How to return a keyboard to Xiaomi if it is missing or not working

The problem with the disappearance of the keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most common among users of the brand. You try to type in a message, search or log in to the application, but instead of the usual layout, you see an empty field or an error "Keyboard not installed." In some cases, the system does not even offer alternative input options, the reasons can be different from an accidental disconnect in the settings to a failure after the MIUI update.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to return the keyboard - from the basic (reboot, change of language) to advanced (work with the keyboard). ADB We'll focus on the nuances for different versions. MIUI (12–14) and models (Redmi Note) 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12). If you encounter a problem after updating or installing a third-party keyboard (such as Gboard or SwiftKey), here you will find a solution.

Before you start complex manipulations, check the obvious: whether the “No Sound” mode is activated (it sometimes blocks the appearance of the keyboard) and whether it blocks the open application (for example, a game or video in full screen mode).

1.Reboot the smartphone and check the basic settings

In 30% of cases, the keyboard is lost due to a temporary system failure. The first step is to force the reboot. Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the device turns off and starts to boot again. After turning on, try opening any input field (such as Messages or the Browser).

If the keyboard does not appear, check:

• 🔄 Input language: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Language and input: Make sure that at least one language is selected (e.g. "Russian" or "English»).
• 📱 Active Keyboard: In the same menu, click Current Keyboard and select Gboard, SwiftKey or Standard Keyboard MIUI Keyboard.
• 🔕 Do Not Disturb mode: Sometimes it blocks pop-ups, including the keyboard.Switch it off in the notification curtain.

⚠️ Note: If the keyboard list is empty or if the error “No available input methods” appears, proceed to the next section.

2. Enable the system keyboard through MIUI settings

If the keyboard is disabled but not deleted, you can manually activate it.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Show System Processes”.
3. In the search box, type "Keyboard" (or "Keyboard" in Russian).
4. Select MIUI Keyboard (or LatinIME for older versions) and click Enable.
5. Return to Settings → Additional → Language and input and set it as the default keyboard.

If MIUI Keyboard is not listed, so it has been deleted (for example, via the ADB If you want to install it again, you can read about it in the section about it. APK-file.

Make sure your smartphone is charged (>30%)

Connect to Wi-Fi (for APK download)

Check the vacant space (>500 MB)

Backup of data (via Mi Cloud)-->

3. Install the keyboard via APK (if removed)

On some firmware (especially custom ones), the system keyboard can be removed, in which case it needs to be installed manually. APK-file MIUI Keyboard from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror) The version must match yours. MIUI:

After downloading:

1. Open the file through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources (request will pop up).
3. Install the app and restart the smartphone.
4. Activate the keyboard in Settings → Language and input.

⚠️ Attention: Install APK Fake versions of keyboards may contain viruses or spyware. Check the hash file before installing it (for example, via VirusTotal).

4. Keyboard Recovery via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for cases where the keyboard is disabled at the system level or it can not be activated through the GUI.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the smartphone to the PC and confirm trust in the device (a request will pop up on the screen).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, execute the command to turn on the system keyboard:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.miuikeyboard

For Gboard, use:

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

1. Reboot your smartphone and check for the appearance of the keyboard.

If the keyboard has been removed, it can be installed via ADB using the command:

adb install path to file.apk

💡

If USB debugging is not enabled due to the lack of a keyboard, try connecting your smartphone to your PC via Mi Assistant (the official software from Xiaomi) and activate the developer mode through it.

5. Reset the keyboard settings or the entire smartphone

If none of these methods work, you'll have to reset your settings. Start with the soft option of resetting only the keyboard.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find MIUI Keyboard (or Gboard) and select Storage.
3. Click on “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache”.
4. Reset the device.

If that doesn't work, do a full hard reset. Attention: All data on your phone will be deleted, including photos, contacts and messages. Back up first via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC.

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select “Wipe Data” (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
5. Select “Reboot” to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10S) After reset, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account. If you forget your password, use the official website to restore it.

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Resetting is an extreme method, and try all other methods before using it, as it is not always possible to recover data after a reset.

6. Installation of a third-party keyboard (if the system key is not restored)

If you can't get back the standard keyboard, you can install an alternative.

• 🔤 Gboard (Google) - supports gestures, voice input and themes.
• ⚡ SwiftKey (Microsoft) - smart word prediction and cloud sync.
• 🎨 Chroom (with support) AI) — Customized themes and emojis.

After installation:

1. Open the keyboard app (like Gboard) and complete the initial setup.
2. Go to Settings → Language and Enter → Current Keyboard.
3. Select the keyboard installed and activate it.

If the keyboard does not appear after installation, check:

• 🔒 Permissions: All permissions must be enabled in the keyboard application settings (especially “Mapping on top of other windows»).
• 📵 Battery Optimization: Add Keyboard to the Exclusion List (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

7. Features for different Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi models have unique nuances when working with the keyboard. Below is a table with solutions for popular devices:

For Global ROM devices, keyboard issues are less common than on China ROM. If you’re using the Chinese version of MIUI, consider flashing it to Global or EEA via Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the keyboard on Xiaomi