How to enable Gboard on Xiaomi smartphones instead of MIUI Keyboard: the full guide

Google’s Gboard has long been the standard for millions of users with easy input, integrated translator and gesture support. However, Xiaomi smartphones have a default MIUI Keyboard that doesn’t always suit owners. If you want to switch to Gboard but don’t know how to do it correctly, this article is for you.

Unlike other Android devices, Xiaomi’s alternative keyboard activation process has its nuances, such as the system can automatically return a standard keyboard after a reboot or block third-party apps from installing due to security settings. We’ll look at all possible ways to enable Gboard, including solutions for cases where the keyboard does not appear on the list of available or does not save settings.

Important: the instructions in this article are relevant for all modern models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. If you have an older version of the firmware, some menu items may differ - we will mention this too.

Why doesn’t Xiaomi have Gboard after installation?

Many users experience a situation where Gboard is installed but not activated or disappears from the keyboard list.

• 🔄 Automatic recovery MIUI Keyboard – The system returns the standard keyboard after a reboot or update.
• 🔒 Security restrictions – Xiaomi settings may block third-party keyboard installation.
• 📱 Conflict with the shell MIUI/HyperOS — Some firmware versions force reset keyboard settings.
• 🗑️ Cache and application data – corrupted files can interfere with the correct operation of Gboard.

The most common problem is the default settings, such as Xiaomi can automatically turn off keyboards that have not been used for more than 30 days, and some models (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13) have built-in Battery Optimization, which limits the operation of background applications, including Gboard.

⚠️ Note: If you downloaded Gboard not from Google Play, but from a third-party source (APK-file, keyboard may not work due to lack of digital signature, in which case delete the current version and install the official from the store.

Preparation: What to do before installing Gboard

Before you switch to Gboard, follow a few mandatory steps:

1. Check the version of MIUI or HyperOS in the Settings → About Phone menu. Old firmware (MIUI 11 and below) may have compatibility issues.
2. Update all system applications through Play Market → My apps.
3. Make sure that the device has enough free space (minimum 500 MB).

If you have previously used Gboard but it has stopped working, try clearing the cache:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Gboard → Storage → Clear cache

It is also recommended to disable battery optimization for the keyboard:

Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization → Select Apps → Gboard → Not Optimize

Method 1: Standard Gboard installation via Play Market

This is the simplest and most recommended method. Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Market and search for the “Gboard – Google Keyboard” app.
2. Click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed.
3. Once installed, open Gboard from the app list or through a notification.
4. Click "Enable in Settings" - the system will redirect you to the keyboard menu.

In the Language and Enter menu (Settings → Additional → Language and Enter) do the following:

• 🔧 Activate the switch next to the Gboard.
• 📱 Click on "Current Keyboard" and select Gboard.
• 🔄 If the system requests permission to collect data, confirm (this is necessary for predictive input to work).

After that, Gboard will become the default keyboard. To check, open any text field (such as Messages or Notes) - a new keyboard should appear.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (POCO X3, Redmi 9) after installing Gboard, it may be necessary to restart the device so that the keyboard appears in the list of available devices.

Method 2: Manually enable Gboard through MIUI settings

If Gboard is installed but does not appear in the keyboard list, try turning it on manually:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Language and input → Current keyboard.
2. Click on Keyboard Management (or Virtual Keyboard on older versions of MIUI).
3. Turn on the switch next to Gboard. If it's not on the list, click "Add keyboard" and select Gboard.
4. Go back and install Gboard as the default keyboard.

If Gboard is not listed even after installation, follow these steps:

• 🔄 Reinstall the app through Play Market.
• 📱 Check if the rights to install third-party keyboards in Settings are disabled → Confidentiality → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications.
• 🔧 Update Google Play Services to the Play Market.

Some Xiaomi firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11) may require additional permission to access SMS to work autocomplete. If you are confused, refuse permission - the basic keyboard features will work.

💡

If Gboard is not saved as the default keyboard, try disabling MIUI Keyboard in the application settings (not delete, only disable!).

Method 3: Enabling Gboard via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods do not work, you can resort to the command line ADB. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and allow debugging.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

adb shell im enable com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME


adb shell im set com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME

These commands force Gboard to activate and install it as the default keyboard, so if SecurityException occurs, your firmware has blocked keyboard change through ADB, try other ways.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause system failures if you type in the wrong commands. ADB, unless they are sure of their appointment.

Table: Comparison of MIUI Keyboard and Gboard

To see if you should switch to Gboard, compare it to the standard Xiaomi keyboard:

As you can see from the table, Gboard offers more features, especially if you’re a Google user, but MIUI Keyboard may be more convenient for those who prefer minimalist design and don’t need additional features.

Problem Solving: Gboard is not saved or disappears

If Gboard is reset periodically on MIUI Keyboard, try the following methods:

• 🔄 Turn off battery optimization for Gboard (see instructions above).
• 📱 Clear the data. MIUI Keyboard in Settings → Annexes → MIUI Keyboard → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 🔧 Reset the keyboard settings through Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings (does not delete data, only resets preferences).
• 🗑️ Remove updates MIUI Keyboard if they are in conflict with Gboard.

On some firmware (HyperOS for Xiaomi 14) it helps to disable the function "Adaptive battery":

Settings → Battery and performance → Adaptive battery → Disconnect

If the problem persists, check if the device has cache clearing applications (such as Xiaomi’s Clean Master or Security) that can automatically reset the keyboard settings.

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The most common reason for Gboard resetting is to optimize the battery. Turn it off for the keyboard, and the problem will disappear.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Gboard on Xiaomi