Modern users of Xiaomi smartphones spend a huge amount of time typing, whether it is correspondence in messengers, working with documents or creating notes. Google’s standard solution, preinstalled in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, is not satisfied by everyone, because some lack functionality, and others – visual design. That is why the question of how to put a new keyboard on Xiaomi remains one of the most relevant for owners of these devices.
The process of replacing or installing an additional input tool may seem complicated only at first glance, but the Android system provides ample customization options. You do not need to have superuser rights or unlock the bootloader to access thousands of themes, improved autocorrect algorithms and unique features.
In this guide, we will go through all the steps, from choosing the best application to fine-tuning the input settings so you can type faster and more comfortable. We will look not only at the installation, but also at possible compatibility issues, as well as ways to return to factory settings if the new keyboard does not suit you. Get ready to make typing fun using the full potential of your smartphone.
Choosing the optimal application for typing
Before you get to the technical part of the process, you need to decide what application you want to see on your screen. The mobile utilities market is full of offers, and each developer promises unique features, from voice input to gesture control. For Xiaomi devices, it is important to choose solutions that work correctly with proprietary battery optimization and will not be forced to close the system in the background.
One of the market leaders remains Gboard, which offers excellent integration with Google services, real-time translator and powerful search. GIF-However, many Xiaomi users prefer SwiftKey for its advanced predictive-set algorithm, which learns from your writing style, or Typewise for its unusual hexagonal layout, which minimizes the number of typos. The choice depends solely on your personal preferences and printing habits.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing questionable keyboards from unknown developers, as they may have access to all the text you type, including passwords and bank card details.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the availability of support for multilingual input if you often switch between languages, and the ability to customize the key height. Some applications allow you to create your own themes or download ready-made skins, which is especially important for fans to personalize the MIUI interface. Also an important criterion is the size of the application and its impact on the performance of the device, especially on entry-level models.
- 📱 Gboard is the best choice for deep integration with Google’s ecosystem and stable operation.
- ⌨️ Microsoft SwiftKey is ideal for those who appreciate smart autocorrection and cloud synchronization of the history of the set.
- 🎨 Facemoji – users who want maximum visual diversity and a huge library of emojis will like it.
- 🚀 Typewise is a revolutionary solution for those who want to increase the speed of printing and reduce errors.
The Installation Process from the Google Play Store
Installing a new input tool on a Xiaomi smartphone starts with the standard procedure for downloading an application from the official Google Play Store.This method is the most secure and ensures that you get the latest version of the software without the risk of malicious code being introduced. Open the app store on your device and use the search bar at the top of the screen to find the right name.
Once you have found a suitable application, such as TouchPal or Grammarly Keyboard, click the "Install" button. The system will request confirmation of the action and can list the permissions that the program will require for work, such as access to a microphone for voice input or storage to save user dictionaries. Accept the terms and the download process will take only a few seconds depending on the speed of your Internet connection.
☑️ Ready for installation
It is important to note that once installed, the app will not become the default active keyboard. Android has a layered security system that prevents automatic system input replacement without the user’s knowledge. So after installation is complete, you will need to go to settings or launch the application to activate it on the system.
- 🔍 Open Google Play Store on your Xiaomi device.
- ⬇️ Enter the name of the desired keyboard in the search bar.
- ✅ Press the installation button and wait for the process to be completed.
- 🔓 Open the installed application for initial configuration.
Activation and configuration in the Android system
Once the application is successfully installed, you have to do a series of things to get Android to let it be used. This is a critical step that is often missed by beginners, wondering why a new keyboard doesn't appear when typing. You have to manually enable the new input method in the system security settings.
To do this, go to your Xiaomi settings menu, scroll through the list to “Additional” or “Extended Settings” where the “Language and Input” section is located. Here you will see a list of all the keyboards installed, but they will be inactive. Find the name of the application you just installed and move the switch slider to the active position. The system will issue a warning about potential risks, since the keyboard can read the input; if you trust the developer, feel free to confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: When activating a third-party keyboard, the system can warn you of security risks several times – this is a standard procedure that is not recommended to ignore without understanding the consequences.
The next step is to choose the new input method as the default one. In the same Language and Input menu, find the current keyboard or default keyboard. Click on it and select the name of your new application from the list, and from that point on, any input field will show the selected interface.
What to do if the keyboard does not switch?
Some advanced keyboards, such as Hacker’s Keyboard, may require additional permissions to access certain features or emulate a physical keyboard. In such cases, the app will guide you through the necessary setup process by opening the appropriate sections of the system menu.
- 📂 Go to "Settings» → «Additionally» → «Language and input».
- 🔘 Activate the switch opposite the name of your new keyboard.
- 👆 Click on “Current Keyboard” and select the installed application.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone to apply all changes.
Use of third-party sources and APK-file
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the desired keyboard is not available in their region through Google Play or requires the installation of a specific, possibly modified version of the application. APK-Files that can be downloaded from trusted resources on the Internet, a method that requires more care but bypasses regional restrictions.
To install applications from unknown sources on Xiaomi, you need to give special permission to the browser or file manager through which the installation will be performed. When you try to open a downloaded file, the MIUI Guard security system will block the action and prompt you to go to the settings. You will need to find the "Install Unknown Applications" item and allow this action for a specific browser, for example, Chrome or Mi Browser.
| Parameter | Google Play Store | APK-files (Third-party files) |
|---|---|---|
| Security | High (Google Checking) | Depends on the source. |
| Automatic updates | There is. | No (manually) |
| Version availability | Regional restrictions | Any version. |
| Risk of viruses | Minimum | Medium/High |
After installation APK-The activation procedure for the file remains exactly the same as for the store version: you need to turn on the keyboard in the language and input settings and select it by default. APK-You take responsibility for data security, so use only authoritative resources like APKMirror or official developer sites.
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Always check your digital signature. APK-The file and its hash amount if you download critical applications to make sure the file has not been changed by third parties.
Elimination and configuration of the interface
Even after successful installation, users may face a number of problems that are typical of the MIUI shell. Often, the keyboard works in some applications but does not appear in others, or it spontaneously switches to the system one. This is due to aggressive energy savings built into Xiaomi smartphones, which can “freeze” background input processes.
To solve this problem, find the installed keyboard in the list of applications, go to its properties and select Autostart, activating it. Also in the Battery section for this application, select the No Limits mode. This will allow the keyboard to always be ready to work and not to be unloaded from RAM. Also, check the notification settings — sometimes the keyboard requires confirmation of rights on the first start in a new application.
Customizing the look and feel is the next step that makes text really comfortable. Most keyboards today allow you to change the height of the panels, which is especially convenient for devices with large screens. You can make the keys higher for a convenient finger hit or lower to see more context.
- 🎨 Topics: Download a ready-made skin or create your own using photos from the gallery.
- 🔊 Sound and vibration: Adjust the tactile response and volume of clicks to your preferences.
- 📏 Size: Adjust the height of the keyboard for easy use with one hand.
- 🌐 Languages: Add the necessary layouts and set up a quick swipe switch over the space.
⚠️ Note: When using the Smooth Motion or Gesture Control features on the keyboard, make sure they don’t conflict with system navigation. MIUI, Avoid accidental transitions between applications.
Special attention should be paid to the vocabulary and autocorrection settings: Give a new keyboard time to learn: in the early days it can often be wrong, but machine learning algorithms quickly adapt to your vocabulary, including slang and specific terms. In the settings, you usually have the ability to export and import a custom vocabulary, which will come in handy when you switch from another device.
Return to the standard keyboard and reset settings
If the experiment with the new keyboard failed or the application started to work incorrectly, you can always go back to the factory settings. The deactivation process is simple and does not require complex manipulations. You just need to go back to the "Language and input" section in the settings of your Xiaomi.
In the default keyboard, simply select Gboard or Android Keyboard to stop using the third-party app, and then the third-party keyboard can be removed as a regular application through the program management menu.
In some cases, especially after the HyperOS firmware update, the input settings may get lost. If you notice that the vibration is gone or the emoji is no longer working, try clearing the keyboard app cache through the Apps → All Apps menu. This will not delete your dictionaries, but will correct possible software errors.
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Returning to the standard keyboard takes less than a minute and is done via the Language & Input menu, allowing you to safely test any new solutions.