How to increase the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi: from system settings to hidden MIUI chips

The small keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi makes it difficult to type quickly, often leads to errors and causes discomfort — especially for users with large fingers or vision problems. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer several ways to scale a virtual keyboard without resorting to root or complex manipulation. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO and other devices on MIUI 14/15, including hidden settings and workarounds for older versions of the firmware.

It's important to understand that the size of the keyboard depends not only on the physical screen, but also on pixel density (DPI), system-scale fonts, and even the design theme chosen. We tested each method on real devices, from basic settings to installing alternative keyboards with flexible size settings. If you're looking for a solution for your model, check out the compatibility table at the end of the article.

1. Enlarge keyboard through MIUI system settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most Redmi models and do not require additional applications.

1. Open Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Current keyboard.
2. Put the badge on. ⚙️ Next to an active keyboard (usually Gboard or Xiaomi Keyboard).
3. Select Size and layout or layout settings (the name may vary depending on the MIUI version).
4. Move the slider Keyboard Height to the right for zooming.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware (especially on the POCO M3/M4) If you don't have one, try changing the system keyboard to Gboard (instruction below).

You can also use this menu:

• 🔄 Change the transparency of the keyboard (useful for improving visibility on bright backgrounds).
• 🎨 Customize the color scheme – dark themes visually increase the perception of button size.
• 📱 Enable Floating Mode – the keyboard will become more compact, but it can be moved around the screen.

Scaling the entire interface (including the keyboard)

If the keyboard system settings don’t work, you can increase the overall display scale in MIUI, which will affect all interface elements, including the keyboard, but may make some applications less user-friendly.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Text size and display.
2. Select the display size and move the slider to the right (for example, to Large or Very Large).
3. Go back and click the font size – here too, you can increase the value for better readability.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the display size will reset some apps (like Instagram or TikTok) to a standard view, and to get back to scale, you will have to manually configure each service.

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If after zooming out some apps don’t show up correctly, try clearing their cache in Settings → Apps → App Management.

3. Installation of an alternative keyboard with a customizable size

The standard MIUI keyboard is limited in settings, so many users are switching to third-party solutions.The best options for Redmi are:

• 🔹 Gboard (Google) – supports manual height adjustment, themes, and even gestures.
• 🔹 SwiftKey (Microsoft) – flexible scaling and text prediction.
• 🔹 Chroom (for single key input) – a non-standard approach, but convenient for the thumb.

How to install and configure Gboard:

Download Gboard from Google Play|

Activate keyboard in Settings → Language and input → Current keyboard |

Open the Gboard settings (image) ⚙️ input-line)|

Go to Topics → Keyboard size and choose High or Very High |

Enable the option with one hand for side displacement (useful on large screens)

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Important: Gboard has a hidden feature called Advanced layout settings — to activate it, hold your finger to the sentence string (above the keyboard) and select the layout settings → Custom size. This allows you to set the exact height in pixels.

4. Change the screen density (DPI) without root rights

For experienced users ready for experimentation, there is a way to globally increase all interface elements, including the keyboard – changing the screen density (DPI).

Instructions via ADB:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell wm density 400 (400 can be replaced with 380 or 420 for fine tuning).
4. Reset the device.

To return the standard settings, use the command:

adb shell wm density reset

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) can block work on non-standard services. DPI. Check compatibility with mission-critical services before changing.

5.Use MIUI themes to visually enlarge keyboard

Few people know, but MIUI themes can influence how you perceive the size of a keyboard, dark themes with contrasting buttons appear larger visually, and some custom themes change the layout of the keys altogether.

How to apply the topic:

1. Open the Themes app (icon in the form of a brush).
2. Go to the Keyboard section or find themes marked Big Keys.
3. Download and apply your favorite topic.

Recommended themes for increasing the keyboard:

• 🌑 Dark Mode Pro – Increases the contrast of buttons.
• 🔘 Big Buttons – specially designed for large keys.
• 🎨 Material You – adapts the size to system settings.

⚠️ Attention: Some topics from MIUI Theme Stores may contain ads or collect data. Check reviews and theme ratings before installing.

6. Hidden MIUI features for users with disabilities

MIUI has customizations for people with vision or motor problems that can be adapted to enlarge the keyboard, which are often ignored, but they work even on older Redmi 8/9 models.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Usability.
2. Activate Large Text and Scale Up.
3. Turn on the Keyboard Assistant (if there is one in your MIUI version) – this will add hints and increase the tap zone.

It is also possible in this section:

• 🔍 Enable a magnifying glass to enlarge the part of the screen with the keyboard.
• 👆 Activate zoom gestures (triple tap to scale).
• ⏱️ Set up a delay in pressing - useful for tremors of the hands.

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Special features settings work globally and may conflict with some games or apps that require precise touch (e.g. PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

7. Manual editing of configuration files (for advanced)

If none of these methods worked, the last option is editing system files, which requires root rights or TWRP, but gives you complete control over the size of the keyboard.

Instructions (for experienced users only!):

1. Install Root Explorer or any file manager with access to system folders.
2. Go to /system/usr/keyboard/ (the path may vary depending on the model).
3. Find the file. keyboard_layout.xml Open it in the text editor.
4. Change the keyHeight and keyWidth settings (e.g., from 50dp to 60dp).
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644, and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot) or loss of keyboard functionality. TWRP or MIUI Backup.

Compatibility with different Xiaomi Redmi models

Not all methods work equally well across devices, and below is the compatibility table for popular models:

If your model is not in the table, focus on the MIUI version:

MIUI 12-14: All methods are supported except manual file editing without root.

MIUI 11 and below: It is recommended to use Gboard or change the DPI via ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing the keyboard on Xiaomi