How to change the wallpaper on the keyboard of the Android-smartphone Xiaomi: all ways

Why Xiaomi’s standard keyboard wallpaper is annoying – and how to fix it

You’re tired of the gray background or the intrusive Mi logo on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 keyboard or POCO X5 Pro? No wonder: the manufacturer often sets monotonous themes by default, which are not only visually outdated, but also distract from typing. AMOLED-screens where contrast makes default wallpapers too aggressive.

Fortunately, you can change the background of the keyboard to Xiaomi in 2-3 minutes - and this does not require root rights or complex manipulation. Depending on the smartphone model and the version of MIUI (14 or 15), there are several ways available, from built-in tools to third-party applications. The main thing is to know the nuances: for example, on POCO F5, the algorithm differs from Redmi 10C due to different firmware.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current methods (including hidden settings), explain how to avoid common wallpaper changes, and give you a guide to choosing backgrounds that won’t eat up your battery, and if you use Gboard or other alternative keyboards, there’s a solution for you too.

Method 1: Change wallpaper through standard MIUI settings (for built-in keyboard)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with a branded keyboard (usually called the Xiaomi Keyboard or Mi Keyboard).

Step instructions:

  1. Open any text field (such as Messages or Notes) to allow the keyboard to appear.
  2. Press the gear icon (βš™οΈ) in the top row of the keyboard - this will cause the settings menu.
  3. Select theme or wallpaper (the name may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
  4. Scroll through the list of available backgrounds. There are usually both static wallpapers and dynamic ones (such as gradients or animations).
  5. Click on the option you like and confirm the choice with the Apply button.

If the menu does not have a Topic item, then your version of MIUI does not support changing wallpaper through settings. In this case, go to Method 2.

Make sure the keyboard is active (the text field is open)

Check the version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About the phone

Turn off VPN – it can block new themes from downloading

Close the background applications to speed up the process-->

Limitations of the method:

  • πŸ”„ Few options: in a standard set usually no more 10-15 wallpaper.
  • πŸ“± It doesn’t work on all models: on budget smartphones (for example, Redmi). A2) function may be disabled.
  • πŸ”’ There is no way to upload your pictures - only a choice of pre-installed ones.

πŸ’‘

If after changing the wallpaper, the keyboard began to slow down, try to turn off the animation in the settings: Keyboard settings β†’ Additional β†’ Keyboard animation.

Method 2: Install themes through MIUI Themes (Extended features)

If you don't have enough wallpaper, you can use Xiaomi's official Themes app, which allows you to download not only desktop wallpapers, but also full keyboard themes, including backgrounds, button colors, and even tap sounds, which is suitable for MIUI 12 and later.

How it works:

  1. Open the Themes app (if not, download it from Google Play).
  2. Go to the Keyboard tab (or find it through the search on the application).
  3. Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. Some themes require additional downloads (note the file size).
  4. After applying the theme, restart the keyboard (for example, close and reopen any text box).

Advantages of the method:

  • 🎨 Thousands of options: from minimalist backgrounds to anime-theme.
  • πŸ”„ Regular updates: Developers often add new collections.
  • πŸ“² Desktop wallpaper sync: Some themes offer a single style for the entire interface.

Disadvantages:

  • πŸ“Ά Internet: without connection, download topics will not work.
  • πŸ’° Paid themes: some wallpapers cost from 50 to 300 rubles.
  • ⚠️ Risk of brakes: Heavy animated themes can slow down typing on weak smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 9A).

Standard (Mi Keyboard)

Gboard (Google)

SwiftKey

Another.

I don't know.-->

Method 3: Using Gboard (Google Keyboard) for customization

If you don't like the standard Xiaomi keyboard, the best alternative is Google's Gboard. It's not only faster and smarter. AI-hints), but also offers flexible background tuning, including uploading your images.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download Gboard from Google Play (if not already installed).
  2. Activate the keyboard: go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Language & Input β†’ Virtual Keyboard and turn on Gboard.
  3. Open any text field, click on the gear icon on the keyboard and select Themes.
  4. In the My Backgrounds section, click + and select an image from the gallery or take a new shot.
  5. Set up background blur and transparency (we recommend blurring at 30-50% for better button readability).
  6. Save the changes and click Apply.

Important: Gboard allows you to install dynamic wallpapers (like from Google’s Wallpapers app), but on Xiaomi, this feature may not work as well due to MIUI optimizations.

How to get back the standard Xiaomi keyboard after Gboard?
1. Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Language and input β†’ Virtual Keyboard. 2. Turn off Gboard (swipe left slider). 3. Turn on Xiaomi Keyboard (or Mi Keyboard). 4. Click Reset in the keyboard menu if the wallpaper has not changed.

Tips for choosing a background for Gboard:

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Avoid colorful images: they distract and worsen the visibility of symbols.
  • πŸŒ“ Dark tones save charge on the AMOLED-screens (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro).
  • πŸ” Check the contrast: white text should read well in the background.

Method 4: Party of application for keyboard customization

If none of the previous methods worked, you can use third-party apps that offer maximum freedom from downloading your wallpaper to creating animated backgrounds, but there are also risks: some programs may contain ads or collect data.

Top.-3 checked applications for changing keyboard wallpaper:

AnnexFeaturesConsCompatibility with Xiaomi
Kika Keyboard1000+ topics GIF-backgrounds, built-in editorAdvertising, sometimes slows downβœ… It works on all models.
ChroomMinimalist design, support for Material YouPaid themes, few Russian-language wallpapersβœ… Best of all. MIUI 14+
FleksyGestures, customization of each elementA complex interface for beginners⚠️ Nana POCO may conflict with MIUI

How to install wallpaper through a third-party application:

  1. Download and install the selected keyboard from Google Play.
  2. Activate it in settings (Settings β†’ System β†’ Language and input).
  3. Open the keyboard app and find the Themes or Wallpaper section.
  4. Upload your favorite background or select from the gallery.
  5. Apply the changes and restart the keyboard.

πŸ’‘

Before installing a third-party keyboard, check the stability reviews on your Xiaomi model. Some apps (like Kika) may conflict with MIUI 15.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party keyboards, Xiaomi may display a warning about "unsafe input." MIUI β€” It doesn't mean that the keyboard is malicious, but if you type in passwords or bank card details, you'd better go back to the standard or Gboard.

Method 5: Manually modifying wallpaper through files (for advanced users)

This is a method that works for those who are willing to dig through system files, and it allows you to set any background, including animations, but requires ADB or root rights. It's not recommended for beginners!

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
  • πŸ“± Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times press to unlock the developer mode).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Background picture in.png format with the resolution corresponding to your screen (for example, 1080Γ—2400 For the Redmi Note 11 Pro+).

Instructions (for MIUI 14/15):

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
  2. Enter the command to copy your background to the system folder: adb push your image.png /sdcard/MIUI/theme/
  3. Set file rights: adb shell chmod 644 /sdcard/MIUI/theme/your image.png
  4. Reboot your smartphone. Once turned on, the background should appear in the list of available keyboard wallpapers.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause keyboard failures. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

Alternative without ADB: If you have root access, you can manually replace the wallpaper files in /system/media/theme/default/wallpapers/. However, this is risky – an error can lead to a bootloop ( loop reboot).

How to choose wallpaper that will not irritate and slow down the smartphone

Changing the background of a keyboard is not just aesthetics, it's also performance. Wrongly chosen wallpaper can:

  • πŸ”‹ Increase battery consumption (especially animated backgrounds).
  • 🐒 Slow down typing due to high load on the processor.
  • πŸ‘€ Deteriorate the visibility of symbols if the contrast is insufficient.

Selection recommendations:

  • πŸŒ‘ For AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra): Choose dark wallpaper with minimal brightness.
  • πŸ“ Resolution: The picture must match the resolution of your screen. 12 Pro+: 1080Γ—2400 POCO F5 Pro: 1440Γ—3200 Xiaomi 12T: 1220Γ—2712
  • 🎨 Color gamut: avoid red and blue – they are the most straining eyes with prolonged use.

Where to download high-quality wallpaper for the keyboard:

  • 🌐 Wallhaven (wallhaven.cc) – Filter by resolution and color.
  • 🎨 Backiee (backiee.com) – Wallpaper specifically for keyboards.
  • πŸ“± Zedge (Google Play app) – there is a section with minimalist backgrounds.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful wallpaper change, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Wallpaper not applicableKeyboard cache not updatedClear the cache in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Keyboard β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache
Keyboard brakesToo heavy background (for example, 4K-picture)Reduce background resolution to 1080p or turn off animations
The background is cut off at the edgesWrong aspect ratioUse 9:20 wallpaper (for most Xiaomi)
The button colors merge with the backgroundLow contrastTurn on Dark Mode in the keyboard settings or select the background lighter

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the keyboard settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Language and input.
  2. Select your keyboard and press Reset Settings.
  3. Reboot your smartphone.

πŸ’‘

If you lose your emoji or change your font after changing your wallpaper, check if your keyboard language settings are lost. Sometimes the themes override your regional settings.

Can I put a live wallpaper on the Xiaomi keyboard?
Yes, but with reservations: On the standard keyboard MIUI Live wallpaper is available only in some themes from the official store. Dynamic backgrounds can be installed in Gboard, but they do not work on all Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi 10 can brake). GIF-We recommend that you test animated wallpaper for no longer than a day - if battery consumption has increased by more than 10%, you better go back to the static background.
Why did the keyboard wallpaper drop after the MIUI update?
This is standard MIUI behavior for major updates (e.g., version 14 to version 15). The system resets the keyboard settings for compatibility with new software. To return wallpaper: Check if new themes have appeared in Keyboard Settings β†’ Themes. If you used Gboard, reapply your background - it could have been saved to My background. If the wallpaper is gone completely, try clearing the keyboard cache (see section "Frequent Issues"). In the future, before updating, take a screenshot of the current wallpaper to quickly restore them.
Can I put a wallpaper on the keyboard without the Internet?
Yes, but the choice will be limited: Standard MIUI keyboard: only pre-installed wallpaper (usually 5-10 pieces) is available. Gboard: you can use previously downloaded backgrounds (they are saved to My backgrounds). App side: some (for example, Chroom) allow you to install wallpaper from local memory, but without the Internet you can not download new ones. If you need offline access to a large number of wallpapers, download your favorite pictures to your smartphone in advance via Wi-Fi.
Why do POCO X3 keyboard wallpapers look blurry?
This problem is common for smartphones with high-resolution screens (e.g., POCO X3 has FHD+, but the keyboard renders the background in a lower resolution). Solutions: Use wallpaper with a resolution of 1080Γ—2400 (even if the screen supports more). In Gboard, turn off background blur in the theme settings. Try a third-party keyboard (e.g., SwiftKey) that better adapts the wallpaper to the screen resolution. If blur remains, this could be a feature of the firmware - check if there are any updates for your model in the Settings. β†’
How to make a transparent keyboard on Xiaomi?
A fully transparent keyboard cannot be obtained, but you can get as close to this effect as possible: In Gboard, select a background with high transparency (in the theme settings, move the Transparency slider to the top of the keyboard). 70-80%). Set a dark theme in your smartphone settings (Settings) β†’ Screen. β†’ Dark theme, so that keyboard buttons blend in with the background. Use minimalist wallpaper (e.g., monochromatic or barely visible pattern) on some models (e.g., Xiaomi). 12S Ultra) can achieve the effect of a β€œglass” keyboard, if you set the background with blur 50% transparently 60%.