How to reduce the keyboard on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI and third-party keyboards

Why Xiaomi Keyboards Look Too Big and How to Fix It

Too large a keyboard on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a common problem, especially on devices with small screens (up to 6 inches) or when using simultaneous split screen mode. MIUI often sets an increased keyboard scale by default, which prevents fast typing and takes up to 50% of the display area. Fortunately, this can be fixed without root rights or complex manipulation.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to reduce the keyboard: from standard MIUI settings to fine-tuning third-party keyboards like Gboard or SwiftKey. Separately, we will focus on the nuances for different versions of firmware (MIUI 12-14) and smartphone models – from the budget Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

⚠️ If after the changes the keyboard became too small or uncomfortable, all settings can be returned to factory in 2 clicks - this will be discussed at the end of the article.

Method 1: Changing the scale of the keyboard in the MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 firmware and later, including the POCO F4, Redmi 12 or Xiaomi 12T models. The instructions are universal for the standard Mi Keyboard keyboard:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ Language and input.
  2. Slip on the current keyboard (usually Mi Keyboard or Gboard).
  3. Select the keyboard scale (in some versions – the size of the keyboard).
  4. Move the slider to the left to reduce the size, available values from 70% to 100%.

πŸ”Ή Nuance: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A) If you don't have one, try method 2 or 3.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check that the Mi Keyboard is active

Close all applications before setting up

Reboot your smartphone after the changes-->

⚠️ Warning: If the keyboard gets blurred after the keyboard is reduced, zoom back 85-90%. MIUI 13, which has been amended in MIUI 14.

Method 2: Adjust the keyboard height through a special menu

MIUI has a hidden menu that allows you to control the height of the keyboard more precisely, and this method works even if the scale slider is not in the basic settings.

  1. Open any application to enter text (such as Notes).
  2. Call the keyboard and hold the settings icon (cog) in the upper right corner with your finger.
  3. In the menu that appears, select Size and layout (or Additional settings).
  4. Activate the option Adjust the height and move the slider down.

πŸ“Œ Note: On POCO X3 Pro and Redmi. K50 This menu can be called the layout settings. If you don't have an option, your version. MIUI She doesn't support her.

Smartphone modelDoes the height adjustment supportMaximum reduction
Xiaomi 13/13 ProYes.65%
Redmi Note 11/12Yes.70%
POCO F4/F5Yes.75%
Redmi 9/9A/9CNo.β€”

Standard Mi Keyboard

Gboard (Google)

SwiftKey

Another.

I don't know.-->

Method 3: Reduce the keyboard in Gboard (Google Keyboard)

If you use Gboard instead of the standard Mi Keyboard, the setting algorithm will be different.

  1. Open Settings β†’ System β†’ Language and input β†’ Virtual keyboard.
  2. Select Gboard and go to Settings β†’ Themes and layout.
  3. Slip the keyboard height and select Low or Very Low.
  4. For fine tuning, activate the option to adjust the height manually.

πŸ”Ή Tip: In Gboard you can also disable the line with numbers (number row option), which will free up additional space on the screen.

πŸ’‘

If the emojis are missing after the keyboard is reduced, check the settings in Gboard β†’ Emoji – they may have been tied to a standard size.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO M4 Pro) Gboard may conflict with gestures MIUI. If the keyboard starts to twitch, turn off the gesture "swipe up for home" in the screen settings.

Method 4: Use one-handed mode (for small screens)

If you need to temporarily reduce the keyboard for ease of typing with one hand, use the built-in one-hand mode. It is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12+:

  1. Open the keyboard in any application.
  2. Swipe left or right on the icon of the handle (hand icon) in the top panel of the keyboard.
  3. The keyboard will shrink and shift to the left or right edge of the screen.
  4. To return the standard view, tap the arrow at the bottom.

πŸ“Œ Features:

  • πŸ”„ The mode works in both Mi Keyboard and Gboard.
  • πŸ“± On the Redmi. 10A and POCO C40 This mode may be turned off after the screen is blocked.
  • ⚑ V MIUI 14 added option Automated one hand mode when turning the phone.

How to turn on the default mode of one hand?
To ensure that the keyboard always opens in one hand mode, go to Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ One-handed Control and activate the Keyboard option in one hand mode. Note that this may conflict with some games (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

Method 5: Reduce keyboards via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not help, you can change the size of the keyboard through ADB-This is a method that is suitable for users who are willing to work with a computer!

You'll need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with ADB-tools installed.
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put secure keyboard_height 700 (where 700 β€” height in pixels; for Redmi Note 11 optimally 650–800).
  2. Reset the device.
  3. If the keyboard is too small, return the standard value: adb shell settings put secure keyboard_height 1000

⚠️ Note: This method may reset after the update MIUI. It also doesn’t work on some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU).

πŸ’‘

ADB-This method is the only way to reduce the keyboard by 50% or less, but it requires caution. β†’ My device. β†’ Backup.

Additional tips: how to make the keyboard even more convenient

In addition to resizing, you can optimize the keyboard in other ways:

  • 🎨 Dark theme: In Keyboard settings β†’ Select a dark background – this will reduce the load on the eyes and visually β€œlighten” the keyboard.
  • πŸ”Š Turning off sounds: C Settings β†’ Keyboard sounds deactivate the options Pressing Sound and Vibration.
  • ⚑ Quick phrases: In Gboard, add frequently used words to the Dictionary – this will speed up typing.
  • πŸ”„ Gestures: IN MIUI 14 there is an option to swipe up for entering numbers (included in the keyboard settings) β†’ Gestures).

πŸ“Œ For owners. POCO F5 Xiaomi 13T: These models have a hidden option called Adaptive Keyboard, which automatically adjusts the size to the app. To enable it, hold the icon 123 on the keyboard for 3 seconds.

What to do if the keyboard is not reduced

If none of these methods worked, check the following points:

  1. Clear the cache: Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ App management β†’ Keyboard and click Clear the cache.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X3 NFC) You may need to switch to the global firmware version through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region.

If the problem persists, try installing an alternative keyboard, such as:

  • SwiftKey (supports height adjustment up to 60%)
  • Fleksy (minimalist design with compact layout)
  • Chroom (optimized for larger screens)

FAQ: Frequent questions about keyboard reduction on Xiaomi

Can you reduce the keyboard on Xiaomi without root rights?
Yes, all the methods in this article work without root, except for deep customization through modified firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), but this is not necessary.
Why did the keyboard get big again after the MIUI update?
This is a well-known MIUI 13-14 bug, and after the update, some keyboard settings are reset, so you can reset the scale (Method 1 or 2) and restart the device.
How to return the standard size of the keyboard?
Open the keyboard settings and scale back to 100% (or select Restore by default). In Gboard, this is done in Settings β†’ Themes and layout β†’ Keyboard height β†’ Medium.
Can you reduce the keyboard only in certain applications?
Standard means, no. But Gboard has Adaptive Height (in experimental settings) that adjusts the size a little bit to the app.
Why isn’t my Redmi 8A scaling option available?
Smartphones based on MIUI 11 and older (e.g. Redmi 8A, Redmi 9) do not support height adjustment in the standard keyboard.Solution: install Gboard or other third-party keyboard.