Why Xiaomi users want to get rid of the FaceMoji Keyboard
The FaceMoji Keyboard is a standard app on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones that offers advanced emojis, stickers and animations. However, many view it as built-in bloatware (pre-installed software that can’t be removed without root rights). The reasons for the frustration range from inconvenient interfaces to suspected data collection. But before you click “Delete,” it’s worth figuring out what the consequences will be.
Unlike third-party keyboards like Gboard or SwiftKey, FaceMoji Keyboard is integrated into MIUI firmware, which means that removing it can affect system processes — especially if you use features like Quick Reply (quick response in notifications) or Floating Window (floating windows).
What is FaceMoji Keyboard and why is it needed in MIUI?
FaceMoji Keyboard is a Xiaomi-branded keyboard that replaces the standard Android keyboard (AOSP) on devices with MIUI 12+.
- 🎨 Topics and styles: the possibility of customization of appearance (colors, fonts, background images).
- 😊 Advanced emoji: Animated emojis and stickers with support AR-effects (for example, Mi Moji - analogue of Apple Memoji).
- ⌨️ Gestures and voice input: swipes for typing, speech recognition through Google Voice Typing.
- 🔒 Security: Built-in keylogger protection (according to Xiaomi).
But many features are duplicated by third-party solutions, such as Gboard, which also supports gestures and voice input, and Bitmoji offers similar animated stickers, and FaceMoji’s main difference is its deep integration with MIUI: it is used by default in messengers, the browser, and even in the Quick Settings menu.
Consequences of removing FaceMoji Keyboard: full analysis
If you decide to remove the FaceMoji Keyboard, prepare for the following changes:
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Removing the system keyboard can lead to the collapse of the service com.android.inputmethod.latin – this will cause constant errors when trying to enter text in any application.
| Action. | Effects of consequences | Can we fix it? |
|---|---|---|
| Removal through Settings → Applications | Keyboard will disappear from the list of available, but system processes will remain | Yes, reinstallation through MIUI Recovery |
| Deinstallation with ADB | Complete removal of APK, possible errors in System UI | Only through firmware or reset |
| Disconnection to Settings → System → Language and input | The keyboard will be turned off, but will remain in memory. | Yeah, back-up. |
| Removal through root access | Risk of damaging /system/priv-app, which leads to bootloop | Just reflashing. |
The safest option is to turn off the keyboard, not delete it.
- Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
- Select another keyboard (such as Gboard) as the primary keyboard.
- Click on FaceMoji Keyboard and select “Disable”.
💡
If after disabling the keyboard, the input was lost in some applications (for example, in Mi Browser), try to clear the application cache through Settings → Applications → Application Management
How to completely remove FaceMoji Keyboard: step-by-step instructions
If you're willing to take a chance, here are the ways to remove completely. Warning: these techniques require technical skills and can disrupt MIUI.
Method 1: Through ADB (without root)
This method is suitable for users who have enabled debugging over USB.
Install ADB Tools on PC|
Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)|
Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust.|
Download a backup copy of the data-->
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.sohu.inputmethod.xiaomiIf the command returns Success, the keyboard will be deleted for the current user, but the system files will remain in /system.
Method 2: TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)
This requires custom recaps (for example, TWRP) and a backup persist-section.
- Download the mod to remove system applications (e.g. MIUI Debloater).
- Reboot to TWRP and sew ZIP-file.
- Select FaceMoji Keyboard from the list to delete.
⚠️ Attention: Removal through TWRP This may result in a loss of functionality of quick responses in notifications (notification response function in the notifications). MIUI tethered to the system keyboard).
What if the notification panel stopped working after removal?
FaceMoji Keyboard Alternatives: What to Install Instead of It
If you have removed or disabled the FaceMoji Keyboard, here are the best replacements with all MIUI features:
- 📱 Gboard (Google): the best alternative with gestures, voice input and built-in translator. MIUI.
- 🎨 SwiftKey (Microsoft): smart text prediction and device synchronization. minus - no deep integration with Mi Moji.
- 🔒 AnySoftKeyboard: open source, high customization, but weak support for emojis.
- 😎 Fleksy: Minimalist design and advanced themes, but paid features.
For a complete replacement of AR-emoji (such as Mi Moji) you can install:
- 🤖 Bitmoji (from Snapchat) – Creates 3D-avatar.
- 🎭 Zepeto – Korean app with animated stickers.
💡
If you’re using MIUI 14+, it’s best not to remove the FaceMoji Keyboard completely, but simply to disable it and put Gboard on.This will keep it compatible with system features like Floating Window and Quick Reply.
How to restore FaceMoji Keyboard if something goes wrong?
If you have problems after deleting (for example, text entry does not work or system applications crash), here are ways to get everything back:
Method 1: Reinstallation via MIUI Recovery
Download the full firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Recovery ROM section).
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s memory.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select firmware file."
- Please select update.zip and wait for the process to be completed.
Method 2: Recovery through ADB
If you have a backup of FaceMojiKeyboard.apk, you can return the app with the command:
adb install -r -d --fastdeploy FaceMojiKeyboard.apkThe --fastdeploy flag will speed up the process, but will require the device to be reconnected.
Method 3: Reset to factory settings
The last resort, if others don't work, be warned, it will delete all the data from the phone!
Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.
Myths and truths about FaceMoji Keyboard: debunking misconceptions
There's a lot of rumors going around FaceMoji Keyboard, and we're going to look at the most popular ones.
Myth 1: “FaceMoji Keyboard is spying on users”
Truth: In MIUI 13+, the keyboard does not send data to Xiaomi servers without the user’s explicit consent, but it can collect anonymous usage statistics (like Gboard) if it does not disable this option in the settings.
Myth 2: “Deleting FaceMoji will speed up your phone”
Truth: The keyboard takes up ~50-70 MB and almost no load on the processor, the gain in performance will be minimal, but the risk of disrupting the processor. MIUI — high-flying.
Myth 3: “FaceMoji can’t be removed without rooting”
Truth: You can uninstall via ADB (see instructions above), but this does not guarantee system stability.
Myth 4: “All emojis will stop working after removal.”
Truth: Emoji are Android system fonts, they don't depend on the keyboard, but the exclusive Mi Moji stickers will be missing.