FaceMoji Keyboard on Xiaomi: What it is: How to install and use it

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and notice a mysterious FaceMoji Keyboard item in your keyboard settings, but you don't understand what it is and how it works, you're not alone. MIUI FaceMoji is not just another emoji keyboard, but a full-fledged tool for creating personalized animated stickers based on your face or photos.

Unlike standard emoji, FaceMoji lets you turn your emotions into live ones. 3D-Avatars that mimic the facial expressions in real time. But how does it work in practice? Do you have to download a separate application, or is the feature built into the system? And most importantly, FaceMoji Keyboard is not available on all Xiaomi models, but only on devices with the Snapdragon 8-series chip and the newest model is the first of its kind. MIUI 14+. In this article, we will analyze everything in steps: from installation to hidden chips.

What is FaceMoji Keyboard and Why You Need It?

FaceMoji Keyboard is a smart keyboard from Xiaomi that integrates Avatars technology (formerly known as Moji in some regions) directly into the typing process.

  • ๐ŸŽญ 3D-Avatars that copy your facial expressions through a front camera (works in real time).
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ The ability to create stickers from your photos (Photo Moji feature").
  • ๐ŸŽจ Built-in editor for adjusting the appearance of the avatar (hairstyle, clothes, accessories).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Integration with MIUI Emoji โ€“ You can quickly switch between standard emojis and FaceMoji.

The main difference from competitors (for example, Apple Memoji or Samsung) AR Emoji is a deep integration with the keyboard. You don't have to open a separate app to send an animated sticker: everything is done right in the chat, whether it's WhatsApp, Telegram or whatever. MIUI Messages.

However, there is a nuance: on budget models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi). POCO X5) FaceMoji Keyboard can be limited or non-existent, and it's related to performance requirements for processing. 3D-Real-time avatars need a powerful processor.

๐Ÿ“Š Youโ€™ve already tried FaceMoji on your Xiaomi?
Yeah, I use it regularly.
I tried it, but I didn't like it.
I haven't tried it yet.
I don't know if there's anything on my phone.
I don't have Xiaomi.

What Xiaomi devices are available on FaceMoji Keyboard

FaceMoji Keyboard feature is available in MIUI 14 and not available on all smartphones of the brand.Here is the official list of supported models (as of 2026):

Series of devicesSupported modelsNotes
Xiaomi 1313, 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 13 LiteFull support for all functions, including real-time animation.
Xiaomi 1212, 12 Pro, 12X, 12S UltraUpdate is required before MIUI 14.1+.
Redmi K60K60, K60 Pro, K60 UltraFaceMoji works, but there can be lags when using a front-facing camera.
POCO F5F5, F5 ProSupport is limited โ€“ there is no โ€œPhoto Mojiโ€ feature.
Xiaomi MIXMIX 4, MIX Fold 2Best Optimization for Foldable Devices.

If your model isn't on the list, it doesn't mean FaceMoji isn't exactly supported.Some regional firmware (e.g. for Xiaomi) 11T Pros may include a feature after manual update to check for FaceMoji:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ System and device โ†’ Language and input.
  2. Click on the Virtual Keyboard โ†’ Keyboard management.
  3. Look for the FaceMoji Keyboard.

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If FaceMoji is not in the settings, try manually updating the app. MIUI Keyboard via Google Play: Sometimes the feature appears after the update.

Important: Even if the keyboard is installed, some features (such as real-time animation) may not work on devices with a weak processor or small amount of RAM (less than 6 GB).

How to Install and Enable FaceMoji Keyboard

If your device supports FaceMoji, you can activate it in a few steps.

  1. Keyboard Activation: Go to Settings โ†’ System and device โ†’ Language and input โ†’ Virtual keyboard. Turn on the switch next to the FaceMoji Keyboard (if not, update). MIUI Keyboard).
  2. Default setting: Click on Keyboard Management โ†’ FaceMoji Keyboard โ†’ Use by default.
  3. Create an avatar: Open any correspondence app (e.g. Messages). Tap the FaceMoji icon on the keyboard and follow the facial scan instructions.

Good lighting (the face should be clearly visible)

Clean front camera (no dirt or scratches)

Neutral background (preferably a monochrome wall)

Removed glasses or headgear (if they cover key points of the face)-->

The scanning process takes about 30 seconds, and the system will ask you to do this.

  • ๐Ÿ˜Š Smile wide.
  • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Open your mouth (as when you say the letter "O").
  • ๐Ÿ‘€ Look left, right, up and down.

Once scanned, you can edit the avatar, change your hairstyle, change your eye color, add glasses or headgear, and the finished avatar is saved to the Mi Account cloud, so it can be used on other supported Xiaomi devices.

What to do if the face scan fails?
If the system detects a scan error, try this: 1. Restart the phone. 2. Clear the application data. MIUI Keyboard in settings (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ MIUI Keyboard โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the data. 3. Make sure the front camera isn't used by other apps (like Snapchat or TikTok). 4. Check if camera permissions are enabled in the settings MIUI Keyboard (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Permits โ†’ Camera).

How to use FaceMoji: sending stickers and animations

Once you've created an avatar, you can use it in your correspondence.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Real-time stickers: In any chat, tap the FaceMoji icon on the keyboard, then select your avatar.The camera will turn on and your avatar will repeat your movements.Click the record button to create a short animated sticker (up to 10 seconds).
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Photo Moji: Select a photo from the gallery, and the system automatically converts it into a sticker with your avatar.
  • ๐ŸŽญ Ready-made expressions: FaceMoji has pre-made animations (e.g., "Hello," "Bye," "Love") that can be sent without the camera on.

Importantly, FaceMoji animated stickers are not supported in all messengers.

messengerSupport for FaceMojiFeatures
MIUI Messagesโœ… Complete.Animations are played without problems, you can send stickers of any size.
WhatsAppโœ… PartialStickers go off like GIF, But no sound. Group chats can show up as static images.
Telegramโœ… Complete.FaceMoji is played as animated stickers, but takes up more space (up to 2MB per sticker).
ViberโŒ No.Stickers are sent as static images.
Facebook Messengerโš ๏ธ Limited.The animations work, but they can slow down.

If you send FaceMoji to a messenger that doesn't support animation, the recipient will see a static image with your avatar. To avoid this, check before sending what the sticker looks like in preview.

๐Ÿ’ก

FaceMoji works best in native Xiaomi apps (Messages, Mi Home) and Telegram. WhatsApp and Viber have limited functionality.

Comparison of FaceMoji with MIUI Emoji and third-party keyboards

Many users are wondering: what is FaceMoji better than standard emoji MIUI Or keyboards like Gboard? Let's compare:

FunctionFaceMoji KeyboardMIUI EmojiGboard (Google)
Personalized avatarsโœ… Yes (3D-model)โŒ No.โŒ No (standard stickers only)
Real-time animationโœ… Yes.โŒ No.โŒ No.
Integration with cameraโœ… Yes.โŒ No.โŒ No.
Sticker libraryโœ… Yes (user-generated)โœ… Yes (standard)โœ… Yes (via Google Stickers)
Support for topicsโš ๏ธ Limited (light/dark only)โœ… Yes (many options)โœ… Yes (full customization)

The main advantage of FaceMoji is its uniqueness, and your avatar will be different from the standard emoji, which makes the correspondence more personal.

  • โš ๏ธ High battery consumption โ€“ constant use of the camera and 3D-rendering discharges the battery faster than a conventional keyboard.
  • โš ๏ธ Limited compatibility โ€“ not all messengers correctly display animations.
  • โš ๏ธ Requirements to โ€œironโ€ โ€“ on weak smartphones FaceMoji can slow down.

If you are interested in productivity, it is better to use it. MIUI But if you want to surprise your friends with some fancy stickers, FaceMoji is a great choice.

๐Ÿ’ก

To save battery power, turn off FaceMoji after use, and switch to another keyboard in the notification panel.

Hidden chips and settings FaceMoji Keyboard

Many users are unaware that FaceMoji has hidden features. Here are a few life hacks:

  • ๐ŸŽจ Secret accessories: When editing an avatar, hold your finger on any accessory (glasses, hat) for 3 seconds - a hidden catalog with additional options will appear.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Export of the avatar: Yours 3D-The avatar can be saved as a.glb file (format for the 3D-models) and use in other applications. For this, go to FaceMoji Settings โ†’ Export of model.
  • ๐ŸŽญ Voice reactions: In some firmware (for example, MIUI 14.5+) FaceMoji can sync with voice messages. Write down your voice, and the avatar will move your lips in the rhythm of speech.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Privacy: If you donโ€™t want FaceMoji to save your sticker photos, turn off the option Save Sources in keyboard settings.

Another little-known possibility is to create duets, and if your friend has FaceMoji, you can combine your avatars into one sticker.

  1. Open a chat with a friend.
  2. Click on the FaceMoji icon and select the Duo.
  3. Scan it. QR-A friend's avatar code (he must send it to you in advance).

Duets only work between Xiaomi devices with FaceMoji enabled, and if a friend has a different smartphone brand, they will only see your avatar.

How to Reset FaceMoji Avatar to Standard View?
If you have changed the appearance of the avatar too much and want to return the original appearance, do the following: 1. Open Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ FaceMoji. 2. Press Reset. 3. Confirm action - the avatar will return to state after the first scan.

FaceMoji Keyboard Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite the benefits, users often encounter FaceMoji bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

โš ๏ธ Note: If after the update MIUI FaceMoji has stopped working, donโ€™t try to reinstall the keyboard through APK-This can cause system applications to crash. Instead, wait for the official patch or slide back to the previous firmware version.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
FaceMoji is not listed in the keyboards listAn outdated version MIUI keyboard or firmwareUpdate. MIUI Keyboard via Google Play or check for updates MIUI In Settings โ†’ The phone.
Avatar doesn't mimic the facial expressionsProblems with front camera or insufficient lightClean the camera lens, check the permissions for MIUI Keyboard, try in a different lighting.
Stickers are sent as static imagesThe messenger does not support the format.webp or.gifTry sending a sticker via Telegram or MIUI Messages: On WhatsApp, animations may not work.
FaceMoji is slowing down a lot.Lack of RAM or weak processorClose the background apps, restart your phone, or turn off animation in FaceMoji settings.
It is impossible to create an avatar ("Scanning Error")Problems with the camera or face are not recognizedTry the scan elsewhere with good lighting. If it doesn't work, reset the camera settings to Settings. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Camera. โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the data.

If none of these methods worked, please contact Xiaomi via the Mi Community app.

  • Screenshot of the error.
  • A model of your device.
  • The MIUI version (Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version)

โš ๏ธ Note: Some users are trying to install FaceMoji on unsupported devices via ADB This can lead to loss of warranty and unstable system operation. If your device is not on the official list, you better wait for an update from Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about FaceMoji Keyboard

Can I use FaceMoji on the Redmi Note 11?
No, the Redmi Note 11 is not on the list of supported devices due to a weak processor (Snapdragon 680).FaceMoji requires at least a Snapdragon 7-series or later. MIUI Support may appear for some Redmi models with Snapdragon 778G+.
How to remove the created FaceMoji avatar?
To remove the avatar, open Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ FaceMoji โ†’ Control avatars. Choose an unnecessary avatar and click Delete. Keep in mind that this action cannot be reversed, you have to recreate the avatar.
Can I transfer FaceMoji to another Xiaomi phone?
Yes, if both devices are linked to the same Mi Account, your avatar automatically syncs through the cloud, and to move the settings to a new phone, just log in to the same account and activate FaceMoji Keyboard.
Why is FaceMoji not working on Instagram or TikTok?
FaceMoji is designed for use in instant messengers and correspondence apps. Social networks like Instagram or TikTok do not support sending stickers via the keyboard. GIF and upload it to a story or post.
Is it safe to use FaceMoji? Are my photos saved?
Xiaomi says all FaceMoji data (including face scans and photos) is stored locally on the device and not shared with the companyโ€™s servers. However, Mi Cloud is used to sync between devices, so if youโ€™re concerned about privacy, turn off sync in Mi Account settings.