How to make a keyboard like on iPhone on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The iPhone keyboard is famous for its minimalist design, smooth animations, and easy text input. Many Xiaomi smartphone owners (especially the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T, or POCO F5) want to experience the same on Android, but don’t know where to start. In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways from installing themes for Gboard to using specialized keyboards with iOS effects.

It's important to understand that you can't replicate the functionality of the Apple keyboard on Xiaomi completely because of the differences in operating systems, but you can achieve visual similarity by 90% and even add some chips that are not on the iPhone (such as gestures or advanced emojis). We tested all methods on the firmware of MIUI 14 and HyperOS — the results below.

1. Method: Install theme for Gboard (the easiest)

If you only want visual similarity without deep customization, just set the theme for a standard Google keyboard (Gboard), a technique that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including budget models like the Redmi 12C.

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → System system → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
• 🔍 Select Gboard (if not, download from Google Play).
• 🎨 Click on Topics, then select Minimalism or iOS (there are official and custom options).
• 🔄 Apply the theme and check the result in any messenger (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need for root rights or complex manipulation.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI HyperOS.
• ✅ You can quickly return a standard theme.

⚠️ Note: Some Gboard themes may contain ads or collect data.Install only proven high-ranking options (4.5)+ star).

2. Method: Microsoft SwiftKey with iOS setting

Microsoft SwiftKey is one of the most flexible keyboards for Android, allowing you to fine-tune the look for the iPhone. Unlike Gboard, you can change not only the color, but also the shape of the keys, animations and even sounds.

Instructions:

1. Download SwiftKey from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and go through the initial setup (select language, allow access to the keyboard).
3. Go to Settings → Themes and select “Create Your Theme”.
4. In the editor:

For the same thing:

• 📱 Enable Smooth Enter in SwiftKey Settings (similar to QuickPath on iPhone).

Set a bright theme | Round the keys | Turn off sounds | Turn on smooth input |Remove emoji prediction-->

SwiftKey also supports synchronization between devices via a Microsoft account, which is handy if you use Xiaomi alongside a Windows PC.

3. Method: Third-party keyboards with iOS effects

If you want visual changes, but also animations, tactile recoil (like the iPhone 13/14), or specific sounds, you should look at specialized keyboards. We tested three options:

The best choice for Xiaomi is iKeyboard, if you are willing to pay for the premium version.

• 🎯 Tactile recoil (vibration when pressed, as on the iPhone).
• 🔊 Key sounds from iOS 17.
• 📱 Swipe down gesture to hide keyboard (like on Apple).

⚠️ Note: Some keyboards (such as Go Keyboard) may conflict with the keyboard. MIUI Optimization on firmware below MIUI 13.If the keyboard is slowing down, turn off optimization in Settings → Special opportunities → MIUI Optimization.

4. Method: Use of launcher with integrated keyboard

If you want not only a keyboard but also an interface like an iPhone, consider launchers with built-in solutions. For example, Lawnchair or iOS Launcher let you install the keyboard as part of a common theme.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Lawnchair 12:

1. Download Lawnchair from Google Play.
2. Set the theme "iOS 17" in the launcher settings.
3. Go to Settings → Additional → Keyboard.
4. Select "Inline iOS Keyboard" (you need to download an additional module).

Advantages:

• 🎯 Full synchronization of system design and keyboard.
• 🔧 Ability to fine tune (for example, change the height of the keys).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Launchers can consume more memory (relevant to Redmi) 9A or POCO M4 Pro with 4GB of RAM).
• ⚠️ Not all keyboard functions work consistently (e.g. voice input).

5. Method: Manually modifying system files (for advanced)

This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows you to replace the system keyboard MIUI with a modified version with the design of iOS, but is fraught with the risk of “bricking” the device.

What you need:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader.
• 🔧 Installed Magisk and MiXplorer Module.
• 📁 Modified APK-Keyboard file (e.g., iOS Keyboard Port from the forum) XDA).

Instructions:

1. Download the modified APK (e.g., here: [link to XDA]).


2. via MiXplorer go to /system/priv-app/LatinIMEGoogle/




3. Replace the original LatinIMEGoogle.apk with the downloaded one.




4. Set the rights 644 (rw-r-----).




5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: After such an intervention, updates may stop working MIUI/HyperOS There's also a high risk of data loss if you make an error, and we recommend backups through adb backup or TWRP.

💡

Before replacing system files, check that the modified APK is compatible with your version of MIUI. For example, the keyboard for MIUI 14 may not work on HyperOS.

Comparison of methods: what to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table:

For most Xiaomi users, SwiftKey or iKeyboard is the best solution. If you want maximum simplicity, choose Gboard with a theme. Launchers and manual replacements are only suitable for enthusiasts ready for experimentation.

💡

SwiftKey and iKeyboard provide a better balance between the similarity to iOS and the stability of work on MIUI/HyperOS.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up the keyboard for iOS on Xiaomi, the following difficulties may arise:

• 🔄 Keyboard brakes → Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Animation. = Off.).
• 🔊 No keyboard sounds. → iKeyboard sounds are included in Settings → Sounds. → Systemic.
• 📱 Swipe input is not working → Check if Smooth input is enabled in the keyboard settings.
• 🔍 Emoji disappearing. → Install the iOS emoji package via Magisk (iOS Emoji Font module).

If notifications stop coming after installing the new keyboard (relevant to MIUI 14), check the permissions in Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Autostart and enable autostart for the keyboard.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions