How to change the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: from installation to fine tuning

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its standard keyboard MIUI Keyboard doesn’t always suit users: someone wants to get swipes to type, someone lacks emojis or thematic design, and some encounter bugs when typing in Russian and English at the same time. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to change the keyboard - from installing Gboard to solving problems with auto-replacement and lags.

It is important to understand that replacing the keyboard with the Redmi Note 8 does not require root rights or complex system manipulation. MIUI 14 some keyboards may conflict with the shell, and in older versions of firmware (up to) MIUI 12.5) had to manually clean the cache, and we tested all the current methods on firmware 2023-2026 and collected working solutions.

If you want not just to change the keyboard, but to optimize it for your needs – for example, customize gestures, add support for rare languages or remove advertising in the standard setting. MIUI Keyboard – here you will find step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 8 (model M1908C3JG/M1908C3JH).

Why users change the keyboard on the Redmi Note 8

Standard keyboard MIUI Keyboard has a number of restrictions that force Redmi Note 8 owners to look for alternatives:

• 🔍 No swipes (guest input) in older versions of firmware, even after upgrading to MIUI 14 functionality remains reduced compared to Gboard or SwiftKey.
• 🌐 Multitasking problems: When switching between languages quickly, the keyboard “hangs” or resets the layout.
• 🎨 Limited themes. Gboard can download hundreds of themes, and MIUI Keyboard is available only 5-7 options.
• 📱 Advertising and unnecessary tips: In some regions, banners with offers from Xiaomi are built into the keyboard.
• ⚡ Lags when printing, especially in instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) after prolonged use.

According to a survey of Redmi Note 8 users (2023), 68 percent of respondents switched to third-party keyboards because of swipes, and 22 percent because of auto-replacement bugs, and only 10 percent stayed on the standard keyboard, and that was because they were unaware of the alternatives.

If you are one of the majority who want to change the keyboard, the following section will help you choose the best option for your tasks.

Which keyboard is better to install on the Redmi Note 8

The keyboard choice depends on your priorities: speed of printing, design, language support, or extra features like translator, and we tested the top-end versions on the Redmi Note 8 and compiled a comparison table.

Important for the Redmi Note 8: AI-powered keyboards (like SwiftKey) can consume up to 10% extra battery when used actively due to background analytics. If autonomy is critical for you, choose Gboard in lightweight mode (turn off text prediction in settings).

For most users, Gboard remains the best choice thanks to:

• 🔄 Seamless integration with Google services (search, translator, Google Lens).
• 🎯 Prediction of words in Russian and English.
• 🛠️ Regular updates (as opposed to regular updates) MIUI Keyboard, which is updated only with the release of a new firmware).

If you want maximum customization, look for Fleksy, which can even adjust the vibrations you press and the color of the keylights. And for those who often type in multiple languages, SwiftKey with its smart layout switch is fine.

Step-by-step: how to install a new keyboard

The process of installing a third-party keyboard on the Redmi Note 8 takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are a few critical points that are often missed:

1. Download the keyboard from an official source, Google Play Market or developer site. APK from third-party resources (virus risk!).
2. Activate the keyboard in the settings – just installing it is not enough.
3. Set up the rights, otherwise the keyboard will not show up in the apps.

Let’s take a look at the Gboard example:

Now, let me tell you something.

1. Download: Open Google Play Market, search for Gboard and click "Install." If you don't have access to the Play Market (e.g., on Chinese firmware), download APK from the official Google Apps website.
2. Activation: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Virtual keyboard. Tap on Gboard and switch on. If the keyboard isn't listed, click "Reset keyboard settings" (this is safe!).
3. Default setting: Return to the Virtual Keyboard menu, click on Default Keyboard and select Gboard. The system will prompt you to confirm the selection - agree.

After that, when you open any field for input (for example, in WhatsApp or browser), a new keyboard will appear. If it does not appear, restart the phone - this resets the cache of the system.

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If after installation the keyboard brakes, close all background applications and clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Gboard → Memory. → Clear the cache.

How to set up the keyboard for yourself: swipes, themes, gestures

Installing a keyboard is only half the battle, and to make it work as efficiently as possible, you have to customize it to suit your habits.

1. Enabling swipes (guest input)

Swipes allow you to type without taking your finger off the screen, which speeds up typing by 30 to 40 percent, to activate:

1. Open any field to enter (such as notes).
2. Put the badge on. ⚙️ (gear on the keyboard → «Settings».
3. Select “Glide typing” and switch on the switch.
4. Take a short training (the system will offer to practice).

If swipes are running curves (for example, skipping letters), check:

• 🔄 Sensitivity in swipe settings (set on “Mediocre” or “High»).
• 📱 Screen Cleanliness – dirt or film may interfere with gesture recognition.

2. Customization of themes and appearance

You can change Gboard:

• 🎨 Color scheme (dark/light/transparent).
• 🖼️ Background image (you can upload your photo).
• 🔤 The size and shape of the keys (useful for thumbs).

For this:

1. Press the comma (,) on the keyboard → Choose "Settings».
2. Go to the “Subjects” and choose your favorite option.
3. In the section "Keyboard settings" adjust the height of the lines and indentations.

Additional functions

Useful tips that many do not know:

• 🔍 Quick Google Search: Press the space button and swipe left – the search bar will open.
• 📝 Literally input: Hold the microphone icon → Select “Manual Entering” (convenient for rare characters).
• 🌐 Instant translation: highlight the word → Tap "Translate" (works offline for popular languages).

SwiftKey and Fleksy have similar settings, but may differ by menu items, such as SwiftKey, where swipes are included under the "Master of Printing" section.

Solving problems after changing the keyboard

Even after being installed correctly, new keyboards can malfunction.-5 Problems with the Redmi Note 8 and the way in which they are addressed:

The most common problem is that the keyboard disappears in specific applications (for example, in the case of a computer). VK This is because some applications block third-party keyboards for security reasons:

1. Open the problem app.
2. Slip it on the input field. → In the notification line will appear the icon of the keyboard.
3. Click on it and select the desired keyboard manually.

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After the update MIUI Keyboard stopped working, reset its settings: Settings → System system → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → Resetting settings.

Another hidden bug: on firmware MIUI 12.5-13, when using Gboard, sometimes a string of word sentences is lost:

1. Open the Gboard settings.
2. Go to "Text input» → «Show the line of sentences».
3. Turn on the switch and restart the keyboard (close and open it again).

How to Get Back a Standard MIUI Keyboard

If the third-party keyboard fails to meet expectations or starts to conflict with the system, you can always return to the standard keyboard. MIUI Keyboard, for that:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Tap it on. MIUI Keyboard (it may be called the Xiaomi Keyboard»).
3. Turn on the switch if it's off.
4. Click on “Default Keyboard” and select MIUI Keyboard.

If the standard keyboard disappeared from the list (this happens after resetting), do:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points (menu) → Show system → Find “MIUI Keyboard” → Click “Enable”

Note: on some firmware (e.g. global firmware) MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 8) the standard keyboard may be called com.miui.miuikeyboard. If you don't find it on the list, search by settings.

After returning to MIUI Keyboard recommends that you:

• 🔄 Update it via the App Store (if available).
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → MIUI Keyboard → Memory.
• 📲 Check firmware updates - in new versions MIUI The keyboard is more stable.

Tips for optimizing the keyboard to save battery

The side of the keyboard, especially with text prediction, can increase battery consumption by 5 to 15 percent. On the Redmi Note 8 with its 4,000 mAh battery, this is noticeable when you use it actively. Here's how to reduce consumption:

• ⚡ Turn off text prediction in keyboard settings (saves up to 3% charge per day).
• 🌙 Use a dark theme -- on AMOLED-This reduces the power consumption on the screen.
• 🔄 Limit background keyboard activity in Settings → Annexes → Gboard → Battery → Background activity → Limit.
• 📵 Turn off vibration when pressed (in keyboard settings) → «Sound and vibration»).

If you are using SwiftKey, further disable:

• 📊 «Analysis of printing style" (in settings) → «Accounting and personalization»).
• 🌍 «Cloud synchronization (unless you need to synchronize the dictionary between devices).

Test on Redmi Note 8: when you turn off all “energy-intensive” functions in Gboard (prediction, cloud synchronization, vibration), battery consumption decreased from 12% to 4% in 8 hours of active use (printing in messengers, browser).

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To quickly switch between keyboards, press the globe icon (language switch) and select the one you want in the list.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions