Why T9 Auto Replacement is Interfering with Xiaomi Mi 9 Users and How to Fix It
The T9 auto-replace feature on Xiaomi smartphones is often a source of annoyance: it automatically corrects words, replaces them with incorrect options or adds unnecessary gaps. On the Mi 9 model (codename cepheus), this problem is exacerbated by the features of the MIUI firmware, where the keyboard settings are hidden deeper than in standard Android. Users are faced with the fact that even after turning off auto-correction in the menu, the function continues to work due to the integration with Xiaomi system services.
In this article, we’ll look at 4 proven ways to disable the T9 on the Xiaomi Mi 9, including hidden MIUI settings, alternative keyboards, and even editing configuration files for power users. We’ll focus on the nuances of working on different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), as the location of menu items may vary, and you’ll learn how to return auto-replacement back if you suddenly need it for specific tasks, such as typing SMS or search queries.
Before you start, make sure your Mi 9 is updated to the latest available MIUI. This is important, as older builds (such as MIUI 11 and below) may have some settings missing or not working properly. Check the version in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.
Method 1: Disable T9 via standard MIUI keyboard settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI keyboard settings. However, there are pitfalls: after the MIUI 13/14 updates, some menu items have been renamed or moved.
- Open any field to enter text (such as notes or a message).
- Touch the gear badge (⚙️) on the keyboard to go to its settings.
- Select the text entry item → Auto-replacement (in MIUI 14 may be referred to as Correction of the text).
- Turn off the sliders: 🔄 Auto-replacement (main function) T9) 📝 Automatic arrangement of punctuation marks 🔤 Input tips (optional)
Save the changes and restart the keyboard by closing and reopening the input field.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After disabling auto-replacement, predictive input (gray keys over keys) may continue to work. To remove them, go to the keyboard settings. → Predict text and deactivate the option Show hints.
☑️ Checking the shutdown T9
Method 2: Use of alternative keyboards (Gboard, SwiftKey)
If a standard MIUI keyboard stubbornly ignores your settings, the best way to do this is to install a third-party keyboard, the most popular options being Gboard (from Google) and SwiftKey (from Microsoft), which offer more flexible auto-replace settings and are not subject to MIUI system constraints.
Instructions for installation of Gboard:
- Download Gboard from Google Play.
- After installation, go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
- Activate Gboard and make it the default keyboard.
- Open the Gboard settings (image) ⚙️ on the keyboard) and go to Correct text.
- Turn it off: 🔄 Auto-replacement 📌 Automatic addition of spaces 🔍 Showing hints (optional)
Important: Gboard has a hidden auto-replacement aggression setting that is mid-level by default. To change it, go to Settings → Text Correction → Additional settings and move the slider left to the end.
| keyboard | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Standard MIUI | No installation required, optimized for Xiaomi | Limited settings, can ignore T9 shutdown |
| Gboard | Deep auto-replacement settings, sync with Google account | Can brake on weak devices, collect data |
| SwiftKey | AI predictions, gesture support | Closed to new users (updates only) |
💡
If auto replacement still works after installing Gboard, try clearing the keyboard cache in Settings → Apps → Gboard → Memory → Clear the cache.
Method 3: Editing system files (for power users)
If you are willing to take drastic measures and have root rights on your Xiaomi Mi 9, you can disable the T9 at the system file level, which is only suitable for advanced users, as improper actions can lead to keyboard crashes or other problems.
Step-by-step:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/usr/keyboard/config/ (in some firmwares, the path may be /system/priv-app/MiuiKeyboard/).
- Find the file. default.xml or input_config.xml Open it in the text editor.
- Find the lines with the parameters: <bool name="auto_correction_enabled" value="true" /> <bool name="suggestions_enabled" value="true" /> and replace value="true"="false".
- Save the file, set the rights to 644 (r-w-r--r---) and restart the device.
⚠️ Note: Before editing system files, be sure to make a backup through TWRP Incorrect file access rights can cause the keyboard to stop running at all. MIUI Your changes may be reset.
What if the keyboard stopped working after editing the files?
Method 4: Resetting keyboard settings to factory
If all previous methods failed, the last option is to reset the keyboard to factory settings, which will help in cases where the configuration files have been corrupted or the settings conflict.
How to reset the keyboard:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the MIUI Keyboard app (or MiuiKeyboard) and open its page.
- Click Memory → Clear the data and confirm the action.
- Also clean the cache (Clear the cache).
- Reboot your phone and reset the keyboard.
If you often type in multiple languages, look for Gboard's Bilingual Input feature, which allows you to mix words from different languages in one sentence without manually switching layout. Activates in the keyboard settings: Languages → Bilingual.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after the T9 is turned off, Xiaomi Mi 9 users sometimes face unexpected difficulties.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-replacement is activated after restarting | Resetting MIUI settings or updating the firmware | Re-turn off T9 in the keyboard settings or use ADB (see below) |
| Keyboard brakes after T9 shutdown | Conflict with other system processes | Clear the keyboard cache or reinstall it |
| User words are not saved | Keyboard data reset or synchronization error | Export the dictionary before resetting or use the synced Gboard through your Google account |
| Auto-replacement only works in some applications | The application uses its own keyboard (for example, VK or Telegram) | Turn off auto-replacement in the settings of a particular application |
For the most persistent cases, when the keyboard settings are reset after each update MIUI, take advantage ADB-command to force auto-replacement:
adb shell settings put secure spell_checker_enabled 0This command disables the spell checker system, which can help if the problem is at the Android level, not the keyboard.