What is the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi: types, features and how to change

When you buy a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, one of the first things you have to interact with every day is the keyboard, which is very important for typing speed, autocorrection, emoji support, and even password security. But not all users know that Redmi can be installed several keyboard options: standard MIUI Keyboard from Xiaomi, Gboard from Google or third-party solutions like SwiftKey. Moreover, depending on the region and firmware version, the set of available keyboards may differ.

In this article, we will understand which keyboards are preinstalled on different Redmi models (from the budget Redmi). A2 up to the flagship Redmi K60), How to distinguish them, customize them to your needs and replace them if necessary, and you will also learn why the keyboard can suddenly change after an update. MIUI, How to get it back, and what to do if it starts to glitch or slow down. If you've ever wondered, "Why does my Redmi keyboard look different than the screenshots on the Internet.

What keyboards are preinstalled on Xiaomi Redmi

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones come with one of two main keyboards, depending on the firmware version and the region of sale:

• 🔹 MIUI Keyboard – a branded keyboard from Xiaomi, integrated into the shell MIUI. It offers a close link to Xiaomi services (e.g., quick access to the Mi Cloud), but is sometimes criticized for over-syntheticizing the interface in global versions.
• 🔹 Gboard (Google Keyboard) is a Google keyboard that is installed by default on devices with Google services (e.g., in European or Indian firmware), it is more versatile, supports more languages and has advanced features like gesture input.

Less often on Redmi you can find:

• 🔸 SwiftKey (from Microsoft) – sometimes preinstalled in some regional versions.
• 🔸 Sogou Input is a popular Chinese keyboard that can remain after the firmware of the Chinese version MIUI.

To find out which keyboard is active on your Redmi, open any type of text input box (like Messages or Notes) and look at the bar at the bottom of the screen. If there's a G logo (Google) there, it's Gboard. If the panel is blue or white with a minimalist design, chances are it's Gboard. MIUI Keyboard.

How to determine the keyboard version on your Redmi

If you are not sure which keyboard is installed, or if you want to check its version (for example, to search for updates), do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type “keyboard” or “keyboard”.
3. Find the active keyboard in the list (on the opposite will be the inscription "Included").
4. Tap the keyboard name to open the page, and it will show you the version and the update option.

For MIUI Keyboard paths can be different: sometimes they are hidden in system applications called Entering. MIUI Or MiuiKeyboard. If you don't find her on the list, try com.miui.miuikeyboard, which is her batch name.

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If there are several keyboards on the list of applications, but only one is active, the rest can be disabled so that they do not occupy memory. → «Shut down».

The keyboard version can also be found through its settings:

• For Gboard: Open the keyboard → tap on the icon ⚙️ (gear) → «About the programme».
• For MIUI Keyboard: Open the keyboard → tap on the icon ⚙️ → «About the annex».

Comparison MIUI Keyboard and Gboard: Which is Best for Redmi

Choice between MIUI Keyboard and Gboard depend on your priorities. Below is a comparison table of key features:

Important: On smartphones Redmi with Chinese firmware (without Google services) by default will be only MIUI Keyboard.Gboard can only be installed after unlocking the bootloader and installing the Google Services Framework (GSF).

If you want speed and multilingualism, Gboard is the best choice. If you prefer minimalist design and close integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem (for example, for quick password entry from Mi Account), stay on the phone. MIUI Keyboard.

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Gboard consumes more RAM, but offers more features for international users. MIUI Keyboard is lighter, but less flexible in settings.

How to change the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi

If you don't like the pre-installed keyboard, you can replace it with another one.

1. Download an alternative keyboard from Google Play (e.g. SwiftKey, Fleksy, or Chroom).
2. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
3. Slip on “Keyboard Management” and turn on the one you want to use.
4. Go back and select a new keyboard in the “Current Keyboard” list.

If the keyboard is not on the list, check:

• 🔹 Is it installed (sometimes apps don't show up if downloaded as APK).
• 🔹 Whether access rights are allowed (some keyboards require you to include them in Settings) → Special facilities).

Download an alternative keyboard from an official source|

Check the version. MIUI (Some of the firmware has limited choice)|

Backup your current keyboard settings (if you have such an option)|

Disable unnecessary keyboards to save memory-->

On some versions MIUI (Chinese, especially, may require additional adjustments:

1. Install Google Play Services (if not available).
2. Include Unknown Sources in your security settings if you install them. APK.
3. Restart your phone after installing a new keyboard.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (Redmi for the domestic market), changing the keyboard can lead to malfunctions in system applications. MIUI.

Why the Redmi Keyboard Could Change by Itself

Sometimes users notice that their Redmi keyboard has suddenly changed without them, and this can happen for several reasons:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: After a major system update, the active keyboard can be reset to a standard (usually on the main keyboard). MIUI Keyboard).
• 📱 Resetting: If you reset your phone to factory settings, the keyboard will return to default.
• 🔧 Application Conflict: Some programs (such as launchers or optimizers) may change your input settings.
• 🛠️ Repair or firmware: After flashing or repairing in the service center, the keyboard can be replaced by the one installed in the new version of the software.

To get back to the old keyboard:

1. Check if it is disabled in Settings → Annexes.
2. Update it via Google Play (if it’s Gboard or a third-party keyboard).
3. Restart your phone – sometimes it helps to restore settings.

If the keyboard has changed after the update MIUI, And you can't get it back, try it:

• Reinstall it from Google Play.
• Clear the cache and keyboard application data in the settings.
• Reverse to the previous version MIUI (If the update has brought critical bugs).

Solving keyboard problems on Xiaomi Redmi

The keyboard on Redmi can be incorrect: slow, not open, eat symbols or show errors. Consider typical problems and their solutions.

1.The keyboard brakes or hangs

Reasons:

• 🐢 Lack of RAM (especially on budget models like Redmi) 9A).
• 🗑️ A filled-in keyboard cache.
• 🔄 Conflict with other applications (for example, antivirus).

Decisions:

• Clear the keyboard cache in Settings → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers → Animation and select "No animation»).
• Try another keyboard (like Simple Keyboard, which is lighter than Gboard).

2.The keyboard won't open

If the tap on the input field keyboard does not appear:

• Check if it is included in the settings. → Language and input.
• Reboot the phone.
• Install another keyboard – the current one may be damaged.

⚠️ Note: If the keyboard stopped opening after installing custom firmware, the reason may be the lack of system libraries.

3. The emoji or auto-replacement are not working

For Gboard:

• Update the keyboard in Google Play.
• Check the emoji settings: Open the keyboard → ⚙️ → «Emoji» → Turn on "Show the Emoji button».

For MIUI Keyboard:

• Emojis can be disabled in regional firmware. Try changing the input language to English.
• Auto Replacement is configured in Keyboard Settings → Text input → Auto-replacement.

4.The keyboard changes its own language

This is a common problem for multilingual users.

• In the keyboard settings, turn off "Autodetermination of the language".
• Remove unnecessary languages in Settings → Language and input → Languages.
• For Gboard: Open the keyboard settings → «Languages» → «Settings for all languages» → Turn off "Automatic switching».

How to set up the keyboard on Redmi for yourself

Even the standard Redmi keyboard allows you to flexibly adjust the appearance and behavior. MIUI Keyboard and Gboard.

Set up MIUI Keyboard

To open the settings:

1. Open the keyboard in any application.
2. Put it on the icon. ⚙️ (a) or hold the comma (a) for quick access.

Basic options:

• 🎨 Topics: You can choose a color scheme or download custom themes from the Mi Theme Store.
• 📏 Size and layout: Adjust keyboard height, button location (e.g., move the send button to the left).
• 🔤 Gesture input: Enabling swipes to enter text (similar to SwiftKey Flow).
• 🔒 Privacy: Disabling data collection (in global firmware).

Setting up Gboard

Gboard offers more features:

• 🌍 Languages: Adding multiple languages and swiping between them.
• 🖼️ Topics and backgrounds: You can set your own photo as the background of the keyboard.
• ⚡ Quick phrases: Save frequently used texts (such as email or address) for quick insertion.
• 🤖 Google Search: Built-in Search GIF, Google stickers and information directly from the keyboard.

To enable gesture input in Gboard:

1. Open the keyboard settings → «Input of gestures».
2. Turn on “Sliding Input” and adjust the sensitivity.
3. Practice in the training mode (available in the same settings).

For both keyboards, it is useful to configure:

• 🔊 Sounds and vibrations when pressed (turn on if convenient, or turn off for silence).
• 📱 Autocomplete for passwords and forms (works with Mi Account or Google Smart Lock).

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V MIUI Keyboard has a hidden function “One hand”: activated in the keyboard settings → «layout» → «This reduces the size of the keyboard for convenience on larger screens (e.g. on the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi