How to put the keyboard Google on Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

Google’s keyboard (aka Gboard) has long become the standard for many Android users thanks to easy input, integration with the company’s services and advanced features like real-time translation right in the input bar. However, owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face problems when trying to replace the standard one. MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the ways to install Gboard on Xiaomi devices, from the basic installation to solving typical errors that are not described even in the official documentation.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the version. MIUI For example, the Chinese version of Xiaomi (with firmware for the China market). ROM) There may be additional restrictions on global ROM) — We took all of these things into account and prepared a universal guide that will suit most models, from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

If you have previously tried to install Gboard, but faced with the fact that the keyboard does not appear in the list of available or is constantly reset to the standard – this article will help to understand the reasons and offer working solutions. MIUI Keyboard on key parameters so you can consciously choose the best option.

Why is Gboard better than Xiaomi’s standard keyboard?

Before you go to the installation, you need to understand why you should change the keyboard at all. MIUI Keyboard from Xiaomi has its advantages - it is optimized for the company shell, supports gestures and themes:

• 🌍 Instant translation of text to 100+ languages without leaving the application (in MIUI Keyboard translation is implemented through a separate menu).
• 🔍 Google Search integration: you can search for GIFs, stickers and even pictures straight from the keyboard.
• 🎨 Flexible configuration of appearance: change in height, transparency, color schemes (in the MIUI Keyboard's choice of themes is limited).
• 📱 Sync the vocabulary between devices via Google account (Xiaomi sync only works within the Mi Account ecosystem).
• 🔑 Support for gestures to move the cursor (in) MIUI Keyboard has only appeared in the latest versions. MIUI 14+).

In addition, Gboard is updated through Google Play, while the system keyboard Xiaomi depends on firmware updates — and they come out less often and do not always contain corrections for the keyboard. MIUI Keyboard can be saved for months.

However, there is a downside: Gboard consumes more RAM (especially when you actively use additional features) and may conflict with some system services. MIUI. We'll talk about that again.

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone to install Gboard

Before installing the Google keyboard, you need to follow several preparatory steps, which will help avoid typical problems such as the lack of a keyboard in the list of available ones or its spontaneous disabling.

Update MIUI to the latest version (check in Settings → About Phone → System Update)

Make sure that the device has enough free space (minimum 200 MB)

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (Gboard downloads can weigh up to 100MB)

Disable VPNs or proxy (they can block access to Google servers)

Check if Unknown Sources are included (if you install them) APK manually)

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Particular attention should be paid to permissions for third-party keyboards. MIUI There may be default restrictions on the use of alternative keyboards due to security policies:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → All applications.
2. Find Gboard (if already installed) or any other keyboard application.
3. Open the permissions section and enable all available options, especially: 📝 Access to the input text (required for the keyboard operation). 📁 Storage (necessary for downloading themes and dictionaries). 🌐 Internet (for synchronization and online functions).

If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China) ROM), You may also need to unlock the bootloader or install Google Mobile Services (GMS) — Without them, many of the features of Gboard will not work.

Standard MIUI Keyboard

Gboard (Google)

SwiftKey

Another (write in the comments)

I don't know what it costs.-->

How to install Gboard on Xiaomi

There are three main ways to install a Google keyboard on a Xiaomi smartphone, depending on your firmware, whether you have access to Google Play, and your personal preferences.

1. Installation via Google Play (recommended method)

This is the easiest and safest method that is suitable for most users with global firmware (Global). ROM). Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Xiaomi.
2. In the search bar, type in Gboard and select the official app from Google. LLC.
3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
4. Once installed, open the Gboard app and follow the configuration instructions (language selection, data collection permission, etc.).

If after installation the keyboard does not appear in the list of available, follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
2. Turn on the switch next to the Gboard.
3. Click on Keyboard Management and make sure Gboard is activated.

Installation APK-hand-file

This method will be useful if you have:

• 📱 Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Google Play without Google Play.
• 🔒 Restricted access to Google services (e.g. in some regions).
• 🔄 You need a specific version of Gboard (e.g., a beta version with new features).

For manual installation:

1. Download. APK-Gboard file from a trusted source (recommended by APKMirror) Pay attention to version and architecture (usually required) arm64-v8a modern-day smartphones).
2. Transfer the file to your smartphone (for example, via Telegram or Mi File Manager).
3. Open the file and allow installation from unknown sources (a request will pop up).
4. After installation, follow the same activation steps as in the first method.

💡

Before installation APK check his hash sum (MD5/SHA-1) on the download site – this will help to avoid fake files with malicious code.

3. Installation via Mi App Store (for Chinese firmware)

If you have China ROM, but there is no desire to APK You can try to find Gboard manually in Xiaomi's Mi App Store (aka GetApps:

• ⚠️ The Gboard version of the Mi App Store may be outdated.
• ⚠️ Not all keyboard features will work without Google Mobile Services (GMS).
• ⚠️ The application interface may be partially or completely in Chinese.

To find Gboard in the Mi App Store:

1. Open GetApps (Blue Robot Icon)
2. In the search bar, type Gboard or (name in Chinese).
3. Install the application and follow the standard activation procedure.

If Gboard is not in the store, it means that your firmware does not support the installation of Google services. APK or reflashing on Global ROM.

Activate and configure Gboard after installation

A successful installation is only half the battle, and in order for Gboard to work properly, it needs not only to be activated, but also to be configured correctly. Let's take the process Step-by-step.

1. Selecting Gboard as default keyboard

After installation, the system can continue to use MIUI Keyboard. To fix it:

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Notes or Messages).
2. Tap the keyboard icon in the bottom panel (usually an icon with a keyboard or globe image).
3. In the list, select Gboard.
4. If the system asks if you want to make Gboard the default keyboard, confirm the choice.

If the keyboard icon does not appear, go to Settings → System and device → Language and input → Current keyboard and manually select Gboard.

2. Basic Gboard setup

Now you can start setting up your keyboard to suit your needs. Open the Gboard app (the icon will appear in the app menu) and go to the settings. Here are the key options to look out for:

• 🌐 Languages: Add the right languages and layouts. Gboard supports simultaneous input in multiple languages without switching.
• 🎨 Topics: Choose the keyboard design (there are both standard options and the ability to download custom themes).
• ⚙️ Text settings: Enable Show suggestions for auto-completion. Set up Auto-Replacement and Auto-capital letters. Activate Gestures to move the cursor (useful for quick editing).
• 🔍 Google Search: Enable Search Integration for Quick Access to GIFs, Stickers, and Web Results.
• 🔒 Privacy: Turn off History-Based Personalization if you don’t want Google to analyze your input.

3. Synchronization with Google account

One of the key features of Gboard is synchronizing user vocabulary and settings between devices, to enable it:

1. Open the Gboard settings.
2. Go to the dictionary section → Personalization of the dictionary.
3. Turn on the dictionary sync option and select a Google account.

After that, your frequently used words and phrases will be available on all devices where you logged in to the same Google account and installed Gboard.

💡

If after setting up, Gboard continues to reset MIUI Keyboard, check if keyboard permissions are disabled in Settings section → Annexes → Special access → Keyboards.

Comparison of Gboard and MIUI Keyboard: What to choose?

Despite the obvious advantages of Gboard, the standard Xiaomi keyboard has its advantages, too, and to make an informed choice, compare them by key criteria:

As you can see from the table, Gboard wins in functionality, but loses in terms of optimization for weak devices and integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem. AI), Maybe you should stay on the standard keyboard. Otherwise, Gboard will be a more versatile solution.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after installing correctly, Xiaomi users may encounter a number of problems when using Gboard.

1.Gboard doesn't appear on the keyboard list

If Gboard is not in the Language and Input section after installation, the reasons may be as follows:

• ❌ Application installed but not activated. ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Not only does it require you to enable Gboard in your settings, but you also need to explicitly allow it to be used in the Special Access section. → Keyboards.
• ❌ Installed incompatible version of Gboard (for example, for Android 12, whereas on Android 13 device).
• ❌ System Application Conflict (often found in China) ROM).

Decisions:

1. Reinstall Gboard (remove and install again).
2. Check the compatibility of the version APK with your firmware (APKMirror has a filter according to Android version).
3. If you have China ROM, Try to install Google Mobile Services (GMS) via Mi App Store (search on request) GMS).

2.Gboard is constantly reset on MIUI Keyboard

This is one of the most common problems that arises from the fact that MIUI It's default to try to return the system keyboard:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find it. MIUI Keyboard and click Disable (this won’t delete it, just deactivate it).
3. Back to Settings → System and device → Language and input and make sure that Gboard is the only active keyboard.

If the problem returns after the reboot, try:

• Install Gboard as a system application through ADB (requires an unlocked loader).
• Use the SetEdit app (from Google Play) to force the default Gboard assign.

3.Gesturals or auto-replacement do not work

If Gboard doesn't work,

• 👆 Gestures for the cursor – check if the option is included in Settings → Text settings → Gestures.
• 🔄 Auto Replacement – Make sure language settings include Show Offers and Auto Replacement.
• 🗣️ Voice input – install or update the Google App (it is responsible for speech recognition).

If the problem persists, try:

1. Clear Gboard cache in Settings → Annexes → Gboard → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
2. Update Gboard to the latest version.
3. Reinstall the app.

4. High battery consumption

Gboard can use up the battery more than MIUI Keyboard, due to background processes (synchronization, text prediction, etc.) to reduce consumption:

• Turn off dictionary synchronization in settings.
• Limit Gboard background activity in Settings → Annexes → Gboard → Battery → Background restriction.
• Turn off unnecessary features like Offers on the home screen or Quick Access keys.

Additional Gboard chips for Xiaomi

Gboard offers a number of hidden features that can be particularly useful to Xiaomi owners.

• 🔄 Fast language switching: swipe the space to the left or right to change the language (configured in Settings) → Languages → Language switching).
• 🖼️ Search and paste pictures: click on the Google icon (the letter G) on the keyboard, select Image Search and paste the picture directly into the chat.
• 🔍 Translation on the fly: highlight the text in a foreign language, click Copy, then paste it in the input field – Gboard will offer translation.
• 🎵 Enter emojis in text: for example, type:smile: – the keyboard will suggest the appropriate emoji.
• 📍 Quick Address Insertion: Click on the Google icon and select My Location to paste your current address.

For Xiaomi users, the text scanning function via Gboard is especially useful:

1. Open the keyboard and click on the Google icon (the letter G).
2. Select Text Scanner.
3. Hover the camera over the text (for example, from the screen of another device or paper document).
4. Gboard recognizes the text and suggests inserting it.

This is convenient for quickly copying information from photos or screenshots without the need to use separate applications like Google Lens.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Gboard on Xiaomi