How to change the keyboard on Xiaomi: from settings to alternatives

Changing the standard input tool is one of the most effective ways to personalize your Xiaomi smartphone running MIUI or the new HyperOS. Many users face the inconvenience of standard layout, lack of the right languages or just want to update the visual style of the interface. The replacement process does not require deep technical knowledge, but has its own nuances in the Android security system.

In this article, we will take a look at everything from installing a new application to completely disabling the system keyboard, which alternatives offer the best predictive typing capabilities and how to avoid access issues after changing the main input method.

It’s worth noting that MIUI shells sometimes aggressively restrict the background processes of third-party applications, so it’s important to properly configure permissions right after installation. Ignoring this step can cause the new input panel to periodically disappear or not activate in search fields. We’ll look at how to get around these limitations and make text as comfortable as possible.

Preparation of the device and choice of alternatives

Before you start replacing it, you need to decide what kind of functionality you want to get. The standard Gboard keyboard, which is often pre-installed on global versions of Xiaomi smartphones, has a good set of features, but may not suit users customization. The market offers dozens of options, from minimalist to overloaded functions.

When choosing a new application, you should pay attention to the support of gesture input, the presence of a built-in translator and the ability to create your own themes. Some users prefer open source solutions for increased privacy, others are looking for maximum integration with the Google ecosystem.

⚠️ Note: Download text input apps only from official sources, such as Google Play Market or GetApps. APK-files may contain malicious code that can intercept entered passwords and bank card data.

To install the alternative, you will need a stable Internet connection and sufficient free memory. Once the installation package is loaded, Xiaomi’s system may request confirmation of installation from unknown sources if you are using a non-standard store.

Installation and initial configuration of the new application

Once you have selected and installed the right app from the store, it will not work automatically. Android requires explicit user permission to activate the new input method. This is done to protect against accidental replacement of system components. The activation process takes only a few seconds, but requires care.

Open the app installed. The start screen usually has a large “Enable in Settings” or similar button, and clicking on it will redirect you to the Settings menu → Additional Settings → Language and input. Here you will see a list of available keyboards, where the desired application will be marked as “Not activated”.

Switch the slider opposite your new app’s name to the “On” position, and the system will issue a warning that the third-party keyboard can access all the text you type, including passwords, which is a standard message for any application of this type, and must be confirmed by the “OK” or “Allow” button.

Now you need to make a new application by default type. Go back to the Language and Type menu and find "Keyboard Management" or "Current Keyboard." In the list that opens, select the app you just activated. From now on, the new interface will be used when typing.

Configure system parameters MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi shells are known for their strict power management rules that can prevent third-party keyboards from working properly.To avoid spontaneously closing an application or delays when it appears, changes in battery settings are necessary, a critical step for stable operation.

Go to Settings → Applications → All Apps. Find your new keyboard in the list and go to Battery or Energy Saving. Select No Limits or No Limits mode, which will allow the app to run in the background and be instantly activated when typing.

Also worth checking permissions. In the same app settings menu, look for permissions. Make sure the keyboard has access to storage (if required for them and dictionaries) and a microphone (for voice input), without these permissions, functionality can be stripped.

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If the keyboard still crashes, try to stick it in memory. Open a list of running apps, find the keyboard window (if it's visible) or the app itself, and pull it down to make the lock icon appear.

Removing or disabling the standard keyboard

Many users want to get rid of the standard Xiaomi or Gboard keyboard completely to make room or remove unnecessary items from the selection list. However, there is a serious risk: if you delete the only active keyboard and the new one does not start for some reason, you will be left without the ability to enter text.

Removing the system keyboard completely requires root rights or use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge).It is safer for the average user to simply disable it. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the system keyboard (often called Keyboard or Gboard) and click Disable.

If the "Disable" button is inactive, it means that it is a system component, the removal of which can lead to instability, in which case it is better not to choose it as the main one. ADB, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

This command will remove Gboard for the current user without affecting the system partition completely. However, remember that after resetting the settings to the factory keyboard will return. Always have a backup input method on the device.

Addressing common problems and conflicts

During operation, users may encounter a situation where a new keyboard does not appear when they enter the input field, or the old one pops up instead. Often this is due to the application being "killed" by the memory saving system. Check the power saving settings as described above, and make sure that the application is not locked in the background.

Another common problem is the lack of Russian layout or the incorrect definition of the language. Go to the settings of the keyboard application itself (usually through the gear icon on the toolbar or through the application menu). In the Languages section, add the required language and, if necessary, download the language package for offline work.

If the keyboard is slowing or lagging, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Apps → [Your keyboard] → Memory and click Clear cache. Don't confuse it with Clear data, as this will remove your personal vocabulary and settings.

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The keyboard on Xiaomi is 90% stable depending on the right power saving settings, and without the “No Limits” mode, the system will constantly unload the process from memory.

Top Popular Alternatives to Replace

Choosing the right replacement is a matter of taste, but there are market leaders who have proven themselves to be stable and functional. Google's Gboard remains the benchmark for pure Android, offering great integration with search and translator. It's light and fast, but may not have some of the features available in China.

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