How to increase the keyboard on Xiaomi: all the ways for Android smartphones

Why does the standard keyboard on Xiaomi seem too small?

Many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners face a problem: the virtual keyboard on the screen seems uncomfortably small, especially on devices with large displays (6.5" and above), where fingers are constantly past buttons and text is typed with errors, the reasons can be different from the features of the MIUI proprietary shell to individual user preferences.

The manufacturer defaults to setting the average key size to the average user, but for people with thumbs, vision problems, or tablets, this size is often insufficient. Fortunately, you can scale the keyboard on Xiaomi in a number of ways, both through standard settings and with third-party tools.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current techniques, including hidden MIUI features, Gboard settings, alternative apps, and even system tricks for advanced users. Importantly, some of the ways may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12/13/14) and the smartphone model.

Method 1: Resize by setting the standard MIUI keyboard

Xiaomi's signature keyboard (aka Mi Keyboard) has built-in zoom options, but they're hidden deep in the menu. Here's how to find them:

1. Open any application where the keyboard appears (such as Messages or Notes).
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) on the keyboard panel to open its settings.
3. Go to Size and layout (or Display settings in English).
4. Pull the slider Keyboard Size to the right to enlarge the buttons.

If there is no slider, try an alternative path:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Additional settings → Language and input → Current keyboard (MIUI Keyboard).
• 🔍 Find the layout settings or size.
• 📏 In some versions MIUI The 14th option is called Adjust Keyboard High.

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If the slider is locked, update the keyboard via Google Play – sometimes this will unlock hidden settings.

Method limitation: The maximum size in a standard keyboard is often not enough for a comfortable typing, in which case move on to the following methods.

Method 2: Using Gboard (Google keyboard) with advanced settings

Gboard is an alternative keyboard from Google that offers more customization options, including flexible resizing. Here's how to set it up:

1. Install Gboard from Google Play.
2. Activate it in settings: Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual Keyboard → Keyboard management.
3. Turn on the switch next to Gboard and select it as the default keyboard.

Now adjust the size:

• 📱 Open Gboard (the icon will appear in the notification bar or in the application menu).
• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Themes and layout → Size.
• 📏 Pull the slider Keyboard Height to the right. There are 5 positions available here, from Very Small to Very Large.
• 🎨 You can also change the width of the keys in the same menu.

Install Gboard from Google Play|

Activate in language and input settings |

Select a high contrast theme (e.g., "Dark")|

Turn off vibration when pressed (saves battery power)|

Set up gestures (such as swipe to delete a word)

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Gboard has a unique One-handed mode feature that shifts the keyboard left or right and zooms in buttons within reach of the thumb, especially on larger smartphones like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro.

Method 3: System-based screen scaling (affects all elements)

If you want to zoom in not only on the keyboard, but on other interface elements, you can use system scaling, which affects all applications, so use it carefully.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Select Text and Display Size (or Display Size).
3. Pull the slider to the right, and we recommend you to stay at 110%-120%, so you don't distort the interface.

⚠️ Note: System scaling can lead to bugs in games and some applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff.

Standard MIUI Keyboard|

Gboard (from Google) |

SwiftKey|

Another |

I don't know what my keyboard is.-->

Method 4: Alternative keyboards with ultra-large buttons

If the built-in settings don't give you enough magnification, consider third-party keyboards specializing in large buttons.-3 variant:

• 🔹 Big Keys Keyboard is a giant button keyboard optimized for older users or people with motor impairments.
• 🔹 SwiftKey - allows you to adjust the height of the keyboard manually (in the layout and key settings) → Size. There's a word prediction function that's based on your writing style.
• 🔹 Chroom is a floating keyboard where you can change the size and transparency of the panel.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the selected keyboard from Google Play.
2. Activate it in Settings → System → Language and input.
3. In the keyboard settings, find the Size or Layout section and adjust the height/width.

⚠️ Note: Some alternative keyboards (especially the little-known ones) may collect your typing data, including passwords and personal information.

Method 5: Editing system files (for advanced users)

If you're ready to experiment, you can manually resize your keyboard by editing system files, a method that requires root rights and is only suitable for advanced users.

Instructions:

1. Get root access on your Xiaomi (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
3. Go to /system/usr/keyboard/ (the exact path may vary depending on the MIUI version).
4. Find the file. keyboard_layout.xml Open it in the text editor.
5. Change keyHeight and keyWidth (pixels) for example, replacing keyHeight=50 with keyHeight=70 will increase the height of the buttons.
6. Save the file and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop (a looped device reboot). TWRP or Mi PC Suite.

Additional tips for comfortable typing

Increasing the size of the keyboard is only part of the solution, and here are some more life hacks for easy typing on Xiaomi:

• 🎯 Turn on the tap sound (in the keyboard settings) – this will help control input, even if the fingers close the screen.
• 🔄 Use gestures: in Gboard and SwiftKey you can erase the word swipe to the left or insert the space swipe to the right.
• 🌓 Activate a dark theme for the keyboard – it reduces the load on the eyes when dialing in the dark.
• 📍 Set up auto-replacement: Add frequently used words and abbreviations to a custom dictionary.

If you type long texts often, consider connecting a physical keyboard over Bluetooth. Modern Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro or POCO X5 Pro) support external input devices without additional settings.

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For maximum comfort, combine several methods: for example, use Gboard with an increased size (mode 2) + dark theme + pressing sound, which will reduce fatigue with prolonged typing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the size of the keyboard on Xiaomi