How to turn on T9 on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: 3 proven ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face a problem: when typing messages or search queries, autoreplace words (T9) does not work, although the function should be active by default. The reason lies in the features of the MIUI firmware, where keyboard settings can be reset after updates or conflict with third-party applications. In this article, we will discuss how to turn on T9 on different Redmi models (from Note 8 Pro to Redmi 12), including hidden settings and alternative solutions for persistent cases.

Many users confuse the T9 with a simple auto-correct or text prediction. In fact, the T9 is a technology that selects words from the keystrokes (like in old button phones), rather than just fixing typos. On Xiaomi, this feature is implemented through the built-in Gboard (Google) or the branded Mi Keyboard, and its setting depends on the choice. If you recently reset your phone to factory settings or installed custom firmware, there is a good chance that the T9 turned off automatically.

In this instruction, we will consider:

• 🔧 Standard way to enable through keyboard settings MIUI
• 📱 Alternative methods for cases where T9 non-activated
• ⚙️ Hidden parameters affecting the operation of auto-replacement
• 🔄 How to reset the keyboard settings if T9 malfunctioning

1. Check the current keyboard: Gboard or Mi Keyboard?

Before you set up the T9, make sure which keyboard is used by default.

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Messages or Notes).
2. Tap the keyboard icon in the bottom panel (usually a gear icon or three dots).
3. Look at the name at the top of the pop-up menu: 🔹 Gboard – keyboard from Google (most often installed by default on global versions) MIUI). 🔹 Mi Keyboard – Xiaomi’s proprietary keyboard (pre-installed on Chinese firmware).

If you have Gboard, go to section 2. For Mi Keyboard, to section 3. Can't identify? Use the generic method:

Settings → System and device → Language and input → Virtual keyboard

Note that if there are several keyboards in the list, MIUI can automatically switch between them depending on the input language.

2. Enable T9 on Gboard (Google keyboard)

In Gboard, the T9 function is integrated into the text prediction system, but it needs to be configured correctly.

1. Open Settings → System and device → Language and input.
2. Select the Virtual Keyboard → Gboard.
3. Go to text input settings → text prediction.
4. Activate the sliders: 🔘 Showing sentences (main function) T9) 🔘 Auto-replacement (correction of typos) 🔘 Dynamic prediction (adaptation to your writing style)

Dictionary

Personal dictionary

If T9 doesn't work after activation, check:

• 📌 Input language: T9 It only works for languages that are added to Gboard languages (e.g. Russian or English).
• 📌 Updates: Go to Google Play and update Gboard to the latest version.
• 📌 Cash: Clear the keyboard cache in Settings → Annexes → Gboard → Memory.

Added the desired input language |Text prediction enabled |Gboard|Updated App App App App App App App.Cleared keyboard cache-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Gboard may conflict with system services. T9 keyboard starts to brake, try to disable key animation in Gboard settings.

3. T9 setup on Mi Keyboard (branded Xiaomi keyboard)

The Mi Keyboard has less flexibility than the Gboard, but the T9 is there too -- it's just called something else.

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Virtual Keyboard → Mi Keyboard.
2. Select the text input settings.
3. Activate: 🔘 Auto-replacement (analogue) T9) 🔘 Input tips 🔘 Use personalized sentences (to adapt to your vocabulary)

Dictionary

There is no separate T9 switch on the Mi Keyboard, but the auto-replace function works on the same principle. If prompts don't appear, try changing the keyboard theme to the standard one (in the Makeup Settings).

💡

If the Mi Keyboard doesn’t save settings after the reboot, try disabling the Battery → Optimization → Autoclean for the keyboard application.

4. Hidden MIUI settings affecting T9

Sometimes the T9 doesn't work because of MIUI system limitations.

• 🔧 Turn off "One-handed Mode": it can block some of the keyboard's functions. → Special facilities → Management → One-hand mode.
• 🔧 Check the permissions for the keyboard: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Gboard/Mi Keyboard → Permissions and turn on all sliders.
• 🔧 Reset the keyboard settings: Go to Settings → System and device → Language and input → Virtual keyboard. Select your keyboard and press Reset settings.