Replacing the standard keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the first tweaks users make after buying. The built-in MIUI solution isn't always convenient: it can slow down, not support the right languages or just don't like the design. Fortunately, Android allows you to install third-party keyboards, and the process of changing them takes only a few minutes.
In this article, we’ll look at all the keyboard replacements on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, from the standard change through settings to installing popular alternatives like Gboard or SwiftKey, and how to solve typical problems (for example, when a new keyboard doesn’t appear on the list) and what settings should be changed for maximum comfort.
Important: The instructions are valid for all modern versions of MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14. If you have older firmware (e.g. MIUI 11), some menu items may be slightly different - but the general logic remains the same.
1. How to change the keyboard through the settings of Xiaomi
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable if you have already installed an alternative keyboard (such as Gboard) and want to make it the main one.
Open the Settings app and go to: Additional → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
Here you'll see a list of all the keyboards installed.
- 🔹 Click on the keyboard name (such as Gboard or SwiftKey).
- 🔹 Turn on the switch Use this keyboard.
- 🔹 Go back and select it from the Current Keyboard list.
If the keyboard you want isn't on the list, you'll have to install it from Google Play first, and that's in the next section.
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After changing the keyboard, check its settings: many applications (for example, Gboard) allow you to customize the theme, gestures and auto-replace for yourself.
2. Installation of a third-party keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey and others)
The standard MIUI keyboard is often criticized for its lack of flexibility: no gesture support, weak autocorrection, and limited theme selection.
The most popular options are:
- 📱 Gboard (from Google) – supports gestures, voice input and integration with Google Translate.
- 📱 SwiftKey (from Microsoft) – known for accurate word prediction and synchronization between devices.
- 📱 Fleksy – Minimalist keyboard with extended gestures.
- 📱 Chroom – for fans of customization (you can change the size, transparency, fonts).
To install a new keyboard:
- Open Google Play and find the app you want (like Gboard).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- After installation, open the keyboard app (such as Gboard) and follow the setup instructions.
- Return to Settings → Language and Enter → Current Keyboard and select a new one.
3.Why doesn't the new keyboard appear in the settings?
Sometimes, after you install an alternate keyboard, it doesn't appear in the Current Keyboard list.
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The keyboard is not included in the settings | Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find the keyboard and enable Display resolution over other windows. |
| The conflict with MIUI Optimizing | Turn off optimization for keyboard: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [keyboard] → Battery → No restrictions. |
| An outdated version of MIUI | Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update. |
| The keyboard does not support your region | Try installing a VPN or downloading an APK from an official website (such as APKMirror). |
If the problem persists, try restarting your phone or clearing the keyboard app cache (Settings → Apps → [Keyboard] → Clear the cache).
What if the keyboard is missing after the MIUI update?
4. Customization of gestures and additional functions
Third-party keyboards (especially Gboard and SwiftKey) offer features that are not found in the standard MIUI Keyboard:
- 👆 Gesture control – holding your finger on the keys for quick input.
- 🎤 Voice input – dictating text without hands.
- 🌐 Instant translation – Gboard can translate words directly during the typing.
- 🎨 Topics and stickers - customization of appearance.
To set up gestures in Gboard:
- Open any field to enter text and tap on ⚙️ (gear icon on the keyboard.
- Go to Settings → Text Enter → Gesture input.
- Turn on the slide to enter and practice in demo mode.
Important: On Xiaomi phones with curved screens (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or MIX Fold), gesture input may work worse due to sensor sensitivity, in which case try to calibrate the screen or reduce the gesture area in the settings.
5. How to return the standard MIUI keyboard
If the third-party keyboard started to glittle or you did not like its functionality, you can return the built-in solution from Xiaomi.
For this:
- Go to Settings → Language and Enter → Current Keyboard.
- Select MIUI Keyboard (or MIUI Keyboard).
- If it is not in the list, install the update via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
If the standard keyboard has been disabled or deleted (which is unlikely, since it is system-based), try resetting the language settings:
Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting the language and input settingsDownloaded an alternative keyboard from Google Play
Check the permissions for the new application
Backup of important texts (in case of glitches)
You know how to get back a standard keyboard.-->
6. Solving Keyboard Problems on Xiaomi
Even when installed correctly, the keyboard may not work properly, so let's look at the common mistakes and their solutions.
⚠️ Warning: If the keyboard is completely gone (no one appears), check if no sound or no disturb mode is activated. Sometimes this blocks the display of system windows, including the keyboard.
Problem 1: The keyboard is slowing down or hanging.
- 🔄 Clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → [keyboard] → Clear the cache).
- 📉 Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → The scale of window animation → No animation).
- 🚫 Remove unnecessary themes or extensions for the keyboard.
Problem 2: Autocorrection or word prediction doesn’t work.
- 🔤 Check the language settings in the keyboard itself (e.g. in Gboard: Settings) → Dictionary → Input languages).
- 📚 Reset the keyboard’s personal data (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the keyboard settings).
- 🔍 Make sure that Entering Training is enabled (in keyboard settings).
Problem 3: The keyboard doesn’t appear in some apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram).
- 🔧 Reinstall the problem app.
- 📱 Check if the One-Hand mode is enabled in the keyboard settings (sometimes this interferes with the display).
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
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If the keyboard is only bugged in one app, the problem is probably in the app, not the keyboard itself. Try updating or reinstalling the app.
7.The Best Keyboards for Xiaomi in 2026
The choice of keyboard depends on your needs: someone cares about the speed of the set, someone — design, and someone — additional features like translation or GIF. We tested the top options on Xiaomi phones and made a rating.
| keyboard | Pluses | Cons | Best for you. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard | Gestures, voice input, translation, integration with Google | Collects data, sometimes brakes on weak phones | Users who need all the features in one place |
| SwiftKey | Predicting words accurately, synchronizing between devices | Less than the competition. | Quiet and those who print a lot |
| Fleksy | Minimalist design, extended gestures | Plugins paid, no Russian-language support | Lovers of customization and speed |
| Chroom | Full customization (size, transparency, fonts) | A complex setup for beginners | Designers and Perfectionists |
| MIUI Keyboard | Light, does not load the system, there is Cyrillic by default | Little function, no gesture input | Users who need simplicity |
On Xiaomi phones with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) You can choose a dark theme keyboard to reduce battery load. Gboard and SwiftKey have automatic theme switching depending on system settings.