How to install or change the keyboard on Xiaomi: all ways

The keyboard on Xiaomi is not just a typing tool, but an ecosystem that affects the speed of printing, word auto-replacement, and even the security of passwords. Many users face problems with the standard keyboard. MIUI If you are slowing down, you don’t have the right language, you want to install popular alternatives like Gboard or SwiftKey. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to install and replace keyboards on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From basic settings to solving unexpected errors.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 and HyperOS have changed the way you go to setup a little bit, and we’ve taken these into account and prepared universal instructions that will work for both the new Xiaomi 14 flagships and the budget Redmi Note 12. If you’ve never changed your keyboard before, don’t worry: Our step-by-step guides with pictures (in text format) will help even a beginner to understand.

We will also reveal little-known features: how to return a standard Xiaomi keyboard if it suddenly disappeared after an update, or why some keyboards (for example, Microsoft SwiftKey) may not be installed on Chinese firmware versions.

1. Installation of a standard keyboard MIUI

By default, all Xiaomi smartphones preinstalled branded keyboard MIUI Keyboard (formerly called Mi Keyboard) supports more than 100 languages, has a built-in translator and adaptive input, but once you reset your settings or update your firmware, it may disappear from the active keyboard list. Here's how to get it back:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Language and input.
2. Slip on the current keyboard (or keyboard management in newer versions).
3. Turn on the switch opposite. MIUI If it's not on the list, click Add keyboard and select from the available ones.
4. Go back and set it up. MIUI Keyboard as the default keyboard.

If the standard keyboard is not listed at all, it may mean that it has been disabled through the App Settings or removed (on some custom firmware).

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it restores system components.
• 📥 Install firmware update through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, reset the keyboard settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → MIUI Keyboard → Warehouse → Clear the data.

⚠️ Note: On Chinese versions of firmware (China) ROM) A standard keyboard may not support some languages (for example, Ukrainian or Kazakh), in which case you will have to install third-party solutions.

2. Installation of a third-party keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey, etc.)

Third-party keyboards offer advanced features: gesture input, cloud dictionary synchronizer, design themes and even built-in GIF-The most popular options for Xiaomi:

• 🔍 Gboard (from Google) – Supports voice input, real-time translation and integration with Google Translate.
• ⚡ Microsoft SwiftKey – known for accurate word prediction and the ability to customize the layout.
• 🎨 Fleksy – Minimalist keyboard with support for gestures and extensions.
• 🔒 Chroom – keyboard with a focus on privacy (does not send data to the cloud).

To install a third-party keyboard:

Download the keyboard from Google Play (for example, [Gboard](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.inputmethod.latin))

Open Settings → Additional → Language and input

Tap the current keyboard → Keyboard management

Turn on the switch for the new keyboard

Go back and select it as the default keyboard.-->

After installation, remember to configure the keyboard to suit you. For example, in Gboard you can:

• 🌐 Add several languages and quickly swipe between them by space.
• 🎨 Install a theme from the gallery or upload your picture.
• 🔊 Activate voice input (useful for long messages).

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with China ROM (Some keyboards from Google Play may not be installed due to lack of Google services. Solution: install Google Installer or reflash the phone to the global version.

3. Language customization and auto-replacement

One of the main reasons for changing the keyboard is the lack of the right language or the inconvenient auto-replacement. MIUI Keyboard languages are added as follows:

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Notes).
2. Put the badge on. ⚙️ (gear) on the keyboard to open its settings.
3. Select Languages and Entering → Add tongue.
4. Scroll through the list and mark the languages you need (e.g. Russian, English, Ukrainian).

For third-party keyboards, the process is similar, but it can be different from the interface.

1. Open the keyboard settings through the icon ⚙️.
2. Go to the languages → Add a keyboard.
3. Choose a language and its variety (for example, Russian - Russia or English - USA).

If auto-replacement works incorrectly (for example, replacing the right words with the wrong ones), try:

• 🧹 Clear the user dictionary: Keyboard settings → Dictionary → Clear the data.
• 🔄 Reinstall the keyboard.
• 📱 Update the firmware of the smartphone (sometimes bugs auto-replace are fixed in new versions) MIUI).

💡

If you need to switch between languages frequently, you can adjust your gesture in Gboard: swipe the space to the left or right to change the language.

4. Solving keyboard problems

Sometimes the keyboard on Xiaomi is weird, like it goes missing, doesn't open, or it's bugged, and let's look at typical scenarios and their solutions.

The keyboard does not appear when you enter text

If the tap on the text field keyboard does not pop up:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it solves 70% of the time glitches.
• 📱 Check if the keyboard is disabled in the settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Keyboard name] → Turn on.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache and keyboard data through the same app settings.
• 🔧 If the problem occurs after the update MIUI, Try to revert to the previous version of the firmware.

The keyboard is constantly reset to standard

This is a frequent complaint of Xiaomi users. MIUI, It can reset the default settings:

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Your keyboard] → Battery → No restrictions.
• 🚫 Turn off autocleaning cache: Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup → Settings → Autocleaning the cache (disable).
• 🔄 After changing the keyboard, restart the phone - this helps to "fix" the settings.

The keyboard brakes or lays

Slowdowns in text entry are usually associated with:

• 🗑️ Crowded keyboard cache (clean it in the app settings).
• 🧠 Lack of RAM (close background applications).
• 🔄 Conflict with other keyboards (leave only one active keyboard).
• 📡 Poor Internet connection (if you use a cloud dictionary).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with 4GB of RAM or less, the Gboard type keyboard with word prediction enabled may slow down. Solution: disable prediction in keyboard settings or use lighter alternatives (e.g., Simple Keyboard).

5. Keyboard features on different Xiaomi models

Performance and functionality of the keyboard may vary depending on the model of the smartphone and the firmware version.

Flagship models (Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold)

On top-end devices, the keyboard works smoothly even with prediction enabled and multiple languages, and you can safely install resource-intensive keyboards like Gboard or SwiftKey with extended dictionaries.

• 🎯 Ultra Wideband support (on Xiaomi 14) allows you to use the keyboard to control smart devices through text commands.
• 🖥️ On foldable smartphones (Mix Fold 3), the keyboard automatically adapts to the screen size.

Budget models (Redmi Note, POCO)

On devices with 4-6 GB of RAM (for example, Redmi Note 12 or RAM). POCO X5) Avoid heavy keyboards:

• 🐢 Use the standard. MIUI Keyboard or Lightweight Alternatives (Simple Keyboard, OpenBoard).
• 🚫 Turn off animations and word prediction if the keyboard brakes.
• 🔄 Clean the keyboard cache regularly through Settings → Annexes.

Chinese versions of firmware (China) ROM)

On smartphones with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) limitations:

• 🚫 There is no Google Play, so Gboard and other keyboards will have to be installed via Google Play. APK.
• 🌏 Some languages (such as Ukrainian) may not be available in the standard keyboard.
• 🔒 Some functions (such as voice input) only work with Chinese services.

The solution for China ROM:

1. Install Google Installer (for example, via APKMirror).
2. Download. APK the keyboard required (e.g., with APKPure).
3. Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Application management → browser → Install unknown applications.

💡

On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) before installing the keyboards through APK Be sure to check sources – download files only from trusted sites (such as APKMirror) to avoid viruses.

6. Alternative methods of text input

Keyboards aren’t the only way to type on Xiaomi, but consider alternatives that can be useful in different situations:

Voice input

Perfect for long messages or when hands are busy.

• In Gboard: tap on the icon 🎤 on the keyboard and say the text.
• V MIUI Keyboard: Go to Keyboard Settings → Voice input and turn on the option.

For better recognition:

• 🎙️ Speak clearly, without pause.
• 🌐 Make sure you choose the correct recognition language.
• 📶 Connect to the Internet (recognition works more accurately with cloud services).

Gesture input (swipe)

It allows you to print without taking your finger off the screen.

1. In Gboard: Settings → Gesture input → turn on the option.
2. In SwiftKey: Settings → Entering → Swipe.

Convenience tips:

• 👆 Learn from sites like SwiftKey Swipe Tutorial.
• 🔄 If gestures are not recognized, clear the keyboard data and restart it.

Manual input (stylus)

Relevant for smartphones with stylus support (Xiaomi Pad 6, Mix Fold).

1. Connect the stylus to the device.
2. In the keyboard settings, select the handwriting mode (available in the MIUI Keyboard and Gboard).
3. Write by hand – the text will be converted into print.

External keyboard (Bluetooth or USB)

If you connect a physical keyboard to Xiaomi:

• 🔗 Connect it to Bluetooth (Settings) → Bluetooth or through USB-OTG.
• 🌍 In the system settings, select the desired layout: Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Physical keyboard.
• ⚙️ For fine-tuning (such as hotkeys), use applications like External Keyboard Helper.

7.Safety when using keyboards

Keyboards have access to everything you type, from messages to passwords, so it's important to keep them safe.

Data breach

Some keyboards (especially the little ones) can send your data to developers' servers.

• 🛡️ Use keyboards from trusted developers (Gboard, SwiftKey, standard) MIUI Keyboard).
• 🔍 Before installing, read reviews and check the app's permissions.
• 🚫 Turn off cloud sync if you don’t trust keyboard storage.

Virus keyboards

Google Play periodically features fraudulent keyboards that steal data or display ads.

• 📢 Too intrusive advertising.
• 🔓 Requests unnecessary permissions (such as access to contacts or SMS).
• 📉 Brake the system or heat the phone.

If you have a suspicious keyboard:

1. Delete it immediately.
2. Check your phone with an antivirus (like Dr.Web or Kaspersky).
3. Change passwords from important accounts (if you entered them through this keyboard).

Password protection

Many keyboards offer to save passwords for autocomplete, which is convenient but risky.

• 🔑 Use only trusted keyboards for passwords (e.g. Gboard with Google Smart Lock enabled).
• 🔄 Change passwords regularly, especially if you use a keyboard on public Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ For critical accounts (bank, mail) enter passwords manually.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) keyboard MIUI It can send data to Xiaomi servers in China, and if it's critical to you, use alternatives like Gboard or Chroom with cloud sync disabled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about keyboards on Xiaomi