How to increase the keyboard on Xiaomi phone: a detailed guide

The small keyboard on the screen of Xiaomi’s smartphone is a common cause of typing discomfort. The problem is especially acute on devices with large diagonals (6.5” and above), where fingers are constantly swiping on the keys. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to scale the keyboard, and third-party applications offer even more customization options.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of increasing the keyboard on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO – from standard MIUI settings to hidden functions and alternative layouts. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of firmware (MIUI 12/13/14) and popular models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13T).

1. Increase Xiaomi system keyboard through MIUI settings

The standard MIUI keyboard (aka Xiaomi Keyboard) has built-in sizing tools, which works on all devices with MIUI 12 firmware and later, including the Redmi 10, POCO X5 and flagship models, with the main advantage of not having to install additional applications.

To re-scale:

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Messages or Notes).
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) on the keyboard to open its settings.
3. Go to Size and layout (or Display settings in English).
4. Move the slider Keyboard Size to the right for enlargement.

In some versions of MIUI (e.g., Xiaomi 12S Ultra), this option may be called Keyboard height. If there is no slider, try an alternative path: Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Current keyboard (MIUI) → Size.

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If after changing the size of the keyboard became too high and closes the input field, go back to the settings and reduce the height of the line (Line height) – this will reduce the distance between the rows of buttons.

2. Gesture customization and zoom in MIUI 14

In MIUI 14, and partly in MIUI 13, a dynamic keyboard zoom feature has been introduced, which automatically adjusts the button size to the position of the fingers.

1. Press the key space on the keyboard.
2. Without letting go, pull up or down – the keyboard will stretch in real time.
3. Release your finger when you reach a comfortable size.

This method only works with the Xiaomi system keyboard and may conflict with some design themes. If the gesture doesn't work, check:

• 🔹 Is the keyboard gesture option enabled in the settings (keyboard settings) → Additionally).
• 🔹 Is there a third-party theme from the Mi Theme Store that blocks scaling.
• 🔹 Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in) MIUI 12 This gesture is missing).

3. Enlarge the keyboard via Gboard (Google Keyboard)

If Xiaomi’s system keyboard doesn’t suit you, the best alternative is Google’s Gboard, which offers flexible size settings and supports one-handed modes, which is especially handy for larger smartphones like the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install Gboard from Google Play.
2. Activate it in settings: Settings → System → Language and input → Current keyboard.
3. Open any text field, tap the G icon on the keyboard and select Settings.
4. Go to Themes and layout → Keyboard size and move the slider.

Gboard also has access to:

• 🔹 One-hand mode (included by long-holding icon) ↗️ near-space).
• 🔹 Floating keyboard – you can move around the screen and change its size with two fingers.
• 🔹 Altitude setting – a separate parameter for changing the vertical size.

4. Hidden MIUI functions for keyboard customization

There are some little-known parameters in Xiaomi's firmware that allow you to fine-tune the keyboard, such as changing transparency, key spacing, or even the sound of pressing, which are hidden in the developer menu or in the MIUI lab.

To access the advanced settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional settings → For developers.
3. Find the Minimum Keyboard Width (or Minimum Keyboard Width) and increase the value.

Other useful options:

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Changing settings in developer mode can cause keyboard failures. Before experimenting, back up the settings in Settings → Additional → Backup.

5 Problems and Solutions: Why the Keyboard Doesn't Increase

Sometimes users find that the keyboard size settings are not saved or applied. Let's consider the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Keyboard reset to standard size, check if the permissions for the Xiaomi Keyboard app have lost in Settings → Annexes → Permit management.

Frequent errors and fixes:

• 🔸 Size slider inactive → Remove the keyboard cache in Settings → Annexes → Xiaomi Keyboard → Warehouse.
• 🔸 The keyboard is cut from the bottom. → Turn off Full-screen mode for the app where you type text.
• 🔸 Settings are reset after rebooting → Update the firmware or reset the keyboard settings to standard.

On some models (such as the POCO F4 or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the issue is related to the design conflict.

1. Switch to the standard MIUI theme.
2. Turn off animations in Settings → Special Options → Delete animations.

Check the version. MIUI|Update the keyboard in Google Play|Reset the application settings|Try another keyboard (Gboard)-->

6. Alternative methods: third-party keyboards and accessories

If built-in methods do not give the desired result, consider third-party solutions:

Top.-3 keyboard with flexible size setting:

1. SwiftKey supports height and width changes, as well as themes with large buttons.
2. Fleksy is a minimalist keyboard with adjustable scale and gestures.
3. Chroom – keyboard with a customizable key layout (suitable for left-handers).

For users who print a lot, it is worth considering physical accessories:

• 🔹 Wireless keyboards (e.g. Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard) – Bluetooth connectivity and ideal for tablets or DeX.
• 🔹 Styluses with keyboard – some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro) support handwriting with conversion to text.

If you type frequently on the go, pay attention to voice input mode (available in Gboard and Gboard). MIUI Keyboard. It's activated by clicking on the icon. 🎤 It allows you to dictate text instead of typing.

7. Keyboard optimization for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi devices have unique keyboard customization features, such as:

For Xiaomi 13/13 Pro (MIUI 14):

• 🔹 Supports an adaptive layout that automatically adjusts to the application (for example, in messengers, the buttons are larger).
• 🔹 In the settings of the keyboard appeared section AI-prediction that affects the size of the clues.

For the Redmi Note 12 Series:

• 🔹 Due to the high refresh rate of the screen (120 Hz), there may be lag when zooming - solution: disable Adaptive frequency in the display settings.
• 🔹 These models have a "Big Text" mode, which increases not only the keyboard, but also fonts in all applications (Settings). → Special facilities → Type size).

For the POCO F5/F4 GT:

• 🔹 Supports keyboard separation for easy dialing with both hands (included in Gboard settings).

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On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Too bright a keyboard can be annoying in the dark. To reduce the brightness, go to the keyboard settings. → Topics → Setting the color and selecting a dark theme.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the keyboard on Xiaomi