How to change the background of the keyboard on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a typing tool, but a full-fledged element of personalization of the device. Standard white or gray background quickly tires, especially if you actively use messengers or social networks. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer several ways to change the design of the keyboard, from built-in themes in MIUI to install alternative layouts with customization of each pixel.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of changing the background of the keyboard on Redmi devices, POCO Xiaomi (including models from 2023 to 2026) and you will learn how to use standard settings. MIUI, Where to download secure themes, and what applications will help create a unique design without risk to the system. MIUI 12 to MIUI 14, and also avoid common mistakes that may cause new topics to be discarded.

If you want to not just change the background color, but completely transform the keyboard — add animation, transparency, or even your own image — here you will find step-by-step instructions for each case. Importantly, on Global ROM devices, some of the functions may be limited — we will tell you how to get around this.

1. Standard Keyboard Themes in MIUI: Where to Look and How to Install

The easiest way to change the background of the keyboard on Xiaomi is to use the built-in themes in the system. The manufacturer offers several pre-installed options that can be activated without installing additional applications. This method works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13.

To find standard topics:

• 📱 Open any application where the keyboard appears (such as Messages or Notes).
• 🎨 Press the gear icon (⚙️) three-point (⋮) on the keyboard - usually in the upper right corner.
• 🌈 Select Themes or Keyboard Styles (the title may vary depending on the version) MIUI).
• 📲 Scroll through the list of available themes and tap on the favorite – the changes will apply automatically.

If your menu doesn’t have a Topic item, it could mean one of two things:

1. You use a third-party keyboard (such as Gboard or SwiftKey) – in this case, the MIUI settings do not apply.
2. Your firmware is stripped (e.g., Global ROM for the European market) – some of the personalization features are disabled.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 s MIUI 13.5) After the system update, standard themes may be reset. To avoid this, back up your keyboard settings via Settings before updating. → Additionally. → Backup.

2. How to install custom themes from MIUI Themes

Embedded themes get boring quickly? Then it's time to turn to the official MIUI Themes store. Here you'll find thousands of free and paid keyboard designs, including animated background images, transparent panels, and even themes for popular games (Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings) or movies.

Installation instructions:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush) 🖌️) mainscreen.
2. In the search bar, type in the keyboard or keyboard (English often has more results).
3. Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. The system automatically downloads and installs it.
4. If the theme is not applied, restart the device or manually select it in the keyboard settings (see the first section).

A few tips for choosing topics:

• 🔍 Read reviews before installing – some themes can slow down the keyboard.
• 💰 Paid themes often offer unique animations (like falling leaves or flickering stars in the background).
• 🔄 If after applying the theme, the keyboard becomes unreadable (dark text on a dark background), return the standard design through the keyboard settings. → Reset your style.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS are part of the themes MIUI Themes may not be supported due to changes in the system architecture. Before buying a paid theme, check its compatibility in the description!

3. Use of third-party keyboards (Gboard, SwiftKey, Chroom)

If Xiaomi’s standard solutions don’t suit you, you can always install an alternative keyboard from Google Play, popular options are Gboard (from Google), SwiftKey (from Microsoft), and Chroom (with AI support), the main advantage: these apps offer much more customization options, including:

• 🎨 Uploading your own images as a background.
• 🖼️ Set up transparency and blur.
• 🎵 Adding sound effects when pressed.
• 🔤 Change in the shape and size of the keys.

Let’s take a look at the Gboard (the most popular option):

1. Install Gboard from Google Play.
2. Activate the keyboard in the system settings: Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → Keyboard management.
3. Open any text field, call the keyboard and tap on the gear icon (⚙️).
4. Go to Topics. → Create your own theme.
5. Upload your image or select from the Gboard Gallery, then adjust the text colors and keys.

SwiftKey offers similar features, but with an emphasis on artificial intelligence (word prediction and writing style adaptations). and Chroom stands out for its ability to create gradient background transitions and customize click animations.

Turn off the standard MIUI keyboard in the settings

Download APK only from official sources (Google Play, APKMirror)

Check the permissions of the application before installation

Backup important messages (in case of a crash)-->

4. Manual background change via engineering menu (for advanced)

If you’re not afraid to dig into Xiaomi’s hidden settings, you can change the background of the keyboard through an engineering menu, which doesn’t work on all devices and requires caution, but allows you to set any image as a background, even if it’s not supported by standard means.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
2. In the menu that appears, select Keyboard Settings (or a similar item associated with the keyboard).
3. Find the Background Image option and specify the path to your file (the image should be in.png format and be in /sdcard/Pictures/ folder).
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

Warnings:

• 🚨 This method is not official and can cause keyboard failures.
• 📏 The resolution of the image should match the resolution of the screen of your smartphone (for example, 1080×2400 For the Redmi Note 11).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI settings may reset.

5.Creating your keyboard theme: a step-by-step guide

You want a unique background that's not in the theme store? You can create your theme from scratch!

• 🖥️ Computer (or powerful smartphone).
• 🎨 Graphic Editor (Photoshop, GIMP or even Canva).
• 📱 Utility. MIUI Theme Editor (available on forums) XDA Developers).

Creation process:

1. Prepare the image: Create a background with a resolution that matches your device (e.g. 1080×2340 for the POCO X3 Pro). Save it in.png format with transparency if you need a translucent keyboard.
2. Download the template: On the Xiaomi EU website, find templates for keyboard themes (.mtz files).
3. Edit: In MIUI Theme Editor, replace standard images with yours, adjust text colors and keys.
4. Install theme: Transfer the.mtz file to your smartphone and import it through the Themes app.

If you don’t want to mess with editors, you can use online services like KeyboardThemes, where you can create a simple theme right in your browser and download it in a format compatible with MIUI.

💡

For a transparent keyboard, use an alpha-channel image and save it in PNG-24 format, which will allow the text to remain readable on any wallpaper.

6 Problem Solving: Why the Keyboard background doesn't change

Sometimes users find that new themes do not apply or the keyboard looks "broken".

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the keyboard settings to factory:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Keyboard app (or MiuiKeyboard).
3. Press Warehouse. → Delete the data.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi, which came to replace) MIUI In 2026, some of the themes may not work properly. Check compatibility in the theme description before installing!

💡

If after all the manipulations the keyboard refuses to change the background, most likely the problem is the firmware. Try to update MIUI to the latest version or install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).

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