The small keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi is a common problem for users with large fingers or low vision. Type errors, persistent typos and discomfort make it difficult to find ways to zoom in on keyboards or change layout. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several options, from standard settings to installing alternative flexible-customization keyboards.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI features, Gboard customization and specialized applications, focusing on the nuances for different Redmi models (from Redmi 9A to Redmi Note 12 Pro+), as well as solve typical problems β for example, when the keyboard suddenly resets to factory settings. If you are tired of clicking on tiny buttons, read on.
The standard keyboard in MIUI offers basic zoom options, but they are often hidden in the depths of the menu. Many users do not even realize that the key size can be changed without installing third-party applications. However, system settings have limitations: for example, on some Redmi models with MIUI 13 and below, the scale changes only within 80-120% of the original one, in which case alternative solutions come to the rescue.
It's important to remember that keyboard size and key font size are different. Enlarging the font (via Settings β Screen β Text Size) doesn't always solve the problem: the keys stay small, and the letters on them just get bolder, and what we need to do is stretch the layout so that the fingers don't slip on the adjacent buttons.
1. Enlarge keyboard through MIUI system settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI options. It works for all Xiaomi Redmi models, but the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. Consider the step-by-step instructions for the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS.
Open any application where the keyboard appears (such as Messages or Notes). When the layout appears on the screen, follow the following steps:
- Touch the gear badge (βοΈ) In the top panel of the keyboard to open its settings.
- Select Size and layout (or layout and themes in older versions).
- Move the slider The size of the keyboard to the right, which will increase the height and width of the buttons, and some devices also have Transparency, but it does not affect the scale.
- If the slider is not, tap on the item Additional settings and find the option Size keyboard.
On Redmi models with MIUI 12 and below, the path may look different: Settings β System and Device β Language and Input β Current Keyboard β Settings β Size. If the keyboard didnβt save the new settings after the changes, restart the phone β this will reset the cache of system applications.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The keyboard zoom option is blocked, in which case only installing a third-party layout will help (see Section 3).
The MIUI system keyboard also allows you to change the height of the input bar β which is useful if the keys have increased, but the text field has remained too narrow. To do this, in the same settings, find the keyboard height option and select the value Big or Very Large.
2. Adjust the key size in Gboard (Google Keyboard)
Gboard is the most popular alternative to the standard MIUI keyboard, offering more customization options, including flexible resizing of buttons and even their shape, and is free to install from Google Play.
After installing Gboard, activate it in the settings:
- Go to Settings β System and Device β Language and Input β Current Keyboard.
- Select Gboard from the list of available layouts.
- Return to any application with a text field and tap the gear icon on the keyboard.
Now we move on to the size setting:
- From the Gboard menu, select Themes and layout (or layout settings).
- Slip the size of the keyboard and move the slider to the right. There are 5 positions available, from Very Small to Very Large.
- For fine-tuning, click Additional settings and experiment with the string height and key spacing options.
The unique feature of Gboard is the ability to change the shape of the keys. In the same section Themes and layout, you will find the option Keyform with options:
- π₯ Rectangular - classic look, suitable for an accurate set.
- π΅ Rounded β soft edges reduce the number of random presses.
- π£ Floating β the keys βsoarβ above the background, visually increasing the working area.
If the keyboard has become too large and closes part of the screen after the changes, go back to the settings and reduce the keyboard height setting (not to be confused with the keyboard size!) This will reduce the total layout area by saving the large buttons.
3. Installation of specialized keyboards with advanced settings
If the built-in MIUI and Gboard options donβt work, look for advanced customization third-party keyboards that not only resize buttons, but also customize color scheme, vibration, gestures, and even add custom themes.
Top.-3 Keyboard for Xiaomi Redmi with flexible scaling:
| Annex | Features | Max. Keyboard size. | Support for topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SwiftKey | AI word prediction, cloud synchronization, gesture support | 150% of the standard | Yes (including user-generated ones) |
| Chroom | Minimalist design, adaptive layout, night mode | 130% | Yes (limited) |
| Fleksy | Gesture control, advanced emoji, voice input support | 140% | Yes (premium) |
To install any of these keyboards:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Activate it in Settings β Language and input β Current keyboard.
- Launch the keyboard app and find the Size or Layout section.
- Adjust the slider Key Size and save the changes.
Important: On Redmi models with MIUI 14 and later, when a third-party keyboard is first started, the system can request permission to access input data, which is necessary for autocomplete and text prediction to work, you should not refuse, otherwise some functions will be unavailable.
If the keyboard does not appear after installation, check:
- π Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI does not apply changes without restarting.
- π± Make sure the keyboard is included in Settings β Annexes β Application management β By default.
- π Some Xiaomi firmware requires manually allowing the keyboard to be displayed in Settings β Special facilities β keyboard.
Download APK from official source | Check Android version (not lower than 8.0) | Disable battery optimization for keyboard |Reboot phone after installation-->
4. Change the size of the keyboard through special features
If standard methods donβt work, try using Accessibility, which is suitable for users with vision or motor problems, but can be useful in normal situations.
Instructions for MIUI:
- Open Settings β Special Opportunities β Increase.
- Activate the option Large text β this will increase the font in all system applications, including the keyboard.
- Go back to the Special Opportunities section and select the screen size.
- Move the slider to the scale of the display 1-2 divisions to the right, and this will globally increase all the elements of the interface, including the keyboard.
There's a side effect to this method: along with the keyboard, all the icons, fonts and menus in the system will become larger, and if that's critical, zoom the display back in and use other methods.
For point magnification only keyboard:
- Include in Special Options the function of gesture magnification.
- Tap the screen three times with your three fingers to activate the magnifying glass.
- Stretching your fingers to the sides will increase the area of the screen where the keyboard is located.
The downside of this is that the magnifier only works as long as you keep your fingers on the screen, and for permanent effect, it's better to combine it with other methods.
β οΈ Note: On Redmi with Android 12 and later, Gesture enhancement may conflict with navigation gestures. If back or home swipes stop working after activation, turn it off in the settings.
5. Problem Solving: The keyboard doesn't keep size or resets
A frequent complaint of Xiaomi Redmi users is that the keyboard suddenly returns to factory settings after a reboot or update. This is due to the peculiarities of MIUI, which resets the cache of system applications.
Reason 1: Resetting the keyboard cache
- π Go to Settings. β Annexes β Application management.
- Find your keyboard (such as Gboard or MIUI Keyboard) and tap it.
- Select Warehouse. β Clear the cache.
- Reconfigure the size of the keys - now the parameters must be saved.
Reason 2: Battery optimization conflict
MIUI aggressively closes the background processes, which can reset the keyboard settings.
- Open Settings β Battery and Performance β Battery Consumption Management.
- Find your keyboard in the list and select No Limits.
- Also add it to Secure Applications (in the same section).
Reason 3: System update
After the MIUI or HyperOS update, some settings are reset to avoid this:
- π Before updating, back up your keyboard settings (if the application supports exporting).
- π± After installing the update, do not click Reset settings in the keyboard menu.
- π§ If the size is still reset, reset and restart the phone.
On the Redmi Note 10/11/12 models with MIUI 13+, there is another trick: if the keyboard "jumps" when you change the size, try turning off the interface animation.
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings β About Phone).
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers.
- Find the options Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animator Duration β set the value off for everyone.
Why does the keyboard shrink on its own?
6. Additional tips for comfortable typing
Increasing the size of the keys is only part of the solution, and to make typing really convenient, use these recommendations:
1. Vibration and sound adjustment
Tactile recoil helps you know that the key is pressed, even if your fingers close the screen. In the keyboard settings (MIUI or Gboard), activate:
- π Pressed sound β a short click confirms input.
- π³ Vibration when pressed - easy recoil in the finger.
- π― Keylighting β visual confirmation of the pressing.
2. Use of voice input
If typing is still uncomfortable, try voice input, which is built into both MIUI and Gboard:
- Open the keyboard and tap the microphone icon (π€) near-space.
- Speak the text β it will be automatically converted into printed characters.
- For punctuation, use the commands: "point", "coma", "new paragraph".
3.Gesturals and swipes
Modern keyboards support gesture input, so instead of tapping the keys, you just swipe from letter to letter, to turn on:
- In Gboard: Settings β Text Enter β Gesture input.
- In the MIUI Keyboard: Settings β Input methods β Swipe input.
This method requires addiction, but significantly speeds up typing with one hand.
4.Separate keyboard for large screens
On the Redmi Note and Redmi K-series with screens from 6.5 inches, it is convenient to use a split keyboard. It spreads in two parts along the edges of the screen, which makes it easier to type with your thumbs. Activated in the layout settings (usually called Split Keyboard or Single-Handed Mode).
π‘
If you type frequently on the go, turn on the keyboard settings to show the keyboard automatically, and then it will appear immediately when tapa is in any text field, without unnecessary pressing.
FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi
Can I increase the keyboard only in certain applications?
Why did the MIUI update make the keyboard smaller?
How to return a standard MIUI keyboard if it is lost after installing Gboard?
Can I change the color and shape of the keys on the standard MIUI keyboard?
Why is Redmi with Android 13 not saving the keyboard size?
π‘
If none of these methods worked, check if your Redmi has custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that may have different or no keyboard settings.