How to change the design of the keyboard on Xiaomi: from standard themes to custom styles

Why is Xiaomi’s standard keyboard not good for users?

The default MIUI keyboard is a compromise between functionality and universal design, but not everyone likes the look of the keyboard: some people think the icons are too bright, some lack contrast, and some are just tired of the standard blue accent color, especially for owners of Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5 smartphones, where the keyboard is integrated into the MIUI 14 shell and does not always correspond to the chosen theme of the system.

Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to customize — from simply changing the color scheme to installing completely third-party solutions like Gboard or SwiftKey. But here the question arises: how not to lose familiar features (for example, swipe input or word prediction in Russian), changing only the visual part? In this article, we will analyze all working methods, from official settings to hidden MIUI capabilities.

Before you start, consider that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser (root), we will mark these points separately so that you can assess the risks, and for most users, basic tools will suffice, and we will consider them first.

Method 1: Change the keyboard theme through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in shell themes. Xiaomi offers several pre-installed styles that change not only wallpaper and icons, but also the design of the keyboard. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the section My topics → Keyboard.
3. Select your favorite topic from the list (for example, “Dark”, “Minimalism” or “Neon”).
4. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

⚠️ Note: Not all topics from the store MIUI Themes support changing the keyboard. To make sure you don't go wrong, look for "Keyboard support" or "Keyboard enabled" in the theme description. Also note that the auto-replacement dictionary may reset once the theme is changed, and you'll have to reconfigure it.

• ✅ Pros: does not require the installation of third-party applications, retains all the functions MIUI.
• ❌ Cons: Limited theme selection, not all keyboard elements change (for example, button animations remain standard).

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If after changing the theme, the keyboard began to slowly respond to clicks, try clearing the theme app cache in your phone settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Themes → Storage → Clear the cache).

Method 2: Install a third-party keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey, Fleksy)

If the built-in themes don't work, you can completely replace the keyboard with an alternative one.

• 🔹 Gboard (from Google) – supports swipe input, themes from Google Play, integration with Google Translate.
• 🔹 SwiftKey (from Microsoft) – known for accurate word prediction and the ability to adjust keyboard height.
• 🔹 Fleksy – minimalist design with gesture support (e.g. swipe left to delete word).
• 🔹 Chroom – Open Source Keyboard and Maximum Customization.

To install a third-party keyboard:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like Gboard).
2. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
3. Activate the new keyboard and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. In the settings of the selected keyboard (usually available on a long tap on the space), select the design.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) after installing the third-party keyboard, vibration may disappear when pressed. To return it, check the vibration settings in the keyboard menu or in the Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration on recruitment.

Method 3: Castomy through ADB (for advanced users)

If you need to change the button size, transparency or keyboard font without replacing it with a third-party one, you can use the ADB command. This method is suitable for MIUI 12-14 and requires connecting the phone to a PC.

Here's what we can change:

• 🎨 Color buttons (e.g., make them black with white text).
• 📏 Keyboard height (useful for devices with small screens).
• 🔤 Font (replace with system or custom).

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure miui_keyboard_theme 2 where 2 — ID dark theme (use it for light) 1).
3. To change the height of the keyboard, use: adb shell settings put secure miui_keyboard_height 450 (pixel value, standard — 400–500).

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB can cause resets of keyboard settings or even errors in work MIUI. Before experimenting, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 4: Using Magisk Modules (root only)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and you have Magisk installed, you can go further and install special modules for deep customization.

• 🛠️ MIUI Keyboard Themer – allows you to change colors, icons and even animation buttons.
• 🎭 XiaomiEU Customizer – includes hidden keyboard themes (available only on Xiaomi.EU firmware).
• 🔧 GravityBox [MM] — universal module for fine-tuning the interface, including the keyboard.

How to determine:

1. Download the module (for example, with XDA Developers).
2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
3. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Modules for Magisk may conflict with updates MIUI. After the system update, the keyboard can return to the standard look – you will have to reinstall the module.

1. Make a data backup via TWRP

2. Check the compatibility of the module with the version of MIUI

3. disable Magisk Hide for banking applications

4. Make sure that the battery charge is >50%

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Method 5: Manual editing of keyboard files (for enthusiasts)

This method is only suitable for users with root rights and experience with the Android file system, and allows you to change any element of the keyboard, from the color of the buttons to the location of the characters.

You'll need:

• 📱 Root access (unlocked boot loader) + Magisk).
• 💻 File Manager with root access (e.g. Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer) FX File Explorer).
• 🎨 Knowledge XML and PNG (graphics-editing).

Where are the keyboard files:

/system/app/MiuiKeyboard/MiuiKeyboard.apk


/system/priv-app/MiuiKeyboard/MiuiKeyboard.apk

What can be changed:

• 🖌️ Colors are in files. colors.xml (folder res/values).
• 🖼️ Icons are in the folder res/drawable (file ic_keyboard_*.png).
• 📜 Markup - in files keyboard_*.xml (folder) res/layout).

Changing system files can cause keyboard failure or even a "bowthorn" (cyclic reboot).Be sure to back up the original files before editing!

Comparison of methods: what to choose?

To make the choice easier, we will bring all methods into one table:

For most users, the best solution is to install Gboard or change the theme through MIUI. If you need a unique customization and you are willing to take a chance, try Magisk modules or ADB.

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Keyboard sideways (such as Gboard) often offer more themes and customization flexibility, but may conflict with MIUI features such as quick notification responses or voice input in Chinese.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the design of the keyboard to Xiaomi