How to remove the Chinese keyboard on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, ordering devices via Chinese sites or acquiring global versions with preinstalled CN-This is a standard Chinese keyboard that can automatically activate when you change the system language or simply be present in the default input method list. This is not just a visual discomfort, but also a potential privacy issue, as third-party input applications have access to input data.

The process of deactivating this component does not require root rights or deep programming knowledge. MIUI or HyperOS sometimes hides a direct delete button, especially if the system language is set in English or Chinese, and in this article we will discuss all possible ways to solve the problem: from simple change of settings to using the engineering menu and the system system system system. ADB-Teams for Advanced Users.

Before we start taking drastic steps, we need to understand which typer method is the default. Often users confuse the Sogou or Baidu system keyboard with a system application that can not be easily removed through a standard manager. We will consider options for replacing this component with the usual Gboard or SwiftKey, which completely solves the problem of Chinese characters when typing.

Analysis of the current layout and choice of alternatives

The first step to getting rid of unwanted software is to install a quality replacement. A standard Chinese keyboard often takes up a significant amount of RAM and contains advertising modules. The best solution for the Android ecosystem remains Google's Gboard, which is already pre-installed on most certified devices or easily downloaded from Google Play.

Once you have installed the alternative, the system doesn't always switch to it immediately. You need to manually activate the new input method. To do this, go to the settings section, look for Language and Input, and make sure the switch opposite the new application is green. Without this step, trying to remove the old keyboard can lead to the fact that you will not have any available for use.

Importantly, in some versions of MIUI, the Chinese keyboard can be embedded in the language system package. If you see it on the list but can't turn it off, try changing the language of the phone's interface to Russian or English first. Often, after this manipulation, the system itself will suggest switching to the standard Android Keyboard or the analogue you installed, making the Chinese component inactive.

Basic configuration through the system menu

The easiest way to get rid of Chinese input is to use the operating system’s regular tools, which are safe and suitable for most users who do not want to risk the stability of the device, and the algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the HyperOS shell.

To start, open your smartphone settings and go to “More” and then select “Languages and Enter.” Here you need to find “Current Keyboard” or “Keyboard Management.” In the list that opens, you’ll see all the input methods available. Find a Chinese keyboard (often called Sogou, Baidu or just Chinese Keyboard) and turn the slider to “Off.”

⚠️ Warning: Never delete or disable the only active keyboard on your device.Be sure to activate and select another, such as Gboard, before disabling Chinese input, or you won’t be able to type text for searches or messages.

If the standard slider does not press or returns to its original position, it means that the selected keyboard is set as the main default. In this case, first click on the "Current keyboard" in the top menu and select from the list your new option (for example, Gboard).

Use of hidden settings and ADB

In cases where the Chinese keyboard is part of the system image and does not lend itself to normal shutdown, you have to resort to more powerful tools. Removing system applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to clean the system of excess debris that the manufacturer did not allow you to remove the usual means, this method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

First, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to About Phone and quickly press 7 times the build number (MIUI Version). Once the "You're a developer" notification appears, go to advanced settings and turn on "Debugging on USB." Connect your phone to your PC, download the ADB platform tools, and execute a command to log in to the device shell.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sogou.input.kit

Above is an example command to remove the Sogou keyboard, which is often found on Chinese versions of Xiaomi. However, the batch name may differ. To find out the exact name of the package, use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep keyboard or input. Be extremely careful when entering commands: removing critical system components can lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot).

Comparison of popular input methods for Xiaomi

Choosing the right keyboard is not just a matter of aesthetics, it is also a matter of performance. Chinese counterparts are often overloaded with features that the Russian-speaking user does not need, such as built-in game stores, news feeds and heavy-duty themes. Consider the main characteristics of popular solutions.

As the table shows, third-party solutions from major technology companies offer a much better balance between functionality and resource intensity; Chinese keyboards, by contrast, often require constant updates and network access to run the basic functions of the predictive set, which negatively affects the autonomy of the smartphone.

In addition, the use of global keyboards provides better integration with Google services such as voice input and translator. This is especially true for Xiaomi owners who use a smartphone to work with documents or communicate in international messengers. The transition to Gboard also opens access to the Material You theme, which dynamically changes the colors of the keys depending on the desktop wallpaper.

Solving problems with auto-switching language

Even after removing the Chinese keyboard, users may find themselves in a situation where the input language spontaneously changes to Chinese or strange characters appear.This is often due to multi-touch settings or sticking switch combinations. In MIUI, the switching of languages is usually the result of a combination of the Space key or Enter key swipe.

To avoid accidental switching, go to your new keyboard settings. In Gboard, for example, you can turn off the "Show Language Switch Key" function or set up a list of active languages, leaving only Russian and English, which will prevent you from accidentally activating an unnecessary layout when you type fast.

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If Chinese characters appear in the browser address bar or search, check the settings of the app itself (e.g. Chrome or Yandex.Browser).Sometimes they have their own built-in translators that may mistakenly suggest a translation of the page into Chinese.

Also worth checking are the optimizer apps built into the MIUI Security shell. Some automation scenarios may try to “optimize” keyboard performance by returning system settings to factory (Chinese) values. Turn off automatic memory cleanup for the keyboard application so that the system doesn’t reset your preferences.

Resetting input settings and restoring work

In rare cases, after manipulating system files or failing to update firmware, the input module may not work correctly: disappear when typing, slow down or give out errors. If you deleted the Chinese keyboard, but the new one does not appear or works unstable, you may need to completely reset the input settings.

To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find your main keyboard (like Gboard) in the list. Go to Memory and click Clear All Data. Fear not, it won’t delete your vocabulary if it’s synced to your Google account, but it will return your keyboard settings to factory settings, which often eliminates software conflicts.

⚠️ Note: Before clearing the data, make sure you remember passwords from important accounts unless they are saved in Google's password manager.After resetting, the keyboard may "forget" frequently used words and abbreviations, take time to relearn.

If the problem is that the keyboard doesn’t pop up at all (black screen instead of buttons), try restarting the device in Safe Mode, which will help determine if any third-party application you recently installed conflicts with input. To enter Safe Mode, press the turn off button and then (hold) the “off” option on the screen until the corresponding offer appears.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The most reliable way to get rid of the Chinese keyboard is not just to delete it, but to install a quality analog (Gboard), activate it and only then disable or hide the Chinese system module through settings or ADB.