How to increase the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all the ways from system settings to hidden chips MIUI

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 often face discomfort when typing due to too small a virtual keyboard. Especially relevant problem for users with large fingers or low vision. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer several ways to increase the size of the keyboard, from standard MIUI settings to install alternative layouts with flexible scale settings.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including little-known firmware features that allow you to resize keys without losing functionality and convenience. Importantly, some methods require administrator rights or install additional software, so check in advance for free space in the device memory (at least 500 MB is recommended).

1. Standard keyboard settings in MIUI

The easiest way to increase the keyboard is to use the built-in MIUI tools. The manufacturer has provided a basic scale setting for the standard Gboard keyboard (if it is installed by default).

1. Open any application where the keyboard appears (such as Messages or Notes).
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) on the keyboard panel to open the settings.
3. Go to Size and layout (or Keyboard Settings → Appearance in new MIUI versions).
4. Move the slider Keyboard Size to the right for enlargement.

If your MIUI version doesn’t have a slider, try an alternative path:

• 📱 Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Current keyboard (Gboard) → Appearance
• 🔍 In some firmware, the option is hidden under the item Size and transparency.
• ⚠️ If the slider is blocked, update Gboard via Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: In the firmware MIUI 12.5 and older, the keyboard size setting may not be available due to the interface unification policy.

2. Increase the keyboard through special features settings

If standard methods don't work, try scaling all interface elements, including the keyboard, through special features, which affects not only the layout, but also other elements of the system, so use it carefully:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Screen size.
2. Activate the option Large text or move the slider font size to the maximum.
3. Go back to any app with a keyboard and check for changes.

This method has a side effect: all system fonts will increase along with the keyboard, which can lead to incorrect display of some applications. To return the previous settings, reset the slider to a standard value.

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If the keyboard gets too big and goes beyond the screen after zooming in, try turning on Full-screen input in the Gboard settings, which will remove the frames and optimize the display.

3.Installation of alternative keyboards with size setting

If the built-in MIUI tools don't allow you to increase the keyboard to the desired size, the best solution is to install a third-party layout.

• 🔹 SwiftKey - supports adjusting keyboard height and key size manually. Available on Google Play.
• 🔹 Chroom – Minimalist keyboard with Resizable Keyboard (variable size).
• 🔹 Fleksy allows you to adjust not only the size, but also the distance between the keys.

Instructions for setting up SwiftKey:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Activate it in Settings → Language and input → Current keyboard.
3. Open SwiftKey, go to Size → Keyboard Height.
4. Choose Big or set up manually by moving the slider.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party keyboards, disable auto-update in Google Play if the new version removes the size resizing feature (current for SwiftKey after the 2023 update).

Download APK from the official website (if Play Market is not available) |

Check the permissions of the application (should not request SMS/contacts) |

Backup of current keyboard settings |

Disable battery optimization for new keyboard-->

4. Change the size of the keyboard via ADB (for power users)

If you're ready to work with an Android debugging bridge (ADB), you can manually change the system keyboard settings, which is suitable for MIUI 12/13, where standard settings are locked.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable to connect Redmi Note 8.
• ⚙️ Included Debugging by USB developer-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Execute the command to change the size of the keyboard (example to increase the size of the keyboard). 20%): adb shell settings put secure keyboard_height_scale 1.2 Where 1.2 — scale (1.0 = standard-size).
4. Reset the device.

To return the standard size, use the command:

adb shell settings put secure keyboard_height_scale 1.0

5.Use MIUI themes to change the look of the keyboard

Little-known life hack: Some MIUI themes from the official theme store (Themes) contain modified keyboards with enlarged keys to find a suitable theme:

1. Open the Themes app on your Redmi Note 8.
2. In the search box, enter a big keyboard or large keys.
3. Look at the available topics and apply the one you like.

Note that not all themes are compatible with the latest MIUI. If the keyboard hasn’t changed after applying the theme, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📥 Update Themes app via Google Play.
• 🛠️ Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes → Themes → Memory.

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MIUI themes are the only way to increase the keyboard without installing third-party apps and superuser rights, but the appearance of the keys can change radically (colors, fonts, animations).

6. Manual editing of system files (requires Root)

For users with superuser rights (Root), the most flexible method is editing the system files of the keyboard, which is risky and can lead to the failure of the device, so use it only if other options do not help.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with Root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /system/usr/keyboard/ or (for Gboard): /data/data/com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/app_latin/
3. Find the file. keyboard_layout.xml or config.xml Open it in the text editor.
4. Change keyHeight and keyWidth manually, for example: <key android:keyWidth="12%p" android:keyHeight="60dp"/> Increase your values by 10-15% of the standard ones.
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can cause bootloop (locking on the boot).Before changes, create a backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

7. Additional tips for easy typing

In addition to increasing the keyboard, you can optimize the typing process on the Redmi Note 8 in other ways:

• 🎯 One-hand mode: Enable in Settings → Additional settings → One-hand mode. The keyboard will move to the left or right corner.
• 🔊 Voice input: Use the microphone button on the keyboard to dictate text (requires an internet connection).
• ⚡ Gestures: In Gboard, activate swipe input (Settings) → Sliding input) for quick dialing without exact pressing.

If you often type in two languages, set up a quick layout switch:

1. Open the keyboard settings (Gboard or standard).
2. Go to the languages → Language management.
3. Activate the option to Show the switching button of languages.

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To reduce the number of typos, turn on Vibration when pressed in the keyboard settings. Tactile recoil will help control the force of the press.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the keyboard on the Redmi Note 8