The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, launched in early 2019, is still a popular device due to its excellent price-performance ratio. However, the standard MIUI shell installed in the factory does not always meet the needs of advanced users in terms of text input. Often owners face uncomfortable layout, lack of familiar features or just a desire to refresh the interface of the device.
The process of replacing the virtual keyboard on Android, on which MIUI is based, is simple enough and does not require root rights. You do not need to be an expert in programming to install a new typing tool. You just need to download the corresponding application from the official Google Play store and make a few adjustments in the security menu.
In this article, we will go into detail all the steps from choosing the right application to fine-tuning autocorrection and dictionary, learn how to activate the new input bar and make it the default one, and also address security issues, since third-party keyboards can access the input data.
Selecting the optimal application for text input
The first step is to determine what functionality you need. The app store is full of offers, but not all of them are optimized to run on the Snapdragon 660 processor installed in the Redmi Note 7. Some heavy applications can cause printing delays, which creates a feeling of "lag" interface.
The most popular choice remains Google’s Gboard, which is the de facto standard for most pure Android devices, is fast, has great word quality and is integrated with the search engine, rarely causes conflicts with the MIUI system and consumes minimal RAM.
- 📱 Gboard is the best choice for most users, combining speed and functionality.
- ⌨️ SwiftKey is perfect for those who type with two thumbs, thanks to smart autocorrection.
- 🎨 Facemoji – Suitable for customization enthusiasts, offering thousands of themes and live keyboard wallpapers.
- 🛡️ OpenBoard – the choice for paranoid, open source without access to the Internet and data collection.
If you appreciate the visual component, you should pay attention to apps that support themes. However, remember that complex animations can land your smartphone battery faster. For the Redmi Note 7 with its capacious battery, this is not critical, but code optimization plays a role.
Installation process and initial setup
Once you have made your choice, you need to download the installation file. Open the Play Market app on your Redmi Note 7 and type the name of the selected application into the search bar. Press the Install button and wait for the download to complete.
Once installed, Android will not automatically activate the new keyboard, and this is done for security reasons so that malware cannot steal your passwords unnoticed, and you will need to manually allow the new typer method to be used in system settings.
Go to the smartphone settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but it usually looks like this: Settings → Additional settings → Language and input. In some versions of the firmware, this item may be immediately in the main settings menu or in the Advanced settings section.
⚠️ Note: When a new keyboard is activated, the system will issue a warning that the application can collect all input data, including passwords. This is a standard message for any keyboard application, since it technically has access to input fields.
Find Keyboard Management or Current Keyboard. In the list that opens, you'll see the app installed. Put the switch opposite it to active position. The system will ask for confirmation again, press OK.
☑️ Activation checklist
Activation and switching between keyboards
Once enabled in the settings, the new keyboard doesn’t necessarily become active right away. Android lets you keep multiple input methods on and switch between them on the fly. This is handy if you need a specific layout just for specific tasks.
To start using the new tool, open any application that requires text input, such as Messages or Notes. When the standard MIUI keyboard appears, look at the notification bar or the bottom navigation bar, and the keyboard or globe icon should appear there.
Click on this icon. Open the menu Choose the input method, which will list all the keyboards available and enabled. Choose the one you just installed. From now on, it will become the default.
| Action. | Standard Way to MIUI | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Open the input settings | Settings → Language and input | Search by settings |
| Select the keyboard | Current keyboard | Icon in the status bar |
| Language settings | Languages → Add | Long gap press |
| Dictionary management | Keyboard settings | Inside the app |
If the switch icon doesn't appear, try restarting your smartphone. Sometimes MIUI input services require a restart to properly display new components. Once enabled, check the keyboard for different applications.
Why doesn't the keyboard switch?
Language settings and keyboard layouts
One of the main reasons for changing the keyboard is the inconvenient layout or lack of the desired language. Unlike the standard shell, third-party applications often allow you to adjust the position of letters and additional characters more flexibly.
To add language, go to the settings of the keyboard application itself. You can usually do this by long-pressing the Space key or through the gear icon on the toolbar. Find the Languages section and click Add the keyboard.
In the list, select the language you want, such as "Russian" or "English (US)". For many languages, there are several layout options available: QWERTY, YTSUKEN, as well as options with additional characters. Choose the one you are used to.
- 🇷🇺 Russian – Select a layout with the letter “E” on a separate key if you often need it.
- 🇺🇸 English – you can include the option with the division of numbers and symbols into a separate line.
- 🌍 Multilingual Input – allows you to print in two languages simultaneously without switching based on context.
It is important to adjust the keyboard height. On a 6.3-inch Redmi Note 7 screen, the standard height may be uncomfortable for printing. In the settings, find Keyboard Height and select High or Very High to increase the area of the buttons.
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Properly adjusting keyboard height and font size directly affects typing speed and reduces typos, especially on high-resolution screens.
Compatibility problems with the MIUI shell
The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive memory management policy, which can automatically close background processes, including keyboard services, to save battery life, causing the keyboard to spontaneously shut down or disappear when you type.
To avoid this, you need to exclude the keyboard application from battery optimization. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance. Find the keyboard installed in the list and change the mode to No restrictions.
⚠️ Warning: Don't turn off optimization for system processes unless you're sure they're intended. This can cause your smartphone to run unstable. Change settings only for third-party input applications.
Another common problem is the design conflict, and if you use a third-party theme from MIUI Themes, it can overlap the keyboard interface elements, and try switching to the standard theme of "Classic" or "Limitless" to see if the problem will go away.
Also worth checking permissions. In the Apps menu → All apps find your keyboard, press Other permissions, and make sure everything that is required to work properly is allowed (such as accessing a microphone for voice input).
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If the keyboard is slowing down when you type, try turning off the keystroke animation in its settings, which will free up the processor resources and speed up the response.
Data security when using third-party software
Installing a keyboard from an unknown developer carries potential risks. The keyboard has the technical ability to remember everything you type, including passwords, card numbers and private messages, so only trusted brands can trust entering sensitive information.
Applications from big companies like Google or Microsoft undergo rigorous security checks and use data encryption, but even they collect usage statistics to improve predictive-set algorithms. If that's not acceptable to you, choose open-source applications.
Most keyboard settings have Incognito Mode, or the ability to disable history-based learning, which will prevent you from saving your typed words in your dictionary, and it is also recommended that you clean your cache and app data regularly.
Never download modified versions of popular keyboards from dubious sites, which may contain malicious code, and only use the official Google Play store or trusted repositories like F-Droid.