FaceMoji Keyboard on Xiaomi: What is it, how does it work and why is it needed?

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone MIUI And you're not alone, and you've noticed a mysterious FaceMoji Keyboard item on your keyboard list, and it's a feature that often raises questions: what kind of app is it, how does it work, and how is it different from the standard Gboard or SwiftKey keyboard? In fact, FaceMoji Keyboard is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that combines classic text input with unique animated emojis created based on your face.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what is FaceMoji Keyboard, how to install and configure it on Xiaomi, Redmi or other devices. POCO, And we'll also talk about hidden features that many users don't even know about, and we'll learn how to create personalized Memoji avatars, send live stickers to instant messengers, and why this keyboard might be more useful than your regular counterparts. If you are looking for a way to make communication brighter – this material is for you.

What is a FaceMoji Keyboard and how is it different from a regular keyboard?

FaceMoji Keyboard is a proprietary keyboard from Xiaomi, integrated into firmware MIUI The main difference from standard solutions (Gboard, SwiftKey) is the built-in support for animated avatars (Memoji), which repeat the user's facial expressions in real time. It’s essentially a hybrid of text input and a tool to create live stickers similar to those found in iMessage on iPhone.

Key features of FaceMoji Keyboard:

  • πŸ€– AI-generated avatars: the system analyzes your face through a front-facing camera and creates a new image 3D-model that can be customized (hairstyle, clothes, accessories).
  • 🎭 Live reactions: Avatar copies your movements (smile, wink, nod) and converts them into animated stickers for instant messengers.
  • πŸ“± Integration with MIUI: It works without additional applications, supports themes and gestures (for example, swipe for quick access to emojis).
  • πŸ”’ Local processing: Unlike some analogues, data is not sent to servers – everything is processed on the device.

It's important to understand that FaceMoji Keyboard is not just a set of emojis, but a complete replacement for the standard keyboard.

  • 🌍 Multilingual input (including speech recognition).
  • πŸ” Intelligent Tips and Autocomplete.
  • 🎨 Topics (you can download additional topics) MIUI).
  • πŸ”„ Quick switching between text input and stickers.

⚠️ Note: On devices with firmware below MIUI 12.5 FaceMoji may not be available or may work with limitations. Check the firmware version in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI.

πŸ“Š You are using FaceMoji Keyboard on Xiaomi?
Yeah, all the time.
I tried it, but I went back to another keyboard.
I don't know how to turn it on.
I don't need this function.

What Xiaomi devices are available on FaceMoji Keyboard?

FaceMoji Keyboard was originally introduced as an exclusive feature for Xiaomi’s flagship models, but has become available on more budget devices over time.

Series of devicesSupport for FaceMojiNotes
Xiaomi 12/13/14βœ… Complete.Including Pro, Ultra and Lite models. MIUI 13/14.
Redmi Note 11/12/13βœ… PartialSome models require manual activation in settings.
POCO F4/F5βœ… Yes.Support depends on regional firmware.
Xiaomi Civi 1S/2/3βœ… Yes.Optimized for high-resolution selfie cameras.
Redmi 10/9 older❌ No.Update is required before MIUI 12.5+ or installing through APK.

To check the availability of the function on your device:

  1. Open Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Language and input β†’ Current keyboard.
  2. In the list of available keyboards, look for the FaceMoji Keyboard.
  3. If it is not, try updating the firmware or installing the keyboard through MIUI Themes.

⚠️ Note: On some devices POCO The function may be hidden due to customized firmware, in which case resetting the keyboard settings to Settings will help. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ FaceMoji.

πŸ’‘

If FaceMoji Keyboard doesn’t appear in the list, try manually activating it through Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Special facilities β†’ FaceMoji. Some of the firmware has the option hidden there.

How to install and configure FaceMoji Keyboard?

If your device supports FaceMoji Keyboard but it is not activated, follow this instruction:

β˜‘οΈ Step-by-step setting up FaceMoji Keyboard

Done: 0 / 5

More on each step:

  1. Keyboard Activation: Go to Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Language and input β†’ Current keyboard. Tap the FaceMoji Keyboard and switch on. Go back and select it as the default keyboard.
  2. Creating an avatar: When you first start the keyboard, you'll be prompted to create Memoji. Follow the instructions: allow access to the camera, keep your face framed, and follow the proposed actions (smile, turn your head), and then select your gender, hairstyle, skin color, and other options after scanning.

Sticker settings:

  • Open the keyboard in any messenger and tap on the Memoji icon (usually next to the input field).
  • Select the category of stickers (for example, β€œHello”, β€œLove”, β€œAnger”).
  • To record a live reaction, hold your finger on the camera icon – the avatar will copy your facial expressions.

Additional settings:

  • 🎨 Topics: Change the keyboard design in FaceMoji Settings β†’ Topics.
  • πŸ”Š Sounds: Turn off sound effects when you click on Settings β†’ Sounds and vibrations.
  • 🌐 Languages: Add additional languages to Settings β†’ Language and input β†’ FaceMoji Keyboard β†’ Languages.
How to reset the Memoji avatar to factory settings?
If your avatar failed, go to FaceMoji Settings. β†’ My avatars. β†’ Edit β†’ You'll have to recreate a new character.

How to use animated smileys and stickers?

The main advantage of FaceMoji Keyboard is the ability to send live stickers that echo your emotions.

Sending ready-made stickers:

  1. Open any messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).
  2. Activate FaceMoji Keyboard (if it is not selected by default, hold the globe icon on the keyboard to switch).
  3. Slip on the Memoji icon (usually to the right of the input field).
  4. Select a category (e.g., β€œLaughter”, β€œSadness”) and send a sticker.

Creating a live reaction:

  1. In the keyboard, press and hold the camera icon (πŸ“·) Memoji panel.
  2. Your avatar will start copying your movements in real time.
  3. Record a short video (up to 10 seconds) or take a photo with the right facial expressions.
  4. Send the result to the chat - the recipient will see the animated sticker.

Tips for a better result:

  • πŸ’‘ Use good lighting – the camera should clearly see your face.
  • 😊 Experiment with corners: tilt your head a little for more natural animation.
  • 🎭 For motion recordings (like a nod) keep your phone at a distance 30-40 centimeter.

FaceMoji Keyboard supports sticker export in format GIF β€” You can save them to the gallery and send them to people who don't have Xiaomi. To do this, hold your finger on the sticker and select SaveΒ».

πŸ’‘

FaceMoji live stickers work in all popular messengers, but in Telegram and WhatsApp they are displayed as GIF, MIUI Messages – as interactive animations.

FaceMoji Keyboard Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite the convenience, users sometimes encounter bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Keyboard not installedOutdated firmware or regional restrictionsUpdate. MIUI Up to the latest version or install APK manually
Avatar doesn't copy facial expressionsPoor lighting or camera errorRestart the camera or recreate the avatar
Stickers don't go outLimitations of the messengerSave the sticker as GIF and send it in.
Keyboard brakesLack of RAMClear the cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ FaceMoji

If the FaceMoji Keyboard suddenly stopped working:

  1. Check the access rights: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ FaceMoji β†’ Permissions (camera, microphone, storage must be included).
  2. Clear the application data: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ FaceMoji β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.
  3. Reset the keyboard through MIUI Themes (if available).

⚠️ Note: On some devices after resetting settings MIUI FaceMoji may disappear from the keyboard list, in which case only flashing or manual installation will help. APK.

Comparison of FaceMoji Keyboard with analogues (Gboard, SwiftKey, Bitmoji)

How is the FaceMoji Keyboard better or worse than other keyboards?

FunctionFaceMoji KeyboardGboard (Google)SwiftKey (Microsoft)Bitmoji (Snapchat)
Animated avatarsβœ… Yes (3D + lively expression)❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes (but no live animations)
Integration with MIUIβœ… Complete.βœ… Partialβœ… Partial❌ Only through Bitmoji app
Speech recognitionβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.❌ No.
Customization topicsβœ… Yes. MIUI Themes)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.❌ No.
Confidentialityβœ… Data are not sent to servers⚠️ Partially (cloud AI)⚠️ Partially.❌ Data is stored on Snapchat servers

The advantages of FaceMoji Keyboard:

  • πŸ”’ Local processing: Your face doesn’t go to the cloud (unlike Bitmoji).
  • πŸ€– Live facial expressions: Avatar copies movements in real time rather than offering static stickers.
  • 🎯 Deep Integration: Works with System Applications MIUI (For example, Messages, Notes).

Disadvantages:

  • πŸ“± Limited compatibility: only works on Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
  • πŸ”„ Bugs: Some firmware stickers are sent as static images.
  • 🌍 No multiplayer mode: one avatar per device.

Hidden FaceMoji Keyboard chips that few people know about

In addition to the obvious features, FaceMoji Keyboard hides a few useful features:

  • 🎬 Secret gestures: Swipe left on the Memoji key - quick access to the latest stickers. Double tap on the avatar - random animation (like winking).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Exports to PNG/GIF: Hold the sticker. β†’ Β«SaveΒ» β†’ select the format (PNG static, GIF animation).
  • 🎭 Hidden Sticker Categories: Swipe down on the Memoji menu and additional packs will appear (e.g. Sport, Holidays, etcΒ»).
  • πŸ”Š Voice reactions: In some versions MIUI Avatar can voice text (function experimental, does not work on all devices).

Another lifehack: If you don’t like the standard keyboard design, you can:

  1. Download alternative topics in MIUI Themes (search for "FaceMoji" tagΒ»).
  2. Use it. ADB-Unlocking Hidden Themes: Adb shell settings put secure theme_customization_override 1
How to enable experimental FaceMoji features?
Some firmware has a hidden developer mode for FaceMoji. To activate it, type in the engineering menu (#4636##) the command setprop debug.facemoji.enable 1 and restart the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about FaceMoji Keyboard

πŸ”Ή Can I use FaceMoji Keyboard on the Internet?-Xiaomi device?
No, because the keyboard is deeply integrated into MIUI. However, enthusiasts ported it to some devices through APK (For example, for Samsung or Realme, but it will work with bugs, and facial animation may not be supported.
πŸ”Ή Why My Stickers Are Sent Like Normal Pictures, Not Animations?
It depends on the messenger: MIUI Messages, WeChat β€” support live stickers. Telegram, WhatsApp β€” convert them into GIF. VK, Viber -- can be displayed as static images. Solution: save the sticker as GIF and send it as a file.
πŸ”Ή How to remove FaceMoji Keyboard if you don’t need it?
You can disable it, but you can't completely delete it (since it's a system application). To hide: Go to Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Language and input. Tap FaceMoji Keyboard and click "Disable." Select another default keyboard (like Gboard). ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.facemoji
πŸ”Ή Can you sync your avatar between multiple Xiaomi devices?
Officially, there is no such feature, but there is a workaround: Create an avatar on the first device. Save it as a sticker pack (hold the avatar icon). β†’ Β«Export.Transfer the file to another device and import through FaceMoji Settings β†’ Import. Please note: facial expressions and 3D-The model will not be synchronized, only the appearance.
πŸ”Ή Why FaceMoji Keyboard is Eating a Lot of Battery?
The keyboard uses a camera and processor to process facial expressions, which can increase battery consumption.To reduce consumption: Turn off background activity in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ FaceMoji β†’ Battery β†’ Limit background activity. Use static stickers instead of live animations. Clear the app cache once a week.