How to change the keyboard on the lock screen Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a security against unauthorized access, but also the first interface that the user interacts with, and if the standard MIUI keyboard does not suit you — whether it is an uncomfortable layout, no swipes or just a desire to try something new — it can be replaced. But here is the caveat: on the lock screen, changing the keyboard works differently than in conventional applications.

Many users face a problem when Gboard or SwiftKey is selected in the system settings, but when unlocking the phone with a password or a password. PIN-The code still appears standard keyboard MIUI. It's not a bug, it's a security feature: Android restricts the use of third-party keyboards on password-enabled screens, but you can get around it -- and we'll show you how to do it on different versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS).

Why is the lock screen having its own keyboard?

It's about Android security policy, which considers the unlock screen to be a critical element in preventing data from being leaked through third-party apps, so it's only the system keyboard by default, even if you've installed Gboard or SwiftKey as your primary keyboard.

On Xiaomi, this restriction is reinforced by the MIUI branded shell, for example, on Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 smartphones, when you try to change the keyboard on the lock screen through the standard settings, you will see a notification: "For security, the system keyboard is used," but this does not mean that nothing can be done.

There are three ways to get around the limitation:

• 🔧 Through security settings (works on the MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS)
• 📱 With help. ADB-Teams (for advanced users)
• 🔄 Installation of alternative firmware (risky, but gives full control)

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) After upgrading to HyperOS, the standard method may not work. ADB.

Method 1: Change the keyboard through MIUI settings (without root)

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12-14. Importantly, it does not require superuser rights, but it may not work on newer versions of HyperOS.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Go to the Screen Lock setting.
3. Enter the current password or PIN-code.
4. Find the "lock keyboard" item (on some models it is hidden - see spoiler below).
5. Select the keyboard from the list (such as Gboard or SwiftKey).
6. Save the changes and restart the device.

If the keyboard on the lock screen has not changed after these actions, then your version of MIUI is blocking this function, in which case move on to the next method.

Method 2: Using ADB to force keyboard changes

If the standard method does not work, you can use it. ADB-It's a more complicated way, but it works even on HyperOS and newer models like the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13.

Important: Before executing commands, make a backup copy of the data - incorrect actions can lead to a system failure.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. Change the keyboard: adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_input_method com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME (For Gboard; for SwiftKey, replace it with com.touchtype.swiftkey).
4. Reboot the phone.

If the keyboard hasn’t changed after the reboot, try the additional command:

adb shell settings put secure default_input_method com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI after-use ADB The security might work and you'd have to return the standard keyboard, and you'd have to repeat the procedure after each system update.

1. Reconnect the cable (it is better to use the original one).

2. Enable the "File Transfer" mode when connecting.

3. Update drivers ADB through SDK Platform Tools.-->

Method 3: Install custom firmware (for experienced users)

If you don't just need to change the keyboard, but you need to get full control of the system, you can install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and on such firmware, the MIUI restrictions don't apply, and you can use any keyboard even on the lock screen.

However, this method has serious disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
• 🔧 Risk of "bricking" the device in case of error.
• 📱 Some features of Xiaomi, for example, IR-Game Turbo or Blaster may stop working.

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery.
3. Sweep through custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 20).
4. After installation, select any keyboard in the settings.

💡

Custom firmware gives you maximum freedom, but deprives you of Xiaomi’s branded features and official updates.

Compatibility table with Xiaomi models

Not all methods work on all devices, and below is the compatibility table for popular models:

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful keyboard change, users are plagued with bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The keyboard is reset after the MIUI update.

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure with ADB.
• 📵 Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Problem 2: On the lock screen, the keyboard flashes or doesn't show up.

• 🔧 Reinstall the selected keyboard (e.g. Gboard).
• 📱 Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Keyboard name] → Clear the cache.

Problem 3: The swipe input on the lock screen is not working.

• 🔍 Check your keyboard settings: Some features (like gestures in Gboard) are disabled by default for the lock screen.
• 🔄 Try a different keyboard (e.g. SwiftKey instead of Gboard).

How to return the standard MIUI keyboard?

If the experiment failed or you want to go back to the original settings, do the following:

For method 1 (through settings):

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Set up a screen lock.
2. Select "MIUI Keyboard" (or "System Keyboard").
3. Save the changes.

For method 2 (via ADB):

adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_input_method com.miui.internal.inputmethod/.LatinIME

For method 3 (castom firmware):

• Return to the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.
• Or install the MIUI System Keyboard module in Magisk (if you have root).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions