Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphones come with a MIUI pre-installed system that uses a standard virtual keyboard to type. However, many users face the inconvenience of predicting words incorrectly, missing the necessary language bar or simply dislike the design of buttons. Changing the keyboard on an Android device is a process that can dramatically improve the speed of typing and overall comfort of using the gadget.
In the Android operating system that runs Redmi 8, the text input mechanism is separate from the system itself, making it easy to replace the standard application with third-party counterparts. You can install Google's Gboard, Microsoft's SwiftKey or any other utility you like from the Play Market store. It's important to understand that just downloading an application is not enough - you need to activate it correctly in the system security settings.
This article will describe in detail each step required to successfully replace the input tool.We will discuss how to bypass MIUI system warnings, how to set up multilingual input and what settings should be changed for maximum convenience. On Xiaomi Redmi 8 devices with MIUI 11/12 shell, the activation process requires confirmation through the security code that is displayed on the screen.
Why you should replace the standard keyboard with Redmi 8
The standard MIUI shell text application has been criticized by users for its limited functionality and aggressive advertising in some regions, and replacing it with a more advanced one offers powerful autocorrect algorithms, flexible button height and design themes. Third-party keyboards are usually updated more often, getting new emojis and features faster than Xiaomi’s system solutions.
One of the main reasons for the shift is the quality of text prediction. Machine learning algorithms in popular apps like Gboard or SwiftKey analyze your communication style, slang, and frequently used phrases much more efficiently, which reduces the number of typos and speeds up messaging. In addition, many alternatives offer a convenient feature of sliding your finger through letters for quick word input.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party keyboards, be sure to download them only from the official Google Play store. Using modified versions from unknown sources can lead to identity theft, as the keyboard has access to all text you type, including passwords.
Another advantage is customization of the interface. You can resize the keys, add a separate string with numbers, adjust the vibration when pressed, or even create your entire design. For people with visual or motor disabilities, this is a critical feature that makes the Xiaomi Redmi 8 truly convenient.
Selecting the right application for text input
Before we start the technical part of the replacement, we need to decide on the choice of new software. The Play Market store offers dozens of options, but several time-tested applications remain the market leaders, each of which has its own unique features that can suit different types of users.
The most popular choice is Gboard, Google’s official keyboard, which features a minimalist design, excellent integration with the search giant’s services, and high-fidelity voice input. Glide’s Glide feature runs very smoothly even on the Redmi 8 screen with its diagonal.
- 🚀 Gboard – the perfect balance between functionality and simplicity, supports translation of text on the fly.
- 🧠 Microsoft SwiftKey is a leader in predictive typing, perfectly remembers the style of communication and offers the best word options.
- 🇷🇺 Yandex.Keyboard is the best choice for Russian-speaking users, with a powerful built-in proofreader and search GIF-animation.
- 🎨 Facemoji is an option for those who like bright design, a lot of themes and the ability to create avatars-emojis.
When choosing, consider the amount of free memory on your Xiaomi Redmi 8. Some “heavy” keyboards with an abundance of animations can consume more RAM, which will affect the performance of the device as a whole. For budget models such as the Redmi 8, the best choice will be lighter versions of applications without excessive visual noise.
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Before installing a new keyboard, check for free space in the memory of your smartphone. An overflowing drive can cause installation errors or malfunction of a new application.
Instructions for installation and activation of the new keyboard
The process of replacing the input tool on Xiaomi smartphones has its own features related to the security policy of the MIUI shell. The system requires the explicit permission of the user to use a third-party input method to prevent the installation of malware capable of intercepting passwords. Below is a step-by-step instruction that will help you avoid common errors.
First, you need to download the selected application from Google Play. After you have completed the installation, do not rush to open the program - you first need to activate it in the Android system settings. Go to the settings menu of your Redmi 8, find the "Additional" or "Extended settings" section, and then select "Language and input".
☑️ Checklist of keyboard activation
In the list that opens, you'll see a list of available keyboards. Find the name of the app you just installed (like Gboard or SwiftKey) and move the slider to "On." The system will issue a warning about the risks of using third-party keyboards — confirm the action by clicking "OK." Now the input method is activated, but not yet selected the main one.
To complete the procedure, go back a step in the Language and Input menu and click on Current Keyboard (or Keyboard Selection). In the window that appears, select a new application. Then, the next time you touch the text box, the Redmi 8 screen will display the interface of the program you have chosen.
| Step. | Action on the MIUI menu | The result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Settings → Additional → Language and input | Open the section of the input settings |
| 2 | Keyboard management | List of installed annexes |
| 3 | Activation of the switch | Permission to work on the input method |
| 4 | Current keyboard → Choice | Changing the active keyboard |
Setting up the parameters and language bar
After successfully activating a new input tool, it is recommended to fine-tune it to your needs. Standard settings may not take into account your type or font size preferences. Many settings can be changed in the keyboard settings menu (available through the gear icon on the keyboard panel or through the main application menu).
Special attention should be paid to languages. By default, only English can be activated or the one that was the main one in the system when installing. To add Russian or other languages, go to the "Languages" section inside the keyboard application and click "Add keyboard." Select the necessary languages from the list; some may require downloading additional dictionary files.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t turn on too many languages at once if you have a small keyboard.This can cause random layout switches when you type fast, which will be annoying and slow down typing.
You also need to adjust the keyboard height and tactile return. On the Xiaomi Redmi 8, the screen has a certain resolution, and the standard button height can be uncomfortable for fingers of different lengths. In the Preferences or View settings section, you can shift the slider's keyboard height by making it higher or lower. Vibration when pressed helps you feel the boundaries of the buttons better, but increases battery consumption.
For users who often use special characters, it will be useful to adjust the display of a digital string. In most modern keyboards, you can include a separate row with numbers above the letters, which eliminates the need to constantly switch to the character layout, which greatly speeds up the entry of passwords and phone numbers.
Secrets of setting up Gboard
Possible problems and ways to solve them
When replacing or operating a new keyboard on Redmi 8, users may encounter various technical difficulties. It often happens that after updating the system or the application itself, the settings are reset, and the smartphone returns to standard input.
One common problem is the conflict between Android and app versions. If your version of the operating system on Xiaomi Redmi 8 has not been updated for a long time, new versions of keyboards may not work stable. The solution is to find and install an older, but stable version of the app (APK-file) from verified resources.
- 🔄 Keyboard does not appear: Restart the device or clear the keyboard app cache in the "Applications" section" → "All applications".
- 🔤 Language does not switch: Check if a second language is added in the keyboard settings, not just on Android.
- 📉 Brakes text input: Turn off button animation and live wallpaper in keyboard settings to reduce processor load.
Sometimes MIUI can force the keyboard's background processes to save energy. To avoid this, open the menu of running apps, press the keyboard window (if it's on the recent list), and press the lock to lock the application in memory. Also, in the battery settings for a particular input application, select "No restrictions" mode.
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Most of the problems with the keyboard on Xiaomi are solved by simply restarting the smartphone or cleaning the app cache in the settings.