Replacement of the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from standard MIUI to Gboard and SwiftKey

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with factory-made MIUI firmware comes with a standard keyboard from Xiaomi, which is not suitable for all users. Some complain about slow operation, some lack auto-replace or multi-language support, and some just want to try alternatives like Gboard or SwiftKey. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to change the keyboard, from installing third-party applications to fine-tuning gestures and themes.

It's important to understand that the process of replacing the keyboard with the Redmi Note 8 Pro depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and whether root rights are available. Most users do not have root rights, but for deep customization (for example, removing the system keyboard), they may be necessary. We will consider both options - with root access and without it.

Why you should change the standard keyboard on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

The MIUI factory keyboard has a number of limitations that become noticeable when actively using:

• 🔍 No deep personalization: You can’t change the button layout, size, or key style as flexibly as you would in Gboard.
• 🌍 Limited language support: Some regional layouts (e.g. Ukrainian or Belarusian) may not work properly.
• ⚡ Slowing down on input: Users mark lags when typing fast, especially in instant messengers.
• 🎨 Boring design: The themes are limited to standard Xiaomi options.

For comparison, Google’s Gboard offers:

• 🤖 Built-in real-time translator.
• 🖼️ Ability to upload your own backgrounds for the keyboard.
• 🔄 Smooth swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-s.
• 📱 Sync the vocabulary between devices through a Google account.

Microsoft’s SwiftKey stands out:

• 🧠 Smart word prediction based on your writing style (including slang).
• 🔒 Encryption of input text (useful for confidential communications).
• 🎯 SwiftKey Flow gesture support for quick typing without tearing your finger off.

Preparing for a keyboard replacement: what to do in advance

Before installing a new keyboard, follow a few simple steps to avoid problems:

1. Check out the MIUI version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Current versions (13 and 14) support all popular keyboards without any additional manipulation.
2. Clear the cache of the standard keyboard: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Keyboard, then click Clear Cache and Clear Data.
3. Download an alternative keyboard from Google Play: 📲 Gboard is the universal choice for most. 📲 SwiftKey is for customization enthusiasts. 📲 Samsung Keyboard — if you like the style of Samsung.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12 and below, you may need to turn off battery optimization for the new keyboard, otherwise it will close in the background. You can do this in the settings of → App → Resolutions → Autorun.

Download an alternative keyboard from Google Play|

Clear the cache of the standard MIUI | keyboard

Check out MIUI version (12/13/14)|

Disable battery optimization for the new keyboard (for the first time) MIUI 12)-->

Step-by-step: how to install and activate a new keyboard

The process of replacing the keyboard on the Redmi Note 8 Pro takes no more than 5 minutes.

1. Install the selected keyboard from Google Play (links above).
2. Activate it in settings: Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard. Press Keyboard Management and turn on the switch next to a new keyboard (e.g. Gboard). Go back and select a new keyboard in the Current Keyboard list. Set up access rights: 🔑 Allow the keyboard to access Contacts (to autofill names). 🔑 Turn on Pop-up Show (for quick language switching).
3. Launch the keyboard: Open any field to type text (like WhatsApp or Telegram) and tap the keyboard icon on the notification bar to select a new one.

If a new keyboard doesn't appear on the list, reboot your phone. Sometimes MIUI requires a reboot to apply changes to system settings.

Comparison of popular keyboards for Redmi Note 8 Pro: Characteristics table

To choose the best keyboard, compare the key parameters of popular solutions:

For most Redmi Note 8 Pro users, Gboard is the best choice thanks to its integration with Google services and flexible settings. However, if privacy is important to you, look for SwiftKey with encryption.

💡

Gboard is the best choice for most users thanks to its integration with Google Translate and cloud-based dictionary synchronization.

How to Remove the Standard MIUI Keyboard (For Power Users Only)

If you decide to completely get rid of the standard MIUI keyboard, keep in mind: this will require root rights or the use of ADB. Without them, the system application can only be disabled, but not removed.

⚠️ Warning: Removing the system keyboard without backing up may make it impossible to enter text in some system menus (e.g., when requesting a password after rebooting).

Methods of disposal:

Method 1: Through ADB (without root)

1. Connect Redmi Note 8 Pro to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on MIUI Version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Download ADB Tools and run the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miuikeyboard
3. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Magisk (with root)

1. Install Magisk Manager and get root access.
2. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer) and delete files: /system/app/MiuiKeyboard//system/priv-app/MiuiKeyboard/
3. Clear the cache in TWRP (recommended).

After removing the system keyboard, be sure to install an alternative one, otherwise you will not be able to enter text in fields where system permissions are required (for example, in Security Settings).

💡

Before you delete the system keyboard, back up via TWRP or Mi Backup, which will allow you to restore it in case of problems.

Customize gestures and additional functions in the new keyboard

Once you have an alternative keyboard, you can fine-tune it to your needs, and let's look at the key options in Gboard:

1. Customization of gestures

• 👆 Swipe-enter: Enable in Gboard Settings → Sliding. Allows you to enter words without taking your finger off the screen.
• ↩️ Gesture removal: swipe your finger left on the Delete button to delete the whole word.
• 🔄 Fast language switching: swipe over space or button 123.

2. Personalization of appearance

• 🎨 Themes: Go to Settings → Themes and select one preinstalled or upload yours through Create Theme.
• 🖼️ Keyboard background: You can set any image from the gallery.
• 🔠 Size and transparency: adjust in Settings → Size.

3. Extended functions

• 🌐 Built-in translator: click on the G button in the sentence bar to translate the text.
• 🔍 Search GIF and emoji: long press of the button?123 will open the search menu.
• 📋 Clipboard: Include buffer history in Settings → Clipboard.

SwiftKey has unique features:

• 🔐 Incognito Mode: disables the saving of input text (useful for passwords).
• 📊 Writing style analysis: The keyboard learns to predict your words and phrases.
• 🎯 SwiftKey Toolbar: Quick access to clipboard and translator.

Solving common problems when replacing the keyboard

When changing the keyboard to the Redmi Note 8 Pro, there may be errors.

⚠️ Warning: If a new keyboard disappears from the list of available keyboards after you install it, check if MIUI Optimizer blocks it. Turn off optimization in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Special Access → Battery Optimization.

If after replacing the keyboard, voice messages in messengers stopped working, check whether the new keyboard conflicts with the system Google App.

1. Clear the Google App cache in Settings → Apps.
2. Reset the keyboard.
3. Use voice input via long-click space (in Gboard).

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the keyboard with Xiaomi