The keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a typing tool, but a full-fledged interface element that can and should be adapted to your preferences. The standard MIUI keyboard (or Gboard, if you installed it) supports changing themes, fonts and even animations, but not all users know how to activate these functions. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the theme of the keyboard, from built-in tools to installing third-party applications.
It's important to understand that the process can vary depending on the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 Ultra) and the firmware version (MIUI 13/14/15). We'll take these nuances into account and provide universal solutions that work on most devices. If you want to not only change the color of the keys, but also add unique stickers, change sounds or even create your own theme, here you will find the answers.
Before you start settings, make sure your keyboard is updated to the latest version. In some cases, new themes are only available after an app update. Also remember, if you use Gboard instead of the standard Xiaomi keyboard, the algorithm will be different β we will consider both options.
1. Standard MIUI keyboard: Where to look for themes?
By default, Xiaomi smartphones have a branded keyboard that is integrated into the MIUI shell. To change its theme, you don't need to download additional apps, everything is done through the system settings. Here's how it works:
Open any application where you can type in text (such as Messages or Notes). Tap the input fields to activate the keyboard.
- Press the gear icon (βοΈ) in the top row of the keyboard to open its settings.
- Select Keyboard Themes (or Design depending on the MIUI version).
- Scroll through the list of available themes. Here you will find both standard options (Dark, Light, Minimalism) and themes with animations (for example, Starry Sky or Gradient).
- Tap on your favorite topic to apply it immediately.
If there are few options on your list, it could mean that:
- π Your version. MIUI outdated (update the firmware through Settings) β The phone. β Updating the system).
- π± You are not using a standard keyboard, but Gboard or other (check in Settings). β Annexes β Application management β keyboard).
- π Your region does not support additional topics (resolved by changing the region in your Mi Account).
Note that the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 have a dynamic themes feature that adapts to the desktop wallpaper. To activate it, go to Keyboard Settings β Additional β Wallpaper Sync. However, this option is not available on all models - for example, on the POCO M5 it may not be, and on the Xiaomi 13 Pro it works stably.
2.Installation of new themes through the MIUI store
If you donβt have enough built-in themes, you can download additional ones directly from the official Xiaomi store.
- Open the keyboard settings (as described in the previous section).
- Select Keyboard Themes β Download Themes (or Get More Themes).
- You will be in the Theme Store section. MIUI, where you can view the collections by categories: Anime, Minimalism, Gaming, 3D-effects.
- Tap your favorite topic, click Download, and after installation - Apply.
An important nuance: some topics may be paid (the cost usually does not exceed 50-100 rubles). The payment is deducted from the balance of your Mi Account, so make sure that you have enough funds or a bank card is tied.
Check the Mi Account balance
Update the keyboard to the latest version
Connect to Wi-Fi (themes can weigh up to 20MB)
Check out the reviews on the topic-->
If the store doesnβt open or gives an error, try:
- π§ Reset the keyboard settings (Settings) β Annexes β keyboard β Warehouse β Clear the data).
- π Change your Mi Account region to India or China (more free themes).
- π± Rebooting your smartphone β sometimes it solves content loading problems.
β οΈ Note: When downloading them from the store MIUI Avoid suspiciously low-rated (below 3.5 stars) and some users complain of bugs such as keyboard getting stuck or changing layouts after installing low-quality themes.
3.Using Gboard: How to Change the Theme on Google Keyboard
If you prefer Gboard over the standard one, the process of changing the theme will be different. Gboard offers a wider selection of designs, including the ability to create your own theme based on a photo.
- Open any text field to call the keyboard.
- Press the gear icon (βοΈ) keyboard.
- Select Themes.
- Scroll through the list of options available. There are categories: π¨ Color (gradients, monochromatic). πΌοΈ Image-based (you can upload your photo). π Dark/light (automatic shift depending on system theme).
Apply
One of the key benefits of Gboard is the ability to create a unique theme from your photo.
- In the Topics section, select Create your theme.
- Click Select an image and upload a photo from the gallery.
- Adjust the blur, brightness and position of the keys with sliders.
- Save the topic β it will appear on your personal list.
Gboard also has a dynamic color feature that adjusts the keyboard to your wallpaper color palette (powers Android 12+). To activate it, go to Gboard Settings β Themes β System Colors.
π‘
If Gboard doesnβt have a Themes section, update the app via Google Play. Also check that the keyboard is set as the main one in Android settings (Settings β System β Language & Input β Virtual Keyboard).
4 Third-party keyboards: SwiftKey, Chroom and others
If neither the standard MIUI nor Gboard keyboard suits you, you can install alternative apps from Google Play.
| keyboard | Features | Download link | Support for topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SwiftKey | AI word prediction, cloud synchronization, gesture support | Google Play | 100+ themes, including animated ones |
| Chroom | Minimalist design, support for dark themes, no advertising | Google Play | 50+ topics, import opportunities |
| Fleksy | Quick gesture input, extensions (GIF, stickers) | Google Play | 30+ themes, customization of flowers |
| Typewise | Hexagonal layout, protection against typos | Google Play | 20 Themes, Responsive Design |
To install a third-party keyboard:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and follow the setup instructions.
- Activate the keyboard in Android settings: Settings β System β Language and input β Virtual keyboard β Keyboard management
- Turn on the switch next to the name of the new keyboard.
- Return to any text box, tap the keyboard icon in the lower right corner and select the keyboard installed.
Method 2: Manual editing of APK (for advanced)
If you are familiar with the work with APK-files, you can edit the theme of the standard keyboard MIUI:
- Download APK keyboards from a site like APKMirror.
- Unpack it with WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Find the res/drawable folder β this is where the keys are stored.
- Replace them with your own (observe the resolution and format.png).
- Collect the APK back and install it on your smartphone.
APK editing risks
For most users, the former (theme designers) will be preferable, because it doesn't require technical skills, but if you're willing to experiment, the latter offers almost limitless customization possibilities.
6. Solving problems when changing the topic
Sometimes users have difficulty changing the theme of the keyboard, and consider the most common problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No "Themes" section in the keyboard settings | Not a standard MIUI keyboard, but Gboard or other | Install a standard keyboard through Settings β Applications β Application Management β Disabled |
| Themes do not apply after selection | Keyboard cache damaged. | Clear the cache: Settings β Applications β Keyboard β Storage β Clear the cache |
| The store doesn't open. | Problems with Internet connection or region | Check your network connection or change region in your Mi Account to India |
| The keyboard freezes after changing the theme | Incompatibility of theme with MIUI version | Set another theme or roll back the keyboard to factory settings |
If none of the methods helped, try resetting the keyboard settings to factory:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the keyboard (or MIUI Keyboard) and open its settings.
- Press Warehouse. β Clear the data.
- Reboot your smartphone.
After resetting, all keyboard settings (including saved words and themes) will be deleted, so back up important data in advance.
π‘
If the problem persists after all the manipulations, check to see if the antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security) is blocking keyboard operation.
7. Additional keyboard settings on Xiaomi
Besides changing the theme, the Xiaomi and Gboard keyboard has a host of other useful features to configure:
- π Gestures: You can turn on a swipe to enter text in Gboard (Settings) β Slides-input. In the standard keyboard. MIUI This function is called sliding input.
- π Sounds and vibrations: Turn off the sound of keystrokes in the keyboard settings β Sound and vibration if it irritates you.
- π Languages: Add a few layouts for quick switching (Settings) β Languages and input).
- πΆ Text Prediction: You can turn off predictions for specific applications in Gboard (Settings) β Prediction of text β Set-up for applications).
Xiaomi's MIUI 14+ smartphones have a Smart Enter feature that analyzes your writing style and offers more accurate hints to activate it:
- Open the keyboard settings.
- Go to the Supplementary β Smart input.
- Turn on the switch and follow the instructions for training the AI.
Also pay attention to the night mode of the keyboard. If you have a dark theme on the system, but the keyboard remains light, check the sync settings in Settings β Screen β Dark theme β Advanced settings.