Changing the standard input tool is one of the first tasks that an advanced user solves after buying a new smartphone. The standard shell of MIUI, and now HyperOS, often offers its own solutions that may not suit those who are used to a certain set of features or design. The replacement process is not always intuitive due to the peculiarities of the Xiaomi security menu, which raises many questions for beginners.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how to properly activate and install the default keyboard on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices. You will learn where hidden security settings hide, how to allow access to the clipboard, and why the system can block third-party applications. Understanding these nuances will save you time and nerves.
We will not only look at the standard way through settings, but also the methods of forced activation if automatic selection does not work, and also touch on the topic of battery optimization, which often interferes with the correct operation of alternative keyboards.
Why the system does not allow you to choose another keyboard at once
Users often find themselves in a situation where, after installing a new text input application, it does not appear in the list of available ones. This is not a bug, but a feature of the Android security system in conjunction with the MIUI shell. The operating system requires explicit confirmation from the user to prevent data theft by programs.
Xiaomi adds an additional layer of protection that requires manual switching on in a special menu.Without this step, even a fully installed app will be ignored by the system when trying to type text.This is done to protect against keyloggers that can intercept passwords and banking data.
In addition, an aggressive energy-saving system can "sleep" the background processes of a new keyboard, and if an application does not have the necessary permissions to auto-start, it may not activate at the right time, so it is important to complete the setup cycle, not just download it. APK-file.
⚠️ Note: When you install a keyboard from unknown sources, the system will issue a security risk warning. This is a standard Android reaction, and if you downloaded the app from the official Google Play store, the risk is minimal.
Understanding the logic of how security works will help you navigate the menu faster, because it doesn't stop you from changing, it just makes you consciously confirm every step, and this is especially true for models with the latest versions of HyperOS, where access control has become more stringent.
Preparation: installation and basic settings of the application
The first step is to download the desired application, and most often users choose Gboard, SwiftKey, or go back to the classic Mi Keyboard. After downloading, take your time trying to type, first you need to make the initial setup inside the application itself.
Run the installed program. It usually prompts you to turn on yourself as the input method. However, on Xiaomi, this is not enough. You need to go to the phone settings for deep activation. Make sure the application has access to the network if you plan to use cloud dictionaries or voice input.
☑️ Pre-activation check
It's important to check if the app is in the background, go to the battery settings and make sure your keyboard has "No restrictions" on it, which will prevent sudden shutdowns when you need to respond to a message.
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If you use a custom theme, some keyboard elements may not display correctly. Try switching to a standard theme temporarily to check the app.
Some users prefer to disable predictive input or autocorrection during the setup phase, which can be done immediately so that the new keyboard behaves predictably from the first seconds of use, and the flexibility of settings is the main advantage of third-party solutions.
Activate through the Xiaomi Security Menu
The most important stage that many people get stuck in is that unlike pure Android, you have to go through the security menu. Open the Safety app (green zipper icon) that is preinstalled on every Xiaomi device.
Inside the app, find a section that might be called "Licenses and Notifications," "Permissions," or "Permissions Management." The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. We need to find the item associated with the keyboard or type in.
- 🔍 Click on “Licenses and Notifications” (or “Notifications").
- 🔍 Find your new keyboard (like Gboard or SwiftKey) in the list).
- 🔍 Activate the switch next to the application name.
The system will issue a warning that a third-party keyboard may be accessing the input text, which is a necessary step. Press OK or Allow. Only then will the switch become active and the application receive system priority to work.
What if there is no "license" clause?
Once activated, the security menu recommends that you set up autostart immediately, find your keyboard in the app list and let it autorun, ensuring that it is ready to go right after the screen is turned on, without delay.
Selecting the default input method in settings
Now that you've got permission, you need to tell the system which keyboard to use all the time, go to the basic settings on your smartphone, find the "Additional settings" section, or search the settings.
You need Languages and Entering. Inside, select Keyboard Management or Current Keyboard. This will show you a list of all the types of input you can use.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Current keyboard | Active input method | Settings -> Languages and input |
| Virtual keyboard | List of installed annexes | Keyboard management |
| Physical keyboard | Settings of external devices | Settings of connected devices |
| Gboard settings | Preferences for a specific keyboard | Inside the Gboard app |
Once selected, the system can offer a short learning tour or request additional permissions, such as access to a microphone for voice dialing, agree to all the requests to make the functionality work fully, and now the input field will open the selected application.
If you use multiple languages, make sure they are activated in the new keyboard settings. Often when you change the input method, language packs are not automatically transferred and need to be added again to the application interface itself.
Solving switching and work problems
Sometimes, after all the settings, the keyboard does not appear or switches back to the system. This can be due to a conflict of Android versions or errors in the operation of MIUI. First of all, check whether the application is in "sleep mode".
Go to Settings -> Apps -> All Apps. Find your keyboard, click Battery and select No Limits. Also check Other Permits and make sure you allow display over other windows.
- 🛠 Restart the device after all settings.
- 🛠 Clear the keyboard app cache in the settings.
- 🛠 Remove and install the app again if the problem persists.
A common problem is the lack of vibration response. Xiaomi has a separate system service to handle this. If there is no vibration, check the sound and vibration settings in the main menu. Make sure the Vibration-touch slider is active.
⚠️ Warning: If the keyboard is constantly crashing or not typing, try turning off "Advanced Optimization" in the developer menu, although this is rare.
In rare cases, resetting keyboard settings to factory settings within the app itself helps, which will remove your personal vocabulary but returns a stable experience. For Gboard, this is done through three dots in the corner of the screen -> Settings -> Reset.
Optimization of work and additional functions
Once installed successfully, you should look for additional features that make typing faster. Many modern keyboards support swipes, cursor control, and clipboard. Customize these features to your typing style.
Note the design theme. Xiaomi standard themes may not fully support third-party keyboards. If you see artifacts or the wrong colors, try changing the theme to a standard one or downloading a specialized theme for your keyboard in the theme store.
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The keyboard’s 90% stability depends on the right power saving settings and permissions in Xiaomi’s security menu, not the app itself.
Regularly update the app through the store. Developers often release patches that fix compatibility with new versions of Android. Ignoring updates can lead to bugs in the future.
Use voice input whenever you like it, and setting up the microphone and speech recognition sensitivity can speed up long text sets, especially for drivers or when you're busy with your hands.