How to update the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

The keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a typing tool, but a whole range of functions: from auto-replacement and gesture input to integrated search and translator. However, over time, the standard MIUI or Gboard keyboard (if installed) can become obsolete: bugs appear, new emojis are missing, and the interface looks outdated. Keyboard update solves these problems, but many users face difficulties: where to find the latest version, how to avoid viruses when downloading APK, or why the update is not installed through the Play Market.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to update the keyboard on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13 and other models - from official methods to manual installation via APK. We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with MIUI Global, MIUI China and custom firmware. You will also learn how to return the old version if the new one works unstable, and what to do if the keyboard after the update stopped opening.

1.Why do you need to update the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi?

The standard MIUI keyboard (usually the Mi Keyboard or Gboard) updates with the system, but not always synchronously.

• 🔄 New features: gesture support (e.g. word removal swipe), improved voice input, integration with Xiaomi AI.
• 🛡️ Fixing Vulnerabilities: Outdated versions of keyboards may contain vulnerabilities exploited by viruses to steal data.
• 🎨 Design and themes: The newer versions offer more options, including dynamic wallpaper and adaptive colors.
• 🌍 Language support: adding new layouts (e.g. Ukrainian or Kazakh) and improving auto-replacement.

For example, in Gboard 12.5+, there is a feature called “Emoji Kitchen” that allows you to combine smileys, and in Mi Keyboard 6.0, there is a “One-Handed” mode for easy typing with one hand. If your keyboard does not support these features, it’s time to update!

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China standard keyboard may not be updated through the Play Market due to regional restrictions. APK-file-store.

2. Method 1: Update via Play Market (officially)

The easiest and most secure method is to upgrade through Google Play, which is suitable for Gboard and other keyboards installed from the store.

1. Open the Play Market and search for the keyboard name (such as Gboard or Mi Keyboard).
2. If there is an update, next to the “Update” button, an icon will appear. ⬇️. Press it.
3. Wait for the download and installation to be completed. No reboot of the smartphone is required.

If there is no Update button, you have the latest version installed, and to make sure you do, scroll down to the App Information section, where the current version is listed.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with a MIUI 12) Mi Keyboard may not appear in the Play Market, due to the fact that it is a system application and is updated only through OTA-updates MIUI.

Method 2: Update via MIUI Updater (for system keyboard)

If you use the standard Mi Keyboard, it is updated with the MIUI firmware to check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click "Check Updates." If a new version of MIUI is available, download it and install it.
3. After restarting the device, the keyboard will be updated automatically.

If there are no updates but you are sure your version of MIUI is outdated, try the forced check:

Settings → Additional → Software Update → Three Dots (⋮) → Update Package

Method 3: Manual update through APK-file

If the keyboard is not updated through Play Market or MIUI Updater, you can install the new version manually, which is suitable for Gboard, SwiftKey and other third-party keyboards.

1. Download. APK reliable: 🔗 Official website of APKMirror (check hash amounts! 🔗 Official Gboard Page (for Gboard).

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser (or File Manager) → Allow installation from this source

APK

Important: Install only those versions of APK that are compatible with your version of Android. For example, Gboard 13.0+ requires Android 11+, and Redmi 9A (Android 10) will do a maximum version of 12.5.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From unreliable sources, it can lead to virus infection. Always check reviews and reputation of the site. For example, on APKMirror, secure files are marked with a green shield".

5. Method 4: Installation of an alternative keyboard

If the standard Xiaomi keyboard doesn't suit you, you can install one of the popular alternatives.-3 variant:

• 📱 Gboard (Google): The most functional keyboard with gesture support, translator and integration with Google Services. Suitable for all Redmi models on Android 8+. Reference.
• ⚡ SwiftKey (Microsoft): Best Auto Replacement and Personalization Requires Android 9+. Reference.
• 🎨 Fleksy: Minimalist design with support GIF It's running on Android 7.+. Reference.

To install an alternative keyboard:

1. Download the app from the Play Market.
2. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Current keyboard.
3. Turn on the new keyboard and set it by default.

💡

Before you delete the old keyboard, add a new one to the active list, otherwise you risk being left without the ability to type!

6. Method 5: Update via Xiaomi Community (for beta testers)

If you want to test new keyboard features before they're officially released, you can become a beta tester.

1. Sign up for the Xiaomi Community forum.
2. Find the MIUI Beta Testing section and apply for participation.
3. Once approved, you will get access to MIUI betas, including the updated Mi Keyboard.

Note that beta versions can contain bugs, for example, in Mi Keyboard 6.3 Beta users complained about accidental resets of layout settings. If stability is more important than new features, you should wait for the official release.

💡

Beta versions of keyboards often contain exclusive features (e.g., keyboards, AI-text prediction, but may be less stable. Use them only on backup devices.

7 What to do if the keyboard is not updated?

Sometimes the update process ends in error. Here are the problems and their solutions:

If the keyboard stopped working after the update, try:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Keyboard → Clear the cache.
2. Reverse to the previous version (if saved) APK-backup).
3. Reset the keyboard settings to factory.

8. How to return the old version of the keyboard?

If the new version of the keyboard is worse than the old one (for example, it slows down or does not support the desired languages), you can roll back.

1. Remove the current version of the keyboard (if it is not system).
2. Download the old version of APK from APKMirror (see the Old Versions section).
3. Install APK and disable automatic updates in the Play Market.

For the Mi Keyboard system, the only way to roll back is by rolling back the entire MIUI firmware, which is more difficult and risky, so it’s easier to wait for fixes in the next update.

💡

Before rolling back to the old version, make a backup copy of the user dictionary (in the keyboard settings) so as not to lose the saved words.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi