Keyboards on a Xiaomi smartphone or tablet can make it much easier to work with texts, programming, or even games, but not all users know how to properly connect an external keyboard – whether it is wired through a wired keyboard. OTG-Bluetooth adapter or wireless. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect to different devices of the brand: from Redmi Note to Mi Pad and Mi Box.
The peculiarity of Xiaomi’s technology is that some models (especially budget ones) may have restrictions on working with the peripherals, for example, older smartphones without USB OTG support will not be able to recognize a wired keyboard, and cheap Bluetooth adapters can conflict with the MIUI firmware.
What keyboards are compatible with Xiaomi devices
Before you buy a keyboard, check its compatibility with your gadget. Xiaomi devices support:
- 🔌 Wired USB-keyboards (through OTG-adapter or directly to the Mi Pad/TV Box)
- 📶 Bluetooth keyboards (all models except the earliest Android smartphones) 4.x)
- 🖥️ Multimedia keyboards (with additional buttons for media management)
- 🎮 Gaming keyboards (requires support) HID-firmware)
Important: Some Redmi and POCO may not recognize non-standard keyboards (like Dvorak or Colemak), and Google Play’s External Keyboard Helper app will help.
Connecting a wired keyboard via OTG
This is the easiest way, but it requires OTG-cable (or adapter) USB-C → USB-A Suitable for smartphones, tablets and Mi Box.
- Buy quality. OTG-Adapter (Cheap Chinese Adapters May Not Work).
- Connect the keyboard to the adapter and the adapter to the device.
- A notification will appear on the screen "USB-plug-in".
- Open any text field (for example, in Notes) – the keyboard should work automatically.
Check OTG support in device specifications
Use the original. OTG-cable
Charge the device at least 30%
Update the firmware to the latest version-->
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) plug-in OTG-It can turn off the charging. It's normal -- that's how the power controller protects.
| Xiaomi model | Support for OTG | Max. OTG current (mA) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes. | 900 |
| POCO X5 Pro | Yes. | 500 |
| Mi 11 Ultra | Yes. | 1500 |
| Redmi 10A | No. | — |
Connection of Bluetooth keyboard
Wireless connectivity is more convenient, but requires pre-configuration. The instructions are universal for all Xiaomi devices on MIUI 12+:
- Turn on the keyboard (usually with a Power button or switch).
- On Xiaomi device, go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Activate Bluetooth and click "Device Search".
- In the list, find your keyboard (the name usually contains a model, such as the Keychron K3).
- Click on it and confirm the pairing (may require input) PIN-code, such as 0000 or 1234).
If the keyboard is not displayed:
- 🔄 Reboot both devices.
- 📱 Update the firmware MIUI last-minute.
- 🔌 Check the keyboard charge (discharged devices are not visible in the search).
💡
If the keyboard is connected but not typing, try turning off the option “Use Gboard for external keyboards” in the Language and Entering section of the MIUI settings.
Configuring layout and languages
By default, MIUI can misdetect the layout of the keyboard you're connecting to, so you can fix this.
- Go to Settings → Additional → Language and Enter → Physical Keyboard.
- Select your keyboard from the list.
- Click on "Keyboard layout" and select the desired one (for example, Russian or English (USA)).
- In the "Input Languages" section, add the required languages.
For programmers: if you need special characters (e.g. { }[ ]), install the Hacker's Keyboard app from Google Play. PC-keyboard with Ctrl, Alt and Esc.
How to add an emoji from a physical keyboard?
Connecting keyboard to Mi Box and Mi TV Stick
For the Xiaomi Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick, the keyboard makes it easy to navigate the menu and enter passwords.
- 🔌 Wired: Connect the keyboard directly to USB-port on the back of the Mi Box (no adapter needed).
- 📶 Bluetooth: Go to Settings → Remote and Bluetooth → Add the device.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV Stick (without full-size) USB-port) only Bluetooth keyboard is running, wired only via externally powered USB-hub.
For convenience, you can assign hot keys:
Settings → Remote and Bluetooth → Keyboard settings
Example:
F1 - Home
F2 - Back
F3 - SearchSolving common problems
If the keyboard is connected but not working, check:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard not defined | Lack of support OTG or HID-profile | Update your firmware or use Bluetooth |
| Delays in entry | Weak Bluetooth module or interference | Reconnect the device or use a wired connection |
| Functional keys do not work (F1-F12) | Conflict with MIUI system combinations | Install External Keyboard Helper |
To diagnose, connect the keyboard to another device (like a PC or Mac).If it works there, the problem is Xiaomi settings.
💡
If touch gestures (such as swipe for return) stop working after connecting the keyboard, turn off the option “Use keyboard as pointing device” in the Special Options settings.
Best Keyboards for Xiaomi in 2026
We tested several models and recommend:
- 💻 Keychron K3 — compact Bluetooth/wired with backlight (ideal for Mi Pad) 6).
- 🎮 Razer Turret - touchpad game (suitable for Mi Box and gaming).
- 📱 Microsoft Universal Foldable – foldable, lightweight (comfortable for trips with Redmi Note).
- 💰 Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard – budget option from the brand itself (but without backlighting).
When choosing, pay attention to:
- 🔋 Battery life (optimum 3)+ month).
- 📏 Size (for smartphones, models up to 30 cm will fit).
- 🔄 Multiple Devices (Possibility to Connect to the 2-3 gadgets at the same time).