Xiaomi smartphone owners often face unexpected changes to the interface, especially after the MIUI system update. One such change may be the introduction of a new keyboard or Face Emoji feature, which replaces standard emoji input with emotion recognition. For many users, this becomes not a convenience, but an annoying factor that requires immediate intervention.
Removing or disabling this feature is a solvable task, but one that requires attention to the details of Android system configuration. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to get rid of the intrusive component, from simply switching the keyboard to completely resetting the input settings.
It is important to understand that in some versions of the firmware Face Emoji Keyboard is a system application that can not be removed in the classic way through the basket. However, it can be completely deactivated, depriving you of rights to use the camera and access to the clipboard, which will actually turn it into a non-working file that does not interfere with the comfortable operation of the gadget.
Analysis of the source of Face Emoji on the device
Before you take drastic action to remove it, you need to determine exactly how this component ended up in your system. Often users confuse the facial recognition system with third-party applications downloaded from Google Play. Understanding the origin of the software is key to choosing the right cleaning method.
If the emoji keyboard came after the MIUI update, it's a system module that's embedded deep in the shell and doesn't show up in the list of uninstalled programs in normal mode, in which case the standard "Delete" button will be missing or inactive.
When you download an avatar or sticker application, the uninstallation process is standard. Check the date of installation of the suspicious software in the storage settings. If the date coincides with the moment the problem occurs, the source is found.
- 🔍 Check the Apps section in your phone settings to find unknown names.
- 📅 Compare the date of installation of suspicious software with the date of appearance of advertising or a new keyboard.
- 🏷️ Note the access rights: System keyboards often have extended privileges.
It is also worth considering that some Chinese firmware versions may contain pre-installed software that is not intended for the global market, in which case the system may behave unstable, and removal by standard methods may be blocked by the manufacturer.
💡
Before any manipulation of system applications, back up important data to avoid losing information in the event of a crash.
Disconnection through standard Android settings
The safest and easiest way to get rid of an intrusive keyboard is to use built-in input management tools, which do not require root rights or risk damaging system files, but you need to access the language and input management menu.
To start, go to the basic settings of your Xiaomi and find the “Additional” or “Extended Settings” section, which hides the settings that control the behavior of the virtual keyboard.
In the menu that opens, select "Keyboard Management" or "Current Keyboard." Here you will see a list of all active input methods. If Face Emoji Keyboard is active, it will be ticked or first on the priority list.
Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Keyboard managementYour task is to switch the switchboard in front of the unwanted application to the "Switched off" position, after which the system will stop offering it when typing, but if it is a system application, it will remain in the phone's memory, it will simply stop working.
☑️ Checking input settings
Use of Developer Mode and ADB
For advanced users who want to completely clean up the presence of an undeletable application, there is a method using USB debugging and the ADB utility (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to remove even system packages that are hidden from the average user.
First, activate the developer mode, and then quickly click on the build number in the About Phone section seven times. Once you have the "You're a developer" message, go back to the settings menu and find the new "Developers" item.
Turn on the option “Debug over USB”. Now connect the smartphone to the computer with a cable. On the computer you need to install a minimum set of drivers and the platform SDK Platform Tools. After connecting in the command line, enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is identified, you can proceed to delete the packet. You will need to know the exact name of the application package (for example, com.xiaomi.face.emoji).
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet⚠️ Note: Be extremely careful when entering a packet name. Removing critical system components (e.g., system shell or security) may make it impossible to boot the device (bootloop).
This method is effective because it removes the application only for the current user (user 0), without affecting the read-only system partition.
What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
Resetting keyboard settings and data cleaning
If deletion is impossible or impractical, a complete reset of keyboard settings to factory status is an effective solution, which helps to eliminate errors in work, reset incorrect configurations and remove intrusive functions that may have been activated accidentally.
Go to the Apps menu and find the Face Emoji Keyboard or the standard Gboard keyboard if the problem is related to it. Go to Memory or Storage.
Click the Clean button and select Clear All or Reset.This action will return the keyboard to the state immediately after installation, removing all dictionaries, input history and, importantly, Face Emoji activation settings.
| Action. | The result | Data retention |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing the cache | Deletion of temporary files | Yes. |
| Clearing the data | Complete reset of application settings | No. |
| Forced stopping | Temporary completion of the process | Yes. |
| Removal of updates | Retracement to factory version | Partially. |
Once the data is cleared, the system may require you to re-allow the microphone or camera, read permission requests carefully, and disable camera access for keyboard applications if they are not critical to you.
💡
Cleaning up the application data is the fastest way to reset the erroneous settings without removing the application itself.
Installation of an alternative keyboard
The best way to forget about problems with a standard or imposed keyboard is to install a third-party, proven solution. Google Play Store offers a variety of options that completely replace system input and ignore the MIUI regarding face tracking settings.
Popular and secure options are Gboard (the official Google keyboard), Microsoft's SwiftKey or Yandex Keyboard. Once installed, the system will suggest switching to a new input method.
When you first start a new keyboard, follow the instructions on the screen, you will need to give permission for full access (this is necessary for autocorrection and voice input) and choose the new input method as the default.
- 📥 Download the selected keyboard from the official app store.
- ⚙️ Activate it in the "Language and input" section».
- 🔄 Switch the layout by clicking on the keyboard icon in the notification bar or in the bottom corner of the screen.
Using a third-party keyboard often gives more customization options, including themes, font size, and button location, making typing more comfortable.