How to change the keyboard on Android Xiaomi: 3 ways through settings

The standard MIUI Keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is not suitable for all users. Some complain about slow work, some lack features like gesture input or dictionary synchronization, and some just want to try alternatives like Google's Gboard or Microsoft's SwiftKey. Fortunately, Android makes it easy to change the default keyboard - and you can do it in several ways right in the system settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current keyboard replacement methods on Xiaomi (including the MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS models), compare popular alternatives to the standard keyboard, and discuss how to solve typical problems, from the lack of a switch button to installation failures. If you want to change the layout, but completely switch to another keyboard with advanced features, this guide is for you.

Important: Keyboard replacement does not require root rights or complex manipulations, but is done through standard Android settings. However, some manufacturers (including Xiaomi) may restrict the functionality of third-party keyboards for security reasons, for example, in banking applications or when entering a password, the system can force the system to switch to a standard keyboard.

1. Preparation: which keyboard to choose instead of the standard one?

Before you change the keyboard, you should decide on an alternative. Xiaomi can install any keyboard from Google Play, but the most popular three options:

• 🔹 Gboard (Google Keyboard) is the most versatile keyboard with support for gest input (Glide Typing), built-in translator and synchronization of the dictionary through a Google account.
• 🔹 SwiftKey (Microsoft) – known for accurate word prediction and the ability to customize the theme to style MIUI. A good choice for those who print a lot.
• 🔹 Fleksy is a minimalist keyboard with a focus on privacy (no typing data collection) and is suitable for users who are concerned about privacy.

If you're not sure which keyboard is right for you, you can set a few and switch between them, all of which are free, but they contain paid themes or extensions.

Comparison of key functions:

For most Xiaomi users, Gboard is the best choice, as it integrates better with Google services and offers more features out of the box. However, if customization is important, consider SwiftKey.

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Before installing a new keyboard, check the reviews on Google Play – some apps (such as AI Type Keyboard) may contain ads or collect extra data.

2. Method 1: Replace the keyboard through MIUI settings

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the version of MIUI or HyperOS. Instructions are relevant for models Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and others.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings on your smartphone.
2. Go to the section Additional → Language and input (the HyperOS path can be Settings → System → Language and input).
3. Tap the current keyboard (or keyboard management on older versions of MIUI).
4. Turn on the switch next to the keyboard you want to use (like Gboard). If it's not on the list, click Set the keyboard and download from Google Play.
5. Return to the previous menu and select the new keyboard as the default keyboard.

After that, when you open any field to enter text (for example, in WhatsApp or browser), you can switch between keyboards by clicking on the icon of the globe (🌐) or hold a gap.

Install an alternative keyboard from Google Play|

Check that it is enabled in the language and input settings |

Select it as the default keyboard |

Reboot your smartphone (recommended for stability)|-->

Important: On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the switching button between the layouts may disappear after changing the keyboard.

Method 2: Quickly switch keyboards without settings

If you don't want to go into settings every time you need to change the keyboard, you can use a notification panel or gestures, and this only works if you have multiple keyboards installed.

How to switch fast:

• 📱 Through the notification panel: unwrap the curtain and find the keyboard tile (if not, add it manually by pressing the pencil in the upper right corner.
• 👆 Space gesture: Most keyboards (including Gboard and SwiftKey) can change the layout or the keyboard itself by swiping the space button to the left or right.
• 🌐 Switch button: On the right side of the keyboard (near the space) there is usually a globe icon (🌐) — Click on it to select a different keyboard or language.

If the switch button is missing, check the settings of the current keyboard. For example, in Gboard, go to Settings → Themes and layouts → Tongue Switch button and turn it on.

Method 3: Install the keyboard via ADB (for experienced)

This is a method that works for those who want to force the keyboard to be system or fix problems with its operation, for example, if after updating the MIUI, the third-party keyboard no longer appears in the settings, this will require a computer and an ADB debugging bridge.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer and execute the command: adb shell im enable com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME (replace com.google.android.inputmethod.latin with the desired keyboard package, for example, com.touchtype.swiftkey for SwiftKey).
4. To make the keyboard system default, use: adb shell im set com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME

This method is useful if the standard settings MIUI They do not allow you to select a keyboard (for example, due to manufacturer restrictions), but be careful: wrong commands ADB They may disrupt the system.

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Use ADB only if standard methods don’t work. Incorrect commands can cause keyboard failures or even system applications to crash.

5. Solving problems when changing the keyboard to Xiaomi

Even after the keyboard is installed correctly, Xiaomi users may face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Problem 1: The keyboard is not installed from Google Play

• 🔧 Check if there is enough space in the memory of the smartphone (need a minimum of 200-300 MB).
• 🔧 Delete the cache and data of the Google Play Store (Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Store → Warehouse).
• 🔧 If used MIUI without Google services (for example, on Chinese firmware), install the keyboard through APK-file from a verified source (e.g., APKMirror).

Problem 2: The keyboard disappears after the reboot

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) after the update MIUI To fix this, reset the default keyboard in the settings and turn off battery optimization for it (Settings). → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find the keyboard. → No restrictions).

Problem 3: Gesture or emojis are not working

• 🎨 Make sure the function is enabled in the keyboard settings (e.g. in Gboard: Settings) → Gesture input).
• 🎨 If emojis don’t show up, check if the latest Google Emoji package is installed (update via Google Play).
• 🎨 Nana MIUI Without Google services, emojis may not work – in this case, install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

6. How to get back the standard MIUI keyboard?

If the alternative keyboard experiment failed or it was unstable, you can easily return the standard MIUI Keyboard.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Language and input.
2. Slip on the current keyboard.
3. Select MIUI Keyboard (or Xiaomi Keyboard) and click Enable.
4. Go back and install it as the default keyboard.

If MIUI Keyboard is missing from the list (for example, after resetting settings), it can be restored:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it brings back standard apps.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 In extreme cases, reset settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings), but it will delete all data.

⚠️ Attention: HyperOS firmware for the European region (EEA) The standard keyboard may not be available due to Google restrictions, in which case install Gboard or download it. MIUI Keyboard manually from the forum XDA Developers (for experienced users only!).

7. Keyboard comparison: which is best for Xiaomi?

The choice of keyboard depends on your tasks, and here is a quick comparison based on the features of MIUI:

For most Xiaomi users, Gboard is the best choice – it combines speed, functionality and good integration with Android. AMOLED-screen, pay attention to SwiftKey.

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Before making your final choice, try each keyboard throughout the day, not only for the speed of the typing, but also for the ease of language switching, the availability of emojis and the stability of the messengers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)