settings go to Prediction of text.
• 🔄 Disable Showing hints and Keyboard Training.
• 🗑️ Click Clear Training Data (this will delete all saved words).

After that, the keyboard will stop prompting words, but basic features like autospace and autocap letters will be retained. If you need to turn them off, read the next section.

3. Method 2: Configure Gboard (Google keyboard)

Many Xiaomi Poco users install Gboard as an alternative to the standard keyboard, in which case the process of disabling the T9 is slightly different:

1. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Select Gboard from the keyboard list.
3. Go to Text Input → Correction of the text.
4. Turn it off: 🔄 Auto-replacement 💡 Input tips 📚 User dictionary (optional)

Gboard also has a hidden feature that allows you to disable learning based on your posts.

1. Return to the main Gboard settings menu.
2. Select a dictionary → Personal data.
3. Turn off the training based on the entered text.

If after these manipulations the keyboard began to behave strangely (for example, emojis disappeared or the size changed), try resetting it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Gboard in the list and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data (Warning: This Will Delete All Your User Words!).

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If the keyboard is slowing down after the T9 is turned off, try clearing the Gboard app cache through your Android settings. This often solves the lag problem.

4. Method 3: Resetting keyboard settings to factory

If you’ve been experimenting with settings and now the keyboard isn’t working properly (e.g., no prompts even after they’re turned on or the Russian layout is gone), a complete reset can help. Here’s how to do it for both types of keyboards:

After reset, the keyboard will return to the factory settings.

• 🌐 Add input languages (if you have used several languages).
• ⚙️ Set up the size and theme of the keyboard.
• 🔄 Enable or disable auto replacement of your choice.

⚠️ Note: If after reset the keyboard stopped appearing at all, check if it is turned off in the language and input settings (Settings) → System system → Language and input → Virtual keyboard. Sometimes the system automatically switches to another keyboard (e.g. SwiftKey if installed).

5. Method 4: Disconnect T9 via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods have not helped (for example, settings are reset after restarting), you can use ADB debugging. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi Poco: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI version until the notification “You are a developer” appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

ADB Tools

adb shell settings put secure spell_checker_enabled 0

This command disables spell check at the system level.

adb shell settings put secure text_show_suggestions 0

After completing these commands, restart your smartphone.The effect will be similar to manually shutting down the T9, but the changes will fix at the system level and will not reset after the MIUI update.

Method 5: Using third-party keyboards without T9

If you need a keyboard without auto-replacement or prompts at all, consider alternative options:

• 📱 AnySoftKeyboard: open source, minimalist design, the ability to disable all “smart” functions.
• ⚡ Simple Keyboard: ultra-light keyboard without predictive input, perfect for weak devices.
• 💻 Hacker's Keyboard: a keyboard with a layout like on a PC, suitable for programmers.
• 🌐 Fleksy: Flexible auto-replace settings, you can disable everything except basic input.

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.

Third-party keyboards often offer additional pluses, such as:

• 🎨 Customization of appearance (themes, button sizes).
• 🔒 Better privacy (some don’t send data to servers).
• 🖥️ Gesture support (e.g. swipe for input).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party keyboards, be careful with permissions. Some apps request access to your messages and passwords.

7. Solving common problems after T9 shutdown

Disabling auto-replacement can have unexpected consequences, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If after all the manipulations the keyboard behaves inadequately (for example, does not appear or enters the wrong characters), try:

1. Reboot the smartphone.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).
3. Install another keyboard from Google Play.

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If the problem with the keyboard appeared after the MIUI update, check the official forum Xiaomi – often upload patches for such bugs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling the T9 on Xiaomi Poco