How to update the keyboard on Xiaomi phone: all ways + error solving

Why updating the keyboard on Xiaomi is important

The keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones (whether Redmi, POCO or the flagship Mi/Xiaomi 13/14) is not just a typing tool, but a whole range of functions, from auto-replacement and gesture swipes to integration with MIUI and cloud services. However, many users are faced with the fact that over time the keyboard begins to slow down, mispredict words or completely stop updating through standard channels.

The reasons for the update can vary from bugs in the old version (for example, in MIUI 14.0.3, the Gboard keyboard conflicts with system fonts, which leads to the loss of characters) to the need to get new features like real-time translation or dark theme for keys. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating – from automatic to manual, and also solve typical problems that arise in the process.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi uses two main keyboards: the MIUI system keyboard (developed by Xiaomi) and Google’s Gboard (installed by default on global firmware).

Method 1: Update via Mi App Store (for MIUI system keyboard)

If you use a standard MIUI keyboard (it’s called the Xiaomi Keyboard or the Mi Keyboard in the settings), the easiest way to update it is through the branded app store.This method works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13 Lite.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± Open the Mi App Store (Blue Package and White Box icon).
  • πŸ” In the search bar, type in the Xiaomi Keyboard or Mi Keyboard.
  • πŸ”„ If you have an update available, you'll see an Update button next to the app.
  • βš™οΈ Once installed, restart your phone so that the changes take effect.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU Or custom builds, the system keyboard can be removed or replaced with Gboard, in which case it won't work, so go to the next method.

Check Wi-Fi connection (updates weigh 50-150MB)

Free up at least 200 MB of memory

Close all background applications

Shut down. VPN (It can block access to Xiaomi servers)-->

Method 2: Update Gboard via Google Play

Gboard is a keyboard from Google, which is installed by default on global versions of Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 11 Global or POCO F4 GT).

  1. πŸ›’ Open Google Play Store and find Gboard in search.
  2. πŸ”„ If the Update button is active, press it. If it's not, you have the latest version.
  3. πŸ”§ After the update, go to Settings β†’ System system β†’ Language and input β†’ Virtual keyboard and select Gboard as default keyboard.

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: If Gboard isn’t updated, check if your Google Play services are disabled. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Google Play Store β†’ Permissions and turn on all switches.

System MIUI

Gboard by Google

Other (Samsung Keyboard, SwiftKey, etc.)

I don't know what I have.-->

Method 3: Manual update via APK (for power users)

If the keyboard is not updated through official sources (for example, due to regional restrictions or modified firmware), you can install the latest version manually through the keyboard. APK-This method is suitable for both keyboards (MIUI Keyboard and Gboard, but require caution.

Step-by-step:

  1. 🌐 Download the current version APK From a reliable source: For Gboard: APKMirror (select version) arm64 for modern smartphones. MIUI Keyboard: Xiaomi EU Forum (section) MIUI Apps).

Files by Google

πŸ”“ Allow installation from unknown sources in security settings.

Settings β†’ System β†’ Language and input

What to do if the APK is not installed?
If the installation error "Application not installed", try: 1. Delete the current version of the keyboard through Settings β†’ Apps. 2. Clear the cache and data of Google Play Market and Google Play Services. 3. Check whether the installation is blocked by antivirus (for example, Mi Security). 4. Download APK another version (for example, not beta, but stable).

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From outside sources, it may lead to conflict with MIUI, Especially if the keyboard version is incompatible with your firmware. MIUI 13 not recommended to be placed MIUI Keyboard from MIUI 14 – this can cause system services to malfunction.

Table: Comparison of keyboard updates on Xiaomi

MethodSuitable forPlusesConsRisks.
Mi App StoreMIUI System KeyboardSafe, automatic.Doesn't work on custom firmware.No.
Google PlayGboardRegular updates, new featuresRequires Google ServicesConflicts with MIUI on Chinese firmware
APK manual installationAny keyboardAccess to beta versions, bypassing regional locksHard for beginners.Incompatibility with firmware, viruses in APK
Update via MIUI UpdaterSystem components (including keyboard)Updates everything at once.Long, requires a reboot.Data loss in resetting

Solving problems after updating the keyboard

Keyboard updates don't always go smoothly, but here are the typical problems and ways to solve them:

  • ❌ Keyboard missing from list available Go to Settings β†’ System system β†’ Language and input β†’ Virtual keyboard and manually turn it on. If it's not on the list, reinstall the app.
  • ❌ Lags and Delays When Entering Clear Keyboard Cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ [Keyboard name] β†’ Memory. β†’ If it doesn't work, turn off the animations. MIUI developer-setting.
  • ❌ Update the Mi Theme or Gboard Themes app through the app store.Some firmware requires an additional MiuiEmoji package.
  • ❌ Keyboard resets to English layout Check language settings in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Language and input β†’ Physical keyboard (yes, even touch keyboard!) Sometimes it helps to change the region of the phone to Russia or the United States.

πŸ’‘

If after updating the keyboard began to "jump" when dialing, disable the option "Floating keyboard" or "Gesturies to move" in its settings.

How to Reverse Keyboard Update If Something Goes Wrong

If the keyboard gets worse after the update (e.g., artifacts appearing when you type in or persistent errors), you can return the previous version.

  1. πŸ”™ For Gboard: Open the Google Play Store β†’ click on the profile avatar β†’ Application and device management β†’ find the Gboard β†’ click Remove Updates.

MIUI Keyboard

  • Download the old version of APK from Xiaomi EU Forum (Archive section).
  • Remove the current version through Settings β†’ Apps.
  • Install the downloaded APK.

⚠️ Note: Retrace to the old version MIUI Keyboard can cause a conflict with system libraries if you use a new firmware. MIUI 12 will not work properly on the MIUI 14 – symbols may be displayed incorrectly or disappear altogether.

πŸ’‘

Before rolling back the update, back up your keyboard settings through Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup. This will save your custom dictionaries and themes.

Additional keyboard settings after update

After a successful update, it is recommended to configure the keyboard to your needs. Here are the key parameters that you should pay attention to:

  • 🎨 Theme and design: In Gboard: Settings β†’ Topics (you can download additional ones from the store). MIUI Keyboard: Settings β†’ Design β†’ Color scheme.
  • ⚑ Performance: Turn off "Push Vibration" if it's annoying. Turn on "Word Prediction" and "Auto-Replace" to speed up the typing.
  • 🌐 Languages and layouts: Add the required languages to Settings β†’ Language and input β†’ Virtual keyboard β†’ Languages. Set up a "Gestural Switching" (e.g., swipe space).

πŸ’‘ Useful Lifehack: If you type in bilingual languages often, you can enable the "Show Language Bar" option in the keyboard settings in Gboard, which will speed up switching without going to the menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating the keyboard on Xiaomi

Can I update my keyboard without the internet?
Yes, but only through manual APK installation. Download the file on another device, transfer it to your phone via USB or Bluetooth, and then install it. However, some features (like the cloud dictionary in Gboard) will still require a network connection to work.
Why did the MIUI update reset the keyboard to English?
This is a known bug in MIUI 13-14 firmware when upgrading via MIUI Updater. Solution: Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Language and Input β†’ Physical Keyboard. Delete English layout and add Russian again. Reboot your phone. If it doesn't help, clear the keyboard data into Settings β†’ Applications.
How to find out the current version of the keyboard?
For Gboard: Open any field to enter text (such as notes). βš™οΈ keyboard β†’ Help and feedback. The version will be shown at the bottom of the screen. MIUI Keyboard: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ App management.Look for Xiaomi Keyboard and open version information.
Why is voice input not working after the update?
The problem may be due to the lack of Google App or Google services (relevant to Chinese firmware).Solution: Install Google App from APKMirror. Enable microphone permissions in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Google β†’ Permits. Reboot your phone. If you use MIUI Keyboard, voice input may not work due to regional restrictions (e.g., firmware for India).
Can I install a keyboard from another manufacturer (Samsung, SwiftKey)?
Yes, but with reservations: πŸ“± On global firmware (MIUI Global: Any keyboard from Google Play will work without problems. ⚠️ On Chinese firmware (MIUI China may cause conflicts over the lack of Google services, in which case use keyboards that support Huawei microservices (e.g. SwiftKey via Google). APK). ⚑ For maximum performance, disable unnecessary keyboards in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Language and input, leaving only one active.