The background of the keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is a small but important interface detail that can be both annoying and pleasing to the eye. The standard MIUI theme offers a limited selection of wallpaper, but few people know that they can be replaced with their own images, gradients or even animated backgrounds. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the background of the keyboard, from built-in tools to hidden functions and third-party applications.
It's important to understand that the customization options are different for the MIUI version and the device model. For example, the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14 has some options, and the POCO X5 Pro with MIUI 13 has other options, and we tested all the methods on the current 2026 firmware and weeded out outdated instructions that no longer work. If you want to change the background, but make the keyboard unique, read on.
1. Standard background change via MIUI settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in system tools, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14. The main condition is that you must have a standard Gboard (from Google) or MIUI Keyboard (branded from Xiaomi).
To change the background:
- Open any application where the keyboard appears (such as Messages or Notes).
- Touch the gear badge (⚙️) on the keyboard panel to open its settings.
- Select the Topic or Design item (the title may differ).
- Scroll down to the background section of the keyboard and tap it.
- You'll be offered standard options: gradients, texture wallpaper or monochromatic colors. Choose your favorite.
If your MIUI version doesn't have a Background keyboard, then the manufacturer has disabled this option for your model, so move on to the following ways.
2. Install custom wallpaper through Gboard
Gboard is a Google keyboard that offers more customization options than the standard MIUI Keyboard. If you don't have one installed, download it from Google Play.
- 📱 Open any text field to call the keyboard.
- 🔧 Click on the gear icon in the top menu of the keyboard.
- 🎨 Select Topics → My subjects. → Create your own theme.
- 🖼️ In the background section, click Add an image and select a photo from the gallery.
- ✨ Adjust the transparency and scale of the background, then save the theme.
Important: Gboard allows you to install only static wallpaper — you can't add animations or live backgrounds. Also note that too colorful images can interfere with typing. The best option is to use semitransparent textures or monochromatic pictures with a light pattern.
Select a picture with a resolution of at least 1080×1920 pixels |
Cut the background so that it does not distract from the buttons |
Reduce brightness or add blur for better readability |
Save your image in PNG format to support transparency
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3.Use of MIUI themes to change background
Xiaomi has a built-in theme system that allows you to change the design of not only the desktop wallpaper, but also some interface elements, including the keyboard.
- Go to Settings → Themes.
- Choose My Topics or Online Topics.
- Find a theme marked “Includes keyboard” (usually themes marked “Full” or “Premium”).
- Download and apply the theme. The background of the keyboard should change automatically.
If the background has not changed after applying the theme, then it does not support the keyboard customization, in this case only manual replacement through the keyboard settings (method 1 or 2) will help.
Why not all themes change the background of the keyboard?
4. Hidden function: background change through ADB (for advanced)
This method is suitable for those who are not afraid to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), it allows you to unlock hidden MIUI settings, including the ability to set a custom background for the keyboard.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with ADB-tools installed.
- 🔌 USB-smartphone-wire.
- ⚙️ Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times to tap) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell settings put secure sysui_theme_customization_enabled 1- Reset the device.
- Now in the theme settings (Settings → Themes → My themes) an additional section for keyboard customization can appear.
⚠️ Attention: This method does not work on all firmware. Some devices may disappear standard themes or have graphical glitches after completing a command. If this happens, reset themes to factory ones or follow the command:
adb shell settings put secure sysui_theme_customization_enabled 05 Third-party keyboards with support for custom backgrounds
If the built-in methods do not suit, you can install an alternative keyboard from Google Play.
| keyboard | Support for the custom background | Additional chips | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SwiftKey | ✅ Yes (images, gradients) | AI text prediction, synchronization between devices | Closed in 2026, but still working |
| Chroom | ✅ Yes (including animation) | Minimalist design, gestures | Paid themes |
| Fleksy | ✅ Yes (limitedly) | The size of the keys adjusts to the fingers | Less in Russian. |
| Go Keyboard | ✅ Yes (GIF, video-background) | The big sticker library | Lots of advertising in the free version |
To set the background in these keyboards:
- Download and install the app from Google Play.
- Activate the keyboard in settings (Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard).
- Open the keyboard settings and find the Themes or Background section.
- Upload your image or select from the ones offered.
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Check security reviews before installing a third-party keyboard. Some applications (like little-known keyboards in China) can collect typing data. Give preference to trusted developers: Microsoft (SwiftKey), Google (Gboard), Nuance (Fleksy).
6 Manual editing of system files (root only)
This is a method that is only suitable for users with root rights and experience with system files, and allows you to replace standard keyboard wallpaper with your own, but if you do not do it, it can lead to the collapse of system applications.
What needs to be done:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Follow the path:
/system/media/theme/default/wallpaper/- Find files with names like this keyboard_bg.jpg or miui_keyboard_background.png (names may differ).
- Create a backup copy of the original files.
- Replace them with your images with the same names and permissions.
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Keyboard system files are stored in /vendor/overlay/ Before editing, check the permissions to access the folders. MIUI Your changes may be reset.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When changing the background of the keyboard, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:
- 🔄 The background is reset after the reset. It's due to optimization. MIUI. Try to fix the theme in the settings or use a third-party keyboard.
- 🖼️ The image is stretched or cut. Check the aspect ratio. Optimum resolution — 1080×1920 pixels.
- ⚙️ There's no "keyboard background" in the settings. MIUI Use Gboard instead of the standard keyboard.
- 🛑 The keyboard stopped working after the changes. Reset its settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → keyboard → Warehouse → Clear the data).
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If none of these methods worked, check if the animation is disabled in the developer settings (Settings → Additional → Developer → Animation) and sometimes this blocks the application of new themes.