How to install a keyboard on Xiaomi: from selection to settings

Installation of a new keyboard on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO — A problem that virtually every user faces. MIUI Fortunately, Xiaomi devices can install third-party keyboards without root rights and complex manipulations, using both official methods from Google Play and alternative methods for models without Google services.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods: from the basic installation through the app store to manual download. APK-Files for devices with Global ROM, China ROM We will focus on setting up access rights, solving common errors (for example, when the keyboard does not appear in the list of available ones), and optimizing work with popular applications such as Gboard, SwiftKey or Fleksy.

Why You Might Need a New Keyboard on Xiaomi

Standard keyboard MIUI (Xiaomi Keyboard has a number of limitations that force users to look for alternatives:

• 🔍 Lack of support for some languages, such as rare dialects or specialised layouts (such as Coyne or Esperanto).
• 🎨 Limited design themes – built-in skins quickly get bored, and customization requires root rights.
• ⚡ Slow-modeling on budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) because of the optimization for flagships.
• 🔒 Data collection - keyboard MIUI Sends input statistics to Xiaomi Cloud, which worries users who value privacy.

Keyboard side solves these problems: Gboard offers built-in translator and search GIF, SwiftKey is adaptive input and cloud sync, and AnySoftKeyboard is rare language support:

⚠️ Note: Some keyboards (e.g. Microsoft SwiftKey) require access to Special Features Services, which may conflict with security policies. MIUI on devices with China ROM.

If you use a smartphone with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard keyboard is a custom-made one. MIUI may be absent at all - in this case, the installation of a third party becomes mandatory.

Preparing the smartphone for the installation of a new keyboard

Before installing, check a few key points to avoid errors:

1. Version. MIUI — Globally ROM and EEA ROM Google Play is available in China ROM It is not (manual installation is required). APK).
2. Free space – keyboards like Gboard take up space ~50–100 MB, and language packs up to 200 MB.
3. Permits - in MIUI 14+ There is a restriction on installation APK from unknown sources (configure in Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).

For devices without Google Play (such as Xiaomi for the Chinese market), you will need:

• 📱 Install an alternative store (APKMirror, Aurora Store).
• 🔗 Download APK Keyboards from an official website (for example, SwiftKey or Gboard).
• 🛠️ Enable debugging on USB (If you plan to install through ADB).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with China ROM Google Play keyboards may not work without Google Mobile Services installation (GMS) Through tools like Xiaomi.eu.

If you use POCO Launcher or Third-Party Launcher, after installing the keyboard, you may need to reboot the device to display correctly in the list of available input methods.

How to install the keyboard on Xiaomi

The choice of method depends on the model of the smartphone, version MIUI And the availability of Google services. Let's look at all the options that are relevant.

1. Installation via Google Play (for the Global/EEA ROM)

The easiest way is to download the keyboard from the official store:

1. Open Google Play and find an app (like Gboard or SwiftKey).
2. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
3. After installation, go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
4. Turn on the switch next to the new keyboard and select it by default.

If the keyboard does not appear in the list:

Reboot your smartphone

Update the keyboard app in Google Play

Check the permissions in Settings → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Permits

Clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Memory. → Clear the cache)-->

Manual installation APK (China ROM or without Google Play)

If your device does not have Google Play, download it. APK-a keyboard file from a verified source (e.g., APKMirror) and:

1. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications (select browser or file manager).
2. Open the downloaded APK and confirm the installation.
3. After installation, go to Settings → Language and input → Manage keyboards and activate a new one.

For devices with China ROM Additional adjustments may be required:

adb shell settings put secure default_input_method com.example.keyboard/.LatinIME

(Replace com.example.keyboard with a real keyboard package, such as com.google.android.inputmethod.latin for Gboard).

Installation via ADB (for power users)

If the keyboard refuses to be installed by standard methods, use ADB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable debugging USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
2. Download. ADB Tools and execute the command: adb install path to file.apk
3. After installation, activate the keyboard in the settings MIUI.

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On devices with China ROM Google Mobile Services must be installed before installing Gboard or SwiftKey (GMS) Using tools like Xiaomi.eu or Magisk module.

Setting up the keyboard after installation

Installing the keyboard is half the job, and it's going to be:

1. Activation in the settings MIUI

After installation:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
2. Turn on the switch next to the new keyboard.
3. Click on it and select Use by default.

If the keyboard is not listed:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🗑️ Clear the app's cache Settings → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Reset the keyboard.

Configuring languages and layouts

For the addition of languages:

1. Open the keyboard app (such as Gboard).
2. Go to Settings. → Languages and select the right ones.
3. For rare languages (for example, Ukrainian (MF layout)) you may need to download an additional package.

SwiftKey supports up to 5 languages simultaneously with adaptive input, and Gboard supports unlimited number of languages with manual switching.

3. Personalization of appearance

Most keyboards allow you to change:

• 🎨 Topic (in Gboard: Settings) → Topics).
• 🔠 Size and shape of keys (e.g., round or rectangular).
• 🌓 Color scheme (dark/light theme, accent colors).

Xiaomi Keyboard has fewer options available – only 3 built-in themes and the ability to download your own through the app. MIUI Themes (requires a Xiaomi account).

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In Gboard, you can enable a one-handed swipe mode on the “cog” icon on the keyboard – this will reduce its size and move it to the left or right corner for convenience on large screens (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

Solving typical keyboard issues on Xiaomi

Even after installation is correct, errors can occur, and we will examine the most common and ways to fix them.

1.The keyboard does not appear in the list of available

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Application not activated – check in Settings → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Permits.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI — Some of the scalings need to be turned off. MIUI Optimization through ADB: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1
• 🗑️ Cache conflict – clear the application data Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Keyboard name] → Memory. → Clear all data.

2. the keyboard is constantly reset to the standard

This problem is characteristic of MIUI 12-14 Decisions:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔧 Turn off the Adaptive Keyboard in the settings MIUI (Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Adaptive keyboard).
• 📌 Set the keyboard as default manually through Settings → Language and input → Current keyboard.

3.Gestural or voice input is not working

For Gboard and SwiftKey:

• 🎤 Check the permission to access the microphone in the application settings.
• 👆 Enable Gesture in the keyboard settings (e.g. in Gboard: Settings) → Gesture input).
• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with China ROM Voice input in Gboard may not work due to the lack of Google App. The solution is to install Google Assistant via APKMirror.

4.The keyboard brakes or hangs

Causes and fixes:

• 🗃️ Lack of memory – clear cache or remove unnecessary language packs.
• 🔄 Skin conflict – disable animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times → Additionally. → Windows animation (select the windows) 0.5x).
• 🛠️ Firmware error - update MIUI Up to the latest version or reinstall the keyboard.

Best Keyboards for Xiaomi in 2026

The choice of keyboard depends on your tasks: for speed dialing, privacy or customization.-5 pros and cons.

For devices with low RAM (for example, Redmi) 8A or POCO C31) AnySoftKeyboard or Simple Keyboard are recommended, they take less than 20 MB and do not load the system. (Xiaomi 14, POCO F5) Gboard or SwiftKey with full functionality.

If privacy is important to you, look for FlorisBoard (open-source) or OpenBoard – they do not send data to servers and support input encryption.

Security: How to protect data when using keyboards

Any keyboard has access to everything you type, from passwords to bank details, to minimize the risks of:

1. Privacy settings

For Gboard and SwiftKey:

• 🔒 Turn off Personalized offers in keyboard settings.
• 🚫 Disable Contacts and Locations in Settings → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Permits.
• 🗑️ Clean your input history regularly (in Gboard: Settings) → Dictionary → Clear history).

2. Alternatives for paranoids

If you are critically concerned about safety:

• 🔐 Use FlorisBoard or OpenBoard – open keyboards without data collection.
• 🛡️ Install Shelter or Island to isolate the keyboard in a separate profile (requires Magisk).
• 🔑 Use the Virtual Keyboard from Bitwarden or Keepass2Android.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with China ROM keyboard MIUI By default, sends data to Xiaomi Cloud. To disable this, go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Cloud → Synchronization → Keyboard and deactivate the option.

If you use a corporate smartphone, the administrator may restrict the installation of third-party keyboards through Android Enterprise or MIUI Enterprise Mode. This will require permission. IT-division.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing a keyboard on Xiaomi