How to change the keyboard in the phone Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step algorithm

Changing the standard keyboard on a smartphone is one of the easiest but most effective ways to personalize the Android interface for your own needs. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi devices often face the desire to improve typing speed, change the visual style of buttons or add new features such as advanced autocorrects or voice input. Google’s standard solution, which is preinstalled in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, is not suitable for everyone, and the market offers many alternatives.

The process of replacing a virtual keyboard does not require root rights or deep technical knowledge, but it has its own nuances depending on the version of the operating system. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely install a third-party application, activate it in the system and configure input parameters for maximum comfort when communicating in messengers and social networks.

Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand that replacing the input tool is a change in the system component that is responsible for the security of the input. Although popular applications undergo rigorous checks, it’s always worthwhile to be careful when choosing the source of downloads and the permissions provided. Next, we’ll look at a step-by-step algorithm to help you avoid typical errors.

Preparation for the installation of an alternative application

The first step before you switch keyboards is to choose a suitable candidate to replace the standard tool. There are dozens of options on the Google Play Market, but the market leaders remain Gboard, Microsoft SwiftKey and Yandex Keyboard, each with a unique set of features, from text prediction based on neural networks to the ability to control the swipe cursor.

You need to make sure that your Xiaomi Redmi device has Google Play Services installed, as most modern keyboards rely on its libraries for voice input and autocorrection. If you plan to use specific design themes, make sure you have a stable internet connection to download graphics resources.

⚠️ Note: When you install a keyboard from an unknown developer, Android will issue a warning about the potential risk.This is the standard protection, reminding you that the app will see everything you type, including passwords.

To install, you just need to find the desired application in the official store, click the “Install” button and wait for the download to be completed. After that, do not rush to switch immediately, you first need to activate the new input method in the system security settings, which we will do in the next section.

Activation of the new input method in MIUI settings

Once you install the app, it won't work automatically until you give the system permission to use it, a critical step that novices often miss, and you need to go to your Redmi settings menu, where language and input management options are hidden.

The MIUI shell interface may vary slightly depending on the version, but the logic remains the same. Go along: 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.

In the menu that opens, look for the keyboard management or the current keyboard. Here you will see a list of all the typing apps installed. You need to find the name of the application you just installed (like SwiftKey) and turn the switch into active position. The system will again alert you to security — confirm the action.

Once the switch is activated, the system considers the new input method available, but to start typing on it, you need to make it a default priority, and if you don't, the old keyboard will appear when you call the input field.

Setting Priority and Switching Between Keyboards

To get Xiaomi phone to start using the new default keyboard, go back to the Language and Type menu and select Current Keyboard (or Keyboard Selection). In the list that appears, click on the name of your new app. From now on, this tool will be launched every time a text field appears.

There is also a quick way to switch, which is useful if you want to leave both keyboards and change them as you see them. When the keyboard is open, the screen usually displays a small keyboard icon at the bottom of the navigation bar or in the notification area.

If the icon is not displayed, you can use system hotkey. Many Android devices work by pressing the space or pressing the Ctrl + Space combination (if an external keyboard is connected) to call the selection menu. The keyboard settings often have the option “Tongue/keyboard switch button” that you can put on the toolbar.

You can always return to it via the selection menu if the new one seems uncomfortable.

Fine tuning and personalization of the interface

Once activated successfully, there is a wide range of customization options, and most keyboards today allow you to change not only the color, but also the height of the buttons, the clicks and the vibrations, and to access these settings, you usually need to click on the settings icon (cogs) on the keyboard panel itself or find the appropriate app in the phone menu.

In the “Preferences” or “Input settings” section, you can activate the vibration response when pressed, which greatly improves the tactile sensation of printing on a glass screen. It is also recommended to adjust the height of the keyboard: if you have thumbs, increasing the height of the buttons will reduce the number of typos.

Don't forget to adjust your dictionaries and autocorrect. In the first days of use, the new keyboard will learn your writing style by memorizing frequently used words and abbreviations, during which time autocorrection may not work perfectly, but it will become much more accurate over time.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install themes from unverified sources inside third-party keyboards if they require suspicious permissions. Use only built-in theme stores or official plugins.

For users who type a lot with one hand, it's helpful to shift the keyboard left or right, so you can reach all the letters with your thumb without intercepting the device, and you can find this option under "One-Handed Mode."

Solving common problems and errors

Sometimes, after installing a new keyboard, users find that it does not appear or does not work correctly, most often the problem lies in the fact that the Android system forcibly returns standard input after updating or resetting the settings, in which case you need to recheck the "Current Keyboard" item in the settings.

Another common problem is the keyboard sticking or disappearing when you run heavy applications, which may be due to a lack of RAM. RAM In this case, it helps to clean the keyboard cache through the Settings menu. → Annexes → All applications → [Keyboard name] → Memory. → Clear the cache.

If the keyboard is displayed but does not print characters, check whether Do Not Disturb mode or special features that can block input are enabled. Also make sure that the language settings have the right layouts, otherwise switching between languages will not be possible.

💡

If the keyboard is slowing down, try turning off the "Push animation" and "Key Sound" settings in the keyboard settings, which will reduce the load on the processor and make the response instantaneous.

In rare cases, the MIUI shell itself can cause conflict. If nothing helps, try removing keyboard system updates through the app menu or completely uninstalling and reinstalling it.

Data security when using third-party software

Security is key when changing keyboards, as this tool has access to everything you type, including passwords, card numbers and personal correspondence. Large companies like Google and Microsoft use data encryption and don't store sensitive information in plain sight, but risks are always there.

Modern versions of Android have a Safe Entering mechanism. When you open the password field or banking application, the system automatically disables third-party keyboards and forcibly triggers the standard, secure AOSP keyboard. This protects you from keyloggers embedded in unscrupulous applications.

However, avoid installing keyboards from obscure developers who promise “incredible emojis” or “hacked themes” that may contain malicious code. Always check permissions: the keyboard doesn’t need access to contacts, geolocation, or microphone (other than voice input).

⚠️ Note: If a keyboard application requires access to your photos or file system without an explicit need (for example, to upload your themes), this is an alarm.

Regularly update the keyboard app through the official store. Developers are constantly closing security vulnerabilities, and using the older version can make your device vulnerable to attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Changing the keyboard is a safe and fast procedure that significantly improves the comfort of using a smartphone if you choose proven applications from well-known developers.