How to change the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi 7: 5 proven ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is still a popular budget smartphone, but the standard MIUI keyboard does not always suit users. Someone wants to install Gboard for easy voice input, someone needs SwiftKey with gesture support, and some are just tired of the bugs of the native keyboard. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to change the keyboard to Redmi 7 — from the basic installation through Settings to solving problems with the absence of the keyboard after the update.

It is important to understand that the process depends on the version. MIUI: on old firmware (up to) MIUI 12) the algorithm is different from the new one. We will take into account all the nuances, including the limitations of Google Play in some regions and the peculiarities of working with the new algorithm. APK-If you've tried changing the keyboard before and you've encountered a "keyboard doesn't respond" error, there's a solution section at the end of this article.

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Changing the Keyboard

Before you install a new keyboard, check out a few key points:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. On Redmi 7, it could be. MIUI 10–14 (depending on updates) The version will determine whether the Language and Input section is available in the settings.
• 🔄 System Updates: If the Keyboard is buggy, first update the software through Settings → The phone. → System update. Sometimes, the input bugs get patched.
• 📲 Access to Google Play: Many keyboards (such as Gboard or Microsoft SwiftKey) are installed through the store. APK-file.

On Xiaomi Redmi 7 with MIUI 10 and below, there may be no keyboard management section in the settings, in which case you will have to use alternative methods (see section 4).

Also note that some keyboards (like Fleksy or Chroom) require additional permissions to work with clipboard or voice input. If the keyboard doesn’t appear on the list of available ones after installation, check the permissions in Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2. Method 1: Install the keyboard via Google Play

The easiest method is to download the keyboard from the official store. Suitable for most Redmi 7 users with access to Google Play Services.

1. Open the Google Play Store and find the keyboard you want (like Gboard or SwiftKey).
2. Click “Install” and wait for the download to be completed.
3. After installation, go to Settings → Additional → Language and input → Current keyboard.
4. Turn on the switch next to the new keyboard and select it by default.

If the language and input section is missing, try an alternative path:

• 🔍 Open any field to enter text (for example, in Notes or Messages).
• 🔄 Swipe your finger across the space on the standard keyboard – a menu with a choice of keyboards will appear.
• 📌 Click on “Keyboard Settings” and activate the new one.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmwares may display a notification “Application not optimized” after you install the keyboard via Google Play. This is not a mistake — just click “Open Still».

3. Method 2: Install the keyboard through APK-file

If Google Play is not available (for example, due to regional restrictions or lack of Google services), you can install the keyboard via APK. This method is also suitable for installing modified versions of keyboards (for example, Gboard with a MIUI theme).

Instructions:

1. Download. APK-Keyboard file from a proven source (for example, APKMirror or the official website of the developer). For Redmi 7, versions for Android 9 Pie are suitable (since the smartphone originally ran on this OS).
2. Before installing, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings (cogs) → Install unknown applications Select the browser or file manager through which you will install APK and enable permission.
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the installer’s instructions.
4. After installation, activate the keyboard in Settings → Language and input (or through the input field as described in method 1).

Popular keyboards for installation via APK:

⚠️ Attention: Install APK Only from verified sources. on Xiaomi Redmi 7 MIUI 10–11 Virus Protection May Work – If the system has blocked the installation, temporarily disable Mi Security in the settings.

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If the keyboard doesn't appear on the list after installation, restart the smartphone. Sometimes MIUI doesn't update the list of available keyboards without restarting.

Method 3: Change the keyboard through MIUI settings (for older versions)

On Xiaomi Redmi 7 with MIUI 10–11, the language and input section can be hidden or have a different path. If standard methods don't work, try these steps:

1. Open Settings → System and Device → Additional → Language and Enter.
2. If there is no item, use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner) and enter “keyboard”.
3. In the section "Current keyboard" click "Keyboard management" and activate the desired one.

If this method didn’t work, try the alternative method through ADB (power users only):

Some Xiaomi firmware may require resetting keyboard settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a standard MIUI keyboard (usually called a “keyboard” or “Mi Keyboard”).
3. Click on “Storage” → “Clear Data”.

5. Method 4: Use of alternative launchers

If changing the keyboard through the settings doesn’t work, you can go a workaround by installing an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), some launchers allow you to flexibly manage system settings, including keyboards.

Instructions:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Make it the default launcher (at the first start the system will prompt you to do this).
3. Open the launcher settings and find the "System Settings" or "Advanced" section.
4. In some launchers there is an option “Keyboard management” – activate the desired one.

This method doesn’t always work, but it can help if standard methods are blocked by the manufacturer, and launchers often offer additional features to customize the interface, which can be useful on Redmi 7 with outdated firmware.

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Alternative launchers don't replace the keyboard completely, they only provide additional settings. The main keyboard still needs to be installed on the device.

6. Problem Solving: Keyboard doesn't change or disappears

If after all the manipulations the keyboard does not change or disappears when you enter, check these points:

• 🔄 Reboot: sometimes MIUI «forgets" keyboard settings after updating.a simple reboot can help.
• 📱 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find a new keyboard and click “Clear cache».
• 🔧 Resetting application settings: in Settings → Annexes → Settings (cogs) → Resetting the application settings, it'll bring back all the permissions to the factory, but it won't delete the data.
• 🚫 Conflict with MIUI Optimization: on some Xiaomi firmware, system optimization blocks third-party keyboards. To turn it off, you need: → For developers → Shut down. MIUI Optimization (if no option, turn on the developer mode as described in method 4).

If the keyboard disappears when you enter, but in the settings it appears as active, try:

1. Remove updates for the standard MIUI keyboard (in the application settings).
2. Install a different version of the keyboard (for example, try 11.x instead of Gboard 12.x).
3. Check if the keyboard is blocked by antivirus or Mi Security.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Redmi 7s MIUI 10 may occur a bug in which after changing the keyboard disappears notification panel. In this case, return the standard keyboard and update the firmware.

7. Top.-3 Keyboard for Xiaomi Redmi 7: comparison and recommendations

Not all keyboards work equally well on Redmi 7. We tested popular options and ranked:

For Redmi 7, we recommend Gboard as the most balanced option. If you care about privacy, look at AnySoftKeyboard or FlorisBoard (open source).

If you're bilingual, Gboard and SwiftKey have a quick switching feature -- just swipe across the space. On the standard MIUI keyboard, you have to tap the globe icon, which is less convenient.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the keyboard to Xiaomi Redmi 7