Changing the standard keyboard on Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphones is not just a matter of aesthetic preferences, but also a way to significantly improve the usability of typing. Many users immediately after buying a device notice that a pre-installed application for typing can seem unusual, have an uncomfortable layout or predictive typing features that you might have become accustomed to on previous gadgets. Fortunately, the Android operating system underlying the shell of MIUI or HyperOS provides ample opportunities for customizing this process.
The process of replacing the virtual input tool takes only a few minutes and does not require root rights or deep technical knowledge. You can choose a solution with an advanced dictionary, improved ergonomics or specific features such as one-handed control or enhanced precision voice input. In this guide, we will break down all the steps from installing a new application to fully deactivating the old system component so that your smartphone prints exactly the way you want.
Selecting the optimal application for text input
Before you start to set up the technical settings of the system, you need to decide what product you want to see on the screen of your device. The mobile utilities market offers dozens of options, each of which has its own unique features and target audience. The standard choice of most users of the Android ecosystem falls on Google’s Gboard, which is famous for its stability, excellent support for many languages and integration with the services of the search giant.
But there are alternatives that may work better for you depending on your needs. Microsoft's SwiftKey, for example, is known for its powerful word prediction algorithm and the ability to synchronize the dictionary between devices, which is critical for those who work with text. For those who like minimalism and open source, OpenBoard or FlorisBoard, which do not require unnecessary permissions and do not collect user data, will be a great choice.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the availability of support for the desired languages, the ability to customize the theme of the design and the availability of additional features such as an integrated translator or a buffer for sharing with history_privacy_, Especially if you often enter sensitive information, so examining the developer’s privacy policy before installing it will be a good step.
Installation of a new app from Google Play
Once you have made your choice, the next step is to download and install the software you have chosen, a process that is standard for all Android devices and is done through the official Google Play Store, and make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile internet so that it can download quickly and error-free.
Open the Play Store app on the home screen or in the menu of all apps. At the top of the screen, search for the search bar and type the name of the keyboard you select, such as "Gboard" or "Microsoft SwiftKey." Click on the magnifier icon or virtual keyboard search button to initiate a search on the store's database.
In the search results, select the desired application, paying attention to the developer, so as not to download the fake. On the application page, click the Install button. The system will request confirmation of the necessary permissions, such as access to the storage to save the user's dictionary or access to the microphone for voice input. Once the conditions are accepted, automatically download and install files on the device.
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Be sure to check the number of installs and user reviews before downloading little-known keyboards to avoid malware.
When you have completed the installation, the Set button will change to Open. Don't rush to launch the application right away, as you first need to activate it in the Android security system settings, otherwise the system will block its operation.
Activation and inclusion of a new keyboard
The most important step is to properly activate the new input method in the system security settings. Android has a built-in security mechanism that prevents keyboards that have not been checked by the user to eliminate the risk of interception of entered passwords and card data by fraudulent applications. Without this step, a new keyboard will not appear when typing.
To activate, go to the main settings menu of your Xiaomi smartphone. Find the Additional settings section (in some versions of the firmware it can be called simply "Advanced Settings"). In the list of options you need to find the item Language and input. This is where all the controls related to text fields and input methods are concentrated.
Within the Language and Input menu, select Keyboard Management or Current Keyboard. You will see a list of all the text input apps installed on your device. Find the app you just installed (like Gboard) and move the switch opposite to it to the active position. The system will issue a warning that the third-party keyboard can access all the text you type, including passwords. Click OK to confirm.
☑️ Activation checklist
Once confirmed, the system can prompt you to choose the default input method, if it didn't happen automatically. If the switch is green, then the keyboard is successfully activated and ready to use in any text field.
Set up the keyboard as a default input method
Activating the keyboard doesn't mean it's going to start showing up when you type. Often, the system continues to use the old input method until you explicitly prioritize it. To make the new tool the primary tool and open automatically when you touch any text field, you need to change the appropriate setting in the settings menu.
Go back to the Language and Enter where you previously turned on the keyboard. Find the Current Keyboard (or "Default Keyboard"). Click on it to see a list of available and active input methods. In the window that appears, select the name of your new application. From now on, the system will force this interface to run whenever you request text input.
What to do if the keyboard does not switch?
Now, when you open your browser, messenger, or notes, you should see the interface of the app you select. If you see a standard Xiaomi keyboard, check if the item in the "Current Keyboard" menu is correctly selected. In some cases, it is also useful to go to the settings of the keyboard application itself (via the gear icon on the toolbar or through the application menu) and make the initial configuration of languages and themes.
Importantly, some smartphone makers may hide the keyboard selection menu in the depth of the settings. If you can't find "Current Keyboard," search for settings by clicking on the magnifying glass at the top of the settings screen and entering the word "keyboard." The system will tell you the section.
Removing or disabling the standard MIUI keyboard
Many users tend to get rid of pre-installed applications completely to make room or avoid accidental switching. However, with system components such as the standard MIUI keyboard, things are more complicated. Complete removal is often impossible without the use of special tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge), because the system considers this component critical for basic functionality.
Instead of a risky uninstallation that could cause the system to run unstable or not be able to enter a password when booting, it is recommended to simply disable the application or ignore it.If you do decide to use ADB for removal, remember that this requires a connection to the computer and the presence of appropriate drivers. The removal command looks like an adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.inputmethod.miui (the package may differ depending on the model).
⚠️ Warning: Completely removing the system keyboard without having an alterative activated at a deep level can result in the device locking in the unlock password step.Always have a backup method of entering.
A safer way to “delete” the keyboard is to simply turn it off in the settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the “MIUI Keyboard” or “Sogou input” (often used in China/Global firmware). Click on the application and select the “Disable” button. If the button is inactive, then the application is system-based and cannot be disabled by standard means.
Even if you can't turn off the standard keyboard, it doesn't interfere with the work, the main thing is that in the "Current keyboard" was selected your favorite version, the system will ignore the disabled or unused keyboard, and it will not pop up when typing.
Floating keyboard settings and additional functions
Modern Xiaomi smartphones with their large screens often make it uncomfortable to type with both hands or one hand in a horizontal position. To solve this problem, many keyboards, including the Gboard and standard MIUI, offer a floating panel mode, which allows you to move the keyboard to any part of the screen and resize it.
To activate the floating mode on the standard Xiaomi keyboard, press and hold the tongue switch button (globus) or a special menu button in the bottom row of the keyboard. In the context menu that appears, select an icon depicting the arrow keyboard or detached panel. The keyboard will "stick" from the bottom edge of the screen, and you can drag it with your finger.
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The floating mode is particularly useful when using a smartphone with one hand on devices with a screen diagonal of more than 6.5 inches.
Gboard has a wider functionality. By clicking on the settings icon (cog) on the toolbar, you can select Settings → Preferences → Floating Keyboard. You can adjust the transparency, size and behavior of the panel. You can also access the keyboard splitting in the middle for easy thumb-in horizontally.
Additional features such as autocorrection, word prediction, and dictionary are also customized in the menu of each specific application, and it is recommended to spend time in the Text or Correction section to teach the keyboard your type style and specific words that you often use.
Comparison of popular input solutions
To make a final decision, it is useful to compare the main characteristics of leading applications. Below is a table that will help you quickly navigate the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Each of these solutions has its own philosophy: Gboard is about universality, SwiftKey is about predictive intelligence, and OpenBoard is about minimalism and privacy, depending on which you value more: speed, data security, or additional features like built-in GIF search.
| Annex | Developer | Key feature | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard | Google LLC | Integration with Google Services, Translation | ~80MB |
| SwiftKey | Microsoft | Best Prediction of Words, Themes | ~65MB |
| MIUI keyboard | Xiaomi | Deep Integration with the Shell | ~50MB |
| OpenBoard | Community | Open code, lack of telemetry | ~5MB |
Don't be afraid to experiment. By installing multiple keyboards, you can quickly switch between them depending on the task, for example, one for quick correspondence, and another for typing long texts or working with numbers.
⚠️ Warning: When installing keyboards from unknown sources (not from Play Market) always check files APK Antivirus software because it has access to everything you print.