How to change the keyboard on the lock screen Xiaomi Redmi

Changing the way you type text on your smartphone is one of the basic operations that almost every Xiaomi owner faces. PIN-And when you code on a locked device, it gets more complicated. MIUI HyperOS has strict security restrictions that prevent you from simply replacing your system keyboard when you lock your screen.

Many users try to change the layout or the keyboard itself, being directly on the password screen, and are faced with the inability to switch the language or choose another application. This is not a bug, but the security mechanism of the Android operating system. The system blocks the download of third-party resources until the owner successfully logs in to prevent malicious attackers from intercepting data through fake input applications.

However, there are proven ways to set the desired keyboard to work in secure mode. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure Gboard or another alternative to display it immediately after waking up the screen, you will learn what settings to activate in the security menu and how to avoid typical errors in the configuration of the input system.

⚠️ Warning: Making changes to system security settings may temporarily block access to the device if you forget a new pattern lock or a complex password.

Why you can’t just change the keyboard on a locked screen

The Android operating system divides the boot process into several stages, and the lock screen refers to the preloading stage of the user profile. At this point, only the system services necessary to authenticate the user are available. Third-party applications, including alternative keyboards, are in sleep mode by default and cannot be called by the system.

If Android allowed any keyboards to be loaded before unlocking, it would create a huge security breach.The malware could mimic a password screen, collecting your credentials until you even suspect the phone is actually locked, which is why Xiaomi and other manufacturers require explicit permission to operate the keyboard in high security mode.

The standard keyboard that comes up when you turn on your phone is system-based and has the highest priority, it doesn't depend on user settings and it works even in safe mode. To use your regular Gboard or Yandex Keyboard at this point, you have to "allow" them to access a secure input storage.

Preparation: Installation and activation of an alternative keyboard

Before you set up the display on the lock screen, you need to make sure that the selected application for input is correctly installed and activated in the system. Most often, users choose Gboard, since it comes bundled with Google services and has the best compatibility with the MIUI shell.

To start, download and install the app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, the system may not switch to it automatically. You need to go to the settings, find the section responsible for additional settings or advanced settings, and select Language and Input. Here you should activate the switch opposite to the name of your new keyboard.

It's important not just to turn on the keyboard, but to make it the default method of input. In the same menu Language and input click on "Current keyboard" and select the desired application from the list, only after these steps you can go to the access setting in secure mode.

Configure keyboard access in protected mode

This is the most important step in the instruction, and this is where we give the system permission to use third-party code to enter the password, and without this step, all previous actions don't make sense, because the lock screen will still have a standard plug.

You need to go back to the keyboard settings menu.The path may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version, but the logic remains the same.Look for your app's name (like Gboard) in the active keyboard list and click on the gear icon or just the name to open its internal menu.

In the list that opens, look for an item called "Advanced" or "Security settings." We're interested in an option called "Show Lock Screen" or "Allow Use in Security Mode." Activate this switch. The system will alert you to the risks of entering sensitive information through third-party applications - confirm the action.

Once activated, the system will stop blocking the third-party input interface when a password request appears, and now when you lock the screen and then turn on, the layout and design you have chosen should load.

Specificity of Gboard on Xiaomi Redmi

Google’s keyboard is the most stable solution for Xiaomi devices, which is deeply integrated into the Android ecosystem and less likely to conflict with the system limitations of the shell, but Gboard has its own customization features that are worth considering.

In Gboard settings, you can change not only the look, but also the behavior when you type. For example, many users want to turn off sound effects or vibrations so as not to attract attention when unlocking in quiet places. These settings are located in the Settings section inside the keyboard itself.

• 🎨 Topics: In the themes menu, you can choose a dark background that is less bright at night and does not blind your eyes when unlocking.
• 🔊 Sound: Turn off the tap sound so that the phone doesn't make clicks when you type in PIN-code.
• 🌐 Languages: Make sure that all the necessary layouts are added to the Gboard language settings, otherwise it will be impossible to switch between them on a locked screen.

It’s worth noting that the Gboard can consume a little more RAM than a standard keyboard. On older Redmi models with a small amount of RAM, this can cause a micro-latency when a password field appears.

💡

Use the “Material” theme or system dark theme in Gboard to visually merge the password input interface with the MIUI lock screen, creating a nativity effect.

Problems with the input language on the lock screen

A common problem that users have after setting up is that they can't switch the language directly on the lock screen. You see the Russian layout, and you need to enter the password in Latin, or vice versa. The switch button may be missing or inactive.

This is because only the set of languages that has been identified as the primary language for system input is available on the lock screen. If Russian is given priority in the Gboard settings and English is added as a secondary language without the right to switch in safe mode, the system can block the shift.

To fix this, go to your keyboard settings, select Languages, and make sure that the languages you want are included. Also in the general System -> Language and input settings, check to make the order of the languages match your preferences. Sometimes it helps to remove unnecessary, unused languages from the active list.

Alternative methods and hidden opportunities

If the standard settings don't work, you can try deeper configuration methods. ADB-commands for the forced assignment of the keyboard, but this method requires a connection to the PC and the presence of debugging on the computer. USB, What can be difficult for a regular user.

Also worth mentioning is the Magisk modules, if your Redmi has an unlocked bootloader, modules like the Secure Keyboard can force the system keyboard to be replaced by any other one at the system level, but remember that this takes away your warranty and can lead to unstable banking applications.

In most cases, it is easy to set the right access rights in the Security menu. Do not rush to use complex technical solutions, if the basic settings of MIUI allow you to achieve the desired result without risk to the device.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party launchers or modified system files to change the keyboard can result in a "bootloop" (cyclic reboot) of the device.

💡

The main secret of success is to give permission to work in safe mode in the settings of the keyboard itself, and not only in the general settings of the system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)