How to Remove the Search Button from Xiaomi Keyboard: The Complete Guide

The search button on Xiaomi’s keyboard is one of the most annoying features for users who appreciate the cleanliness of the interface and the speed of typing. This button not only takes up precious space on the screen, but often works accidentally, interrupting the entry of messages or search queries. Depending on the version of MIUI and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the ways to remove it can vary from standard settings to using third-party applications.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the working methods, including hidden MIUI settings, system file editing (without root), and alternative keyboards where you can permanently disable the search button. We’ll focus on the nuances for different firmware versions, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14 (including HyperOS). If you’re tired of an unnecessary element on your keyboard, the following instructions will help you get rid of it once and for all.

Why the Search Button Appears on Xiaomi Keyboard

The search button is built into Xiaomi’s default keyboard (com.miui.miuibasicinput) and is used to quickly access Google or Baidu search engines (in Chinese firmware).

• 📱 Version. MIUI: In the firmware MIUI 12.5 and newer button can be displayed even after resetting, as it is rigidly spelled out in system files.
• 🌍 Regional settings: On devices with global firmware (Global) ROM) The button leads to Google, and the Chinese to Baidu or Xiaomi Search.
• 🔄 Keyboard updates: After updates via Google Play or MIUI App Store button can return if you do not block it at the system level.
• 🛠️ Manufacturer Customization: Xiaomi is actively integrating its services, and the search button is part of this ecosystem (similar to Samsung and Bixby).

It's important to understand that the button is not a virus or a bug, it's a conscious decision of the developers, but it can be removed, and then we'll show you how to do it as safely as possible.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI keyboard settings

The easiest method is to use built-in keyboard options, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but may not be available on some models (e.g., POCO F5 with HyperOS).

1. Open any field to enter text (such as Messages or Notes).
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) on the keyboard to open its settings.
3. Go to the Additional Settings (or Advanced Features) section.
4. Find the option to Show the Search button (or Search Key) and turn off the slider.
5. Reboot the keyboard: Close all applications and open the input field again.

If there is no such item, then your version of MIUI does not support this solution, in which case move on to the next method.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make a backup of the data (keyboard settings)

Make sure your phone has enough charge (minimum 30%)

Close all background applications-->

Method 2: Use of third-party keyboards (Gboard, SwiftKey)

If the standard settings don't work, the most reliable option is to install an alternative keyboard.

• ⌨️ Gboard (Google): No default search button, supports gestures and dark themes.
• 🔠 SwiftKey (Microsoft): Flexible layout configuration, no advertising.
• 📱 Fleksy: Minimalist design, optimized for fast dialing.

Instructions for replacement:

1. Download the keyboard from Google Play (such as Gboard).
2. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
3. Activate the downloaded keyboard and set it by default.
4. In the new keyboard settings, disable all search-related options (if any).

Important: Once you install the third-party keyboard, the standard MIUI keyboard will remain in the system, but will not be used. To remove it completely, root rights will be required.

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If after changing the keyboard, some applications (such as Mi Home) continue to open the standard, clear their cache in Settings → Applications.

Method 3: Editing system files (without root)

For advanced users, there is a method to disable the search button through editing MIUI configuration files. This method does not require root, but involves the use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Warning: Incorrect actions may cause keyboard failures. make a backup of the data before starting.

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command to ADB: adb shell settings put secure miui_keyboard_search_key_enabled 0
3. Reset the device.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am broadcast -a com.miui.miuibasicinput.DISABLE_SEARCH_KEY

Method 4: Disconnect via MiXplorer (for power users)

If you have a file manager with access to system folders (such as MiXplorer), you can manually edit the keyboard configuration, which is suitable for devices on MIUI 13/14.

1. Download MiXplorer and give it permission to access the root directory (if there is root, use it).
2. Cross the path: /data/data/com.miui.miuibasicinput/shared_prefs/
3. Find the file. miui_keyboard_settings.xml Open it in the text editor.
4. Add or change the line: <boolean name="search_key_enabled" value="false" />
5. Save the file, reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to the collapse of the keyboard. If after the changes it stopped working, clear the application data in Settings → Annexes → keyboard MIUI.

Method 5: Reset keyboard settings to factory

If the search button appears after updating or changing the themes, sometimes resetting the keyboard helps, which will not remove the button forever, but will return it to its original state (it may disappear).

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI (or Basic Input) keyboard.
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
4. Reset the device.

Once reset, the keyboard will go back to factory settings, so if the search button was disabled initially, it will disappear, otherwise try the other ways in this article.

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Resetting keyboard settings is the safest method, but it is temporary. Use ADB or third-party keyboards to permanently remove the search button.

Comparison of methods: what way to choose

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

For most users, the best solution is to install Gboard or SwiftKey. If you're ready to experiment, try it. ADB-System file editing is recommended only for those who are confident in their actions.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you try to remove the search button, users often face typical problems, and here's how to prevent them:

• 🔄 The button returns after the update: Turn off the automatic keyboard update in Google Play or use ADB, to lock it down forever.
• ⚙️ No Settings: Clear the keyboard cache in Settings → Apps and repeat steps.
• 📱 Keyboard stopped working: If it crashes after editing files, reinstall it via Settings → Annexes → Remove updates.
• 🔒 ADB Does not recognize the device: Install the latest Xiaomi drivers and enable Debugging by USB mode PTP (not MTP).

⚠️ Note: Some HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14) may not work as standard methods due to a modified system architecture, in which case the only reliable option is a third-party keyboard.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions