Changing the standard keyboard on the Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphone is one of the most effective ways to improve the user experience if the factory input option seems uncomfortable or not functional enough. The standard MIUI shell installed on this model often offers a basic set of features that may not meet the needs of an active user who is used to smart text predictions or unique design themes. The replacement process does not require root rights or deep knowledge in the field of programming, it is available to any device owner.
In this article, we will go through all the steps in detail, from choosing the right application to fully configuring a new input tool for yourself. Redmi 4, despite its age, continues to be a popular device, and the right interface configuration can significantly extend the comfort of its use.
Before you start installing, it's important to understand that changing your keyboard affects system input settings, so the Android operating system will require you to confirm your actions.This is a standard protection procedure that ensures that malware cannot intercept your passwords and personal data without your knowledge. We'll look at how to correctly circumvent these warnings and activate the new tool.
Selecting the optimal application for text input
The mobile app market offers dozens of virtual keyboard options, and it may take some time to choose the best solution for Xiaomi Redmi 4. Google’s Gboard has been the market leader for many years, which is characterized by high speed, excellent gesture support and built-in translator. For resource-limited devices like Redmi 4, optimizing memory consumption in Gboard plays a critical role.
The alternative is SwiftKey, which is famous for its powerful text prediction algorithm that learns from your communication style. If you type in multiple languages or use specific slang, this may be the preferred option, and you should also look at Typewise or TouchPal, which offer custom layouts and rich features of customization of appearance.
When choosing to consider not only the functionality, but also the frequency of updates to the application. Developers regularly close security vulnerabilities and add support for new versions of Android. For the old but reliable model of Redmi 4, it is important that the application does not overload RAM, so “heavy” keyboards with an abundance of animations are best avoided.
Instructions for installing a new application
The process of downloading and installing a new keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi 4 is as simple as possible and occurs through the official Google Play Market store. APK-files on third-party resources, which significantly reduces the risk of infection of the device with viruses".
Once the boot is complete, the system automatically integrates the application files, but the keyboard itself is not yet active. This is done for security: Android does not allow third-party applications to intercept default input without the direct permission of the user. You need to go to settings to activate the new tool.
☑️ Checklist of installation
It is important to note that in some regions or in some versions of the MIUI firmware, the Play Market store may require proof of payment method even for free applications. This is a normal situation associated with Google policy, and you do not need to enter card data to download free software - just click "skip".
Activation and configuration in the Android system
Once you install the app, you need to go to the system settings menu of your Redmi 4. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but it usually looks like this: Settings → Additional settings → Language and input. In some cases, the section may be called simply Language and enter the main settings menu.
In the menu that opens, look for Keyboard Management or Current Keyboard, and here you will see a list of all input tools installed on the device. Switch the slider opposite the name of your new app (such as Gboard) to the "On" position. The system will issue a warning that the third-party keyboard can access all input data.
⚠️ Warning of potential data collection is a standard Android security measure.If you downloaded the app from an official Google Play source, this risk is minimal.Ignoring this step will prevent you from activating the new keyboard.
Once you have confirmed the action, go back a step and select the default Keyboard. In the list that opens, select the name of the app you just activated. From now on, any time you call the input field, a new keyboard will appear on the screen.
| Parameter | Standard MIUI | Gboard | SwiftKey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support for topics | Limited. | Tall. | Very high. |
| Gesture input | Basic | Advanced. | Advanced. |
| buffer | No. | There (story) | There is. |
| RAM expense | Low. | Medium. | Medium/High |
Fine configuration of the interface and functionality
Modern keyboards offer extensive personalization capabilities that go far beyond simply changing the background picture. In the app’s settings menu (available through the gear icon on the keyboard panel), you can change the height of the keyboard, which is especially true for 5-inch screens on the Redmi 4.
Special attention should be paid to tactile recoil and sound settings. Many users forget to turn off the pressing sound, which can annoy others. In Preferences → Sound and vibration, you can fine-tune the duration of the vibration or completely turn off the soundtrack, leaving only a visual response.
Gboard's secret function
Remember to set autocorrects. If the keyboard is too aggressive in correcting your words to create new errors, you can lower your sensitivity, and vice versa, if you make mistakes often, you can increase the aggressiveness of autocorrection or turn on the "Complete sentences" feature, which will suggest whole phrases.
Typical Problems and Conflicts
Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 4 can face a situation where a new keyboard periodically disappears or does not appear when applications are launched. Often this is due to the aggressive MIUI energy saving system, which “kills” background processes to save battery power.
To do this, go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Applications, find your keyboard and select No Limits mode. It is also recommended to fix the application in memory if such a feature is available in your firmware version, or simply not clean it through the Memory Cleanup menu too often.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after installing the keyboard, check if the keyboard settings include a real-time permanent spell check or live wallpaper. On older Snapdragon processors, these features can create an overload.
Another common problem is desynchronizing the dictionary, so if the keyboard stops guessing your words, try clearing the cache in your Android app settings or resetting the dictionary in the keyboard settings, which will force the algorithm to relearn your current input habits.
Data security when using third-party keyboards
The security issue of using third-party input tools on Android is always acute. The keyboard theoretically has access to everything you type, including passwords and card numbers. However, modern operating systems have a mechanism for “safe input” that automatically disables third-party keyboards when entering sensitive data in banking applications.
However, when installing an application, always pay attention to the permissions requested. If a simple keyboard requires access to your contacts, geolocation or microphone without an obvious need for work (for example, for voice input), this is an alarm signal.
💡
Use only keyboards from well-known developers (Google, Microsoft, Samsung) and download them exclusively from the official Play Market Store to ensure the security of your personal data.
Update the keyboard app regularly. Developers are constantly closing security holes, and using an older version of the software can make the device vulnerable to exploits, even if the operating system itself is updated.