How to turn off T9 on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI and Gboard

Auto-replacement and T9 tips on Xiaomi smartphones often annoy users: the system stubbornly corrects correctly written words, offers irrelevant options or slows down typing. This is especially noticeable in MIUI, where the standard Mi Keyboard keyboard aggressively uses prediction algorithms. But the good news is that you can completely disable the T9 on Xiaomi, not only reduce its activity, as many people think.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from basic settings in MIUI 14/15 to hidden settings for power users, and also tell you how to get around the restrictions if your model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13, etc.) does not allow you to turn off auto-replacement in standard ways.

———

What is T9 and why do you want to turn it off?

The T9 is a predictive text input technology that has been around since Nokia’s push-button phones of the early 2000s, and on Xiaomi smartphones, it’s integrated into the keyboard and is responsible for:

• 🔄 Automatic replacement of words (e.g., “hello" → "salute")
• 📝 The following word during the process of writing
• ⚡ Quickly enter frequently used phrases
• 🌐 Adaptation to the style of the user's letter

On paper, it sounds convenient, but in practice, the T9 on Xiaomi often fails:

• 😡 Corrects correct words to erroneous words (e.g., "address" → "detention")
• 🐢 Slows down the print because of constant attempts to help"
• 🔍 Red highlights words that are not in the dictionary (including names and terms)
• 📱 Eats up processor resources, which is noticeable on budget models (Redmi). 10A, POCO M5)

The root of the problem is the aggressive MIUI algorithms that try to “improve” the user experience, but often make it worse. For example, the Mi Keyboard has three layers of auto-replacement by default: basic vocabulary, cloud analysis (if you have a Mi Account connected), and personalized prompts, and turning them all off at once is not an easy task.

Method 1: Disable T9 in the standard MIUI keyboard

If you use your native Mi Keyboard, start with the basic settings, and it’s important that the interface may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version (14 or 15) and the smartphone model.

Step 1. Open any field to enter text (such as notes or a message in Telegram) to make the keyboard appear. ⚙️ "Settings" in the top menu of the keyboard.

Step 2. From the settings menu, select: Advanced Settings → Auto-Replacement and Tips

Here you will find a list of options that you need to turn off alternately:

• ✅ Auto-replacement is the main reason for “corrections"
• ✅ Input hints (removes gray hints over the keyboard)
• ✅ Personalized tips (analysis of your writing style)
• ✅ Cloud-based dictionary synchronization (if you have a Mi Account connected)

Auto-replace |Tips |Personalized prompts |Cloud dictionary synchronization |Spelling check-->

Step 3: Go back to the basic keyboard settings and check Languages and Enter. Remove unnecessary languages — sometimes T9 is activated due to dictionary conflict.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9C, POCO M4 Pro) after turning off auto-replacement, the Russian layout may disappear. In this case, restart the smartphone or reinstall the keyboard through Settings → Annexes → Mi Keyboard → Reset the settings.

Method 2: Use Google Gboard instead of Mi Keyboard

If standard settings don't work, the radical solution is to install an alternative keyboard, and the most reliable option is Google Gboard, where T9 is more flexible.

Step 1: Install Gboard from Google Play (or download APK from the official site if you don’t have Google services).

Step 2. Activate the keyboard:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Turn on the switch opposite the Gboard.
3. Click Keyboard Management and select Gboard as the primary.

Step 3. Configure T9 in Gboard:

1. Open any text field → slip on ⚙️ keyboard → Settings.
2. Go to Correct Text and Turn Off: 🔄 Auto-replacement 📝 Hints 🔍 Spelling check

Dictionary

Personalized offers

The advantages of Gboard over Mi Keyboard:

💡

If Xiaomi emojis are missing after switching to Gboard, install the Mi Emoji app from Google Play – it will restore the corporate style of emojis.

Method 3: Reset keyboard settings to factory

If the T9 continues to work despite all the manipulations, the problem may be in the cached keyboard data, in which case the reset will help.

Instructions for Mi Keyboard:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Keyboard (or Xiaomi Keyboard) and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse → Clear cache and Clear data.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

For Gboard:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Gboard.
2. Slip the Warehouse → Space Management → Clear all data.
3. Run the keyboard again with the T9 configuration iconfigure from scratch.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and allow debugging.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Execute the auto-replacement disable command: adb shell settings put secure spell_checker_enabled 0
5. Use the following tips: adb shell settings put secure text_suggestion_enabled 0
6. Reboot your smartphone.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ After resetting settings or updating MIUI T9 might be back on.
• ❌ It does not work on some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU).
• ❌ Requires re-execution after hard reset.

💡

ADB-Teams are the most reliable way to disconnect T9 Xiaomi’s “hooked up” firmware, but it requires technical skills and may violate warranty if used incorrectly.

Method 5: Install custom firmware (extreme case)

If all previous methods have failed, the radical solution is to reflash the smartphone to custom firmware without MIUI, for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience are devoid of aggressive auto-replacement.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Full control over keyboard and system settings.
• 🔄 No forced cloud synchronization with Xiaomi servers.
• 📱 More stable work on older models (Redmi Note 8, Mi 9).

Cons and risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the smartphone is guaranteed).
• ⚠️ Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on firmware).
• ⚠️ Difficulty of installation for beginners.

Firmware recommendations:

1. Download firmware only from trusted sources (XDA Developers, LineageOS).
2. Before the firmware, make a backup through TWRP Recovery.
3. For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4), you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days).

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn a smartphone into a brick! If you have never done this before, it is better to consult a specialist or study the guides for your model on the Internet. 4PDA.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the T9 is turned off, Xiaomi users are faced with nuances.

Problem 1: Auto Replacement returns after the MIUI update.

Solution: After the update, check the keyboard settings - often updates reset user settings. If T9 is turned on again, repeat the steps from Method 1 or use ADB.

Problem 2: In some applications (VK, Viber), T9 works despite being disabled.

Solution: This is due to the messenger keyboards built in. Open the settings of a particular application and turn off Text Correction or System Keyboard.

Problem 3: The Russian/English layout disappears after the settings are manipulated.

Decision:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Remove and add the language again.
3. If it doesn’t help, reset your keyboard settings (see Method 3).

Problem 4: The keyboard is lagging after the T9 is turned off.

Solution: Clear the keyboard cache (Settings → Applications → Mi Keyboard/Gboard → Cash) and restart your smartphone. If the lags are left, try another keyboard (like SwiftKey).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions