Why Users Want to Change Keyboard Background and What to Know Before Starting
Xiaomi’s keyboard is one of the most used interface elements, but its standard white or gray background is quickly boring. Many owners of the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 Ultra want to personalize the look by adding a favorite photo, gradient or dark theme. However, not everyone knows that the ability to change the background depends on the version of MIUI and the type of keyboard: the system Gboard (from Google) and the branded Mi Keyboard have different settings.
It is important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, there may be no option to change the background in the standard keyboard, while on the POCO F4 with MIUI 13 it is available. Some methods require superuser rights (root), which voids the warranty. We will look at legal methods without risk to the device, as well as alternative solutions for advanced users.
Before you start, check:
- 📱 Smartphone model (in Settings) → The phone)
- 🔄 Version MIUI (there)
- 🎹 Keyboard type (default or manually installed)
Method 1: Change the background in the standard Mi Keyboard (without root)
The Mi Keyboard on MIUI 12-14 allows you to change the background, but the option is hidden.
- Open any application where the keyboard appears (such as Notes).
- Touch the badge. ⚙️ "Settings" on the keyboard panel (near the space).
- Select Themes → Keyboard background.
- List available: 🌌 Gradients (blue, purple, green) 🖼️ Standard wallpaper (abstractions, natural textures) 📸 Photos of yourself (only on some models, for example, Xiaomi) 12T)
If you don't have a Background keyboard, your MIUI version doesn't support it, in which case you go to Method 2.
Check out the MIUI version (should be 12 or newer)
Make sure the keyboard is not updated via Google Play (this can reset settings)
Take a screenshot of the current keyboard settings (in case of reset)
At least 30% battery charge (to avoid interruption of the process)-->
⚠️ Attention: POCO M4 Pro and Redmi. 10C s MIUI 13 Global after updating the keyboard via Google Play, the background option may disappear. To return it, reinstall the keyboard through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Keyboard → Remove updates.
Method 2: Using Gboard (Google Keyboard) for customization
Gboard is an alternative from Google, which offers more personalization options than the Mi Keyboard, and can be installed on Xiaomi with any version of MIUI:
- Download Gboard from Google Play.
- Activate the keyboard in Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
- Open the Gboard Settings (Icon) ⚙️ keyboard) → Topics.
- Choose: 🎨 Ready-made themes (including animated ones) 🖼️ Your own image (permission at least) 1080×1920 better quality) 🌓 Dark mode (automatic switching on schedule)
The advantage of Gboard is synchronizing themes between devices through a Google account, for example, if you set the background to the Xiaomi 13 Lite, it will automatically apply on the Xiaomi Pad 6 tablet.
| Function | Mi Keyboard | Gboard |
|---|---|---|
| Own photos | ❌ Only in some models | ✅ Any image |
| Animated themes | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, limited choice) |
| Dark mode. | ✅ Yes (manually powered) | ✅ Yes (time-automatic) |
| Synchronization between devices | ❌ No. | ✅ Through a Google account |
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If the keyboard doesn't appear after installing Gboard, restart your smartphone and re-select it in the language and input settings. Sometimes you need to clear the system settings cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Clear the cache).
Method 3: Hidden MIUI settings for advanced users
Some MIUI firmware (especially Chinese or custom) have hidden options for customizing the keyboard.
- Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and use it ADB To activate hidden functions: adb shell settings put secure miui_keyboard_custom_background 1
- Reboot the device. A new User background will appear in the Mi Keyboard settings.
💡
Third-party keyboards often offer more customization options, but may conflict with MIUI features such as Smart Assistant or Quick Answers in notifications. Check user reviews of your smartphone model before installing.
Method 5: Manually modify system files (root only)
This method is suitable for experienced users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, it allows you to replace the standard textures of the keyboard with your own, but requires care:
- Install Root Explorer (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/app/MiuiKeyboard/MiuiKeyboard.apk or (for newer versions): /product/app/MiuiKeyboard/MiuiKeyboard.apk
- Extract. APK-file and edit it with APKTool, replacing the images in res/drawable.
- Collect the APK back and install it via TWRP or ADB sideload.
Risks of the method:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty (when unlocking bootloader).
- 🔄 Unstable keyboard operation after updates MIUI.
- 🛠️ Possibility of "brick" (if edited incorrectly) APK).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Mi 11 Pro with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi) the path to keyboard files has changed. /system through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
How to return the standard background of the keyboard
If the experiments with the background led to inconvenience or failure, you can return everything back in several ways:
- 🔄 Resetting keyboard settings: Settings → Annexes → Mi Keyboard/Gboard → Warehouse → Clear the data
- 📥 Reinstall keyboard: Remove the current keyboard. Download the original version from APKMirror (select the one that matches your version) MIUI).
- ⚙️ Recovery through ADB (if the keyboard stops working: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.keyboard