How to completely remove the Emoji Keyboard with Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: 5 proven ways

The emoji keyboard on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro can be annoying for many reasons, from random taps to extra space on the screen, especially for those who prefer a minimalist interface or use third-party keyboards like Gboard or SwiftKey. However, standard methods of removing applications do not work here - the Emoji Keyboard in MIUI is integrated into the system software and does not have a "Delete" button.

Many users mistakenly try to uninstall it through Settings → Applications, but are faced with the message “Delete is impossible.” This is due to the fact that the keyboard is part of the proprietary MIUI shell and is protected from accidental removal. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden settings, disabling updates and even radical reset of the system – taking into account the features of the Redmi 8 Pro.

It's important to understand that some methods will require administrator rights or access to developer mode, and if you're a beginner, start with the simplest options and then move on to the most complex manipulations.

1. Disable Emoji Keyboard via keyboard settings

The safest and fastest way is to simply deactivate the keyboard in system settings, which does not delete the application files, but makes it unusable.

Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard. Here you will see a list of all the keyboards installed. Find the "Emoji Keyboard" (or "Emoji Keyboard") and turn off the switch next to it. The system will request confirmation - agree.

After that:

• 🔄 Keyboard will disappear from the list of active input methods
• 📱 When typing, it will no longer appear in the switching panel.
• ⚠️ Application files will remain in the system (take) ~15-20 MB)

If the keyboard still appears after turning off, check if it is installed as the default keyboard. Go to Settings → Language and Input → Keyboard Management and select another keyboard (such as Gboard) as the primary keyboard.

2. Removal of keyboard updates (reset to factory version)

Emoji Keyboard in MIUI is often updated through Google Play or system updates, which can add new emojis or change the interface, but also increase the size of the application.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Find the list of "Emoji Keyboard" (use the search by title)
3. Slip on the three-point in the upper right corner → “Delete updates”
4. Confirm the action and restart the device

This method has limitations:

• 🔙 The keyboard will return to the version that was when you bought the phone
• 🔄 Updates can be installed automatically the next system update
• ⚠️ Some emojis may not be displayed correctly (if they are added in new versions)

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To prevent automatic updates, turn off auto-update for Emoji Keyboard in Google Play: open the app page → three-points → “Disable auto-update”.

3. Removal via ADB (for power users)

If you want to completely delete keyboard files, rather than just disable it, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works on Redmi 8 Pro with either unlocked bootloader or USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → More → For developers
3. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB Tools
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear)
5. Run the command to remove: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sohu.inputmethod.sogou.xiaomi (this is the standard Emoji Keyboard package for MIUI)

Once you have completed the command, the keyboard will be deleted only for the current user (without affecting the system files). If you want to return it, use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.sohu.inputmethod.sogou.xiaomi

Install ADB Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the visibility of the device in ADB|Make a backup copy of the data-->

4. Reset to factory settings (radical method)

If no other method has worked, and the keyboard keeps popping up, you'll have to completely reset your device, and this method will delete all user data, so only use it as a last resort.

How to reset the Redmi 8 Pro:

1. Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages)
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action
4. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes)

After discharge:

• 📱 Emoji Keyboard will be deactivated (but files will remain in the system)
• 🔄 You can choose a different keyboard when you first set up.
• ⚠️ All applications and data will be deleted without recovery.

5. Use of third-party utilities (Root access)

More flexible methods are available for users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk or TWRP installed, one of which is using the Titanium Backup or SD Maid app to remove system APKs.

Instructions for Titanium Backup:

1. Install the app and give it Root access
2. Find the "Emoji Keyboard" package (com.sohu.inputmethod.sogou.xiaomi)
3. Select the "Delete!" action and confirm
4. Reset the device

Advantages of this method:

• 🧹 Delete keyboard files completely (releases) ~20-30 MB)
• 🔧 The ability to restore the application if necessary
• ⚠️ Requires Root Rights (Risk of Loss of Guarantee)

Alternatively, use Debloater scripts for MIUI, which remove unnecessary system applications in batch.

• MIUI Debloater Tool (for PC)
• Universal Android Debloater (GUI-version)

💡

Removing system applications through Root can disrupt MIUI. Always back up Nandroid before such operations!

Comparison of Emoji Keyboard removal methods

To choose the best way, compare them by key parameters:

For most Redmi 8 Pro users, the best solution is to disable through settings or reset updates. Methods with ADB and Root are suitable only for those who are ready for potential risks.

Frequent problems and solutions

When you remove the Emoji Keyboard, users experience common errors, and here's how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after removal through ADB The keyboard keeps popping up -- check if it's installed as a system application in another package. MIUI 12/13 Sometimes duplicated on com.miui.emojikeyboard.

Problem 1: The keyboard returns after the MIUI update.

Solution: Turn off auto-update for it in Google Play or use Package Disabler (requires Root).

Problem. 2: When removed through ADB There's a Failure error. [DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER]".

Solution: This means that the application is protected by the device's policy.

• 🔧 Delete via pm uninstall with flag --user 0
• 🔧 Use App Inspector to search for an alternative package

Problem 3: After resetting, the keyboard is active again.

Solution: This is normal MIUI behavior. Immediately after reset, select another keyboard as your primary keyboard and turn off the Emoji Keyboard in the settings.

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If you use custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the Emoji Keyboard may not be available initially, and no removal is required.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions