Gboard on Xiaomi: why you need, how to remove and what to replace

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone on the basis MIUI And if you look at HyperOS, you've probably noticed that Google's Gboard keyboard is preinstalled, and many people are wondering what the app is, why it's default, and most importantly, can it be safely removed? In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of working with Gboard on Xiaomi devices, including hidden functions, removal risks and alternative keyboard options.

Gboard is not just a standard keyboard, but a powerful tool with integrated Google search, gesture support, translator and even built-in GIF-However, not all users need these features, especially if they prefer minimalist solutions or keyboards from other developers (for example, SwiftKey or Fleksy). Next, you’ll learn how Gboard interacts with Xiaomi’s firmware, what data it collects, and what happens if it is deactivated or removed.

What is Gboard and why is it installed on Xiaomi?

Gboard (short for Google Keyboard) is the official keyboard from Google, preinstalled on most devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS). On Xiaomi smartphones, it appears for two reasons:

• 📱 Google License Agreement: All Xiaomi devices sold outside of China are required to include Google’s app package (including Gboard, Chrome, YouTube, etc.) for Google Play Protect certification.
• 🔄 Replacement of the standard keyboard MIUI: Xiaomi used its own keyboard, but with the transition to MIUI 12 and newer Gboard is the default option due to better integration with Google services.
• 🌍 Localization and features: Gboard supports over 900 languages, including rare dialects, and offers adaptive input, which is important for the global market.

It is important to understand that Gboard is not just a keyboard, but a full-fledged application with access to:

• 🔍 Search Stories (if sync with Google account is enabled).
• 📝 Clipboard (can save copied text for quick insertion).
• 📍 Location data (for geo-position-based proposals).

Despite the convenience, many users prefer to delete Gboard because of:

• 🛡️ Privacy concerns (Google data collection).
• ⚡ Increased battery consumption (keyboard background processes).
• 📱 Incompatibility with certain topics MIUI.

Can you remove Gboard from Xiaomi: all pros and cons

Technically, removing Gboard is possible, but there are nuances.

Critical information: Xiaomi devices with firmware for the Chinese market (without Google services) Gboard is missing initially. If you saw it on such a smartphone, it means that the firmware has been modified (for example, installed a global version). MIUI).

Before you delete Gboard, consider:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO X5) Deleting Gboard can cause the system keyboard to crash, in which case you will have to manually install the alternative through Settings. → System system → keyboard.

Step-by-step: how to remove Gboard from Xiaomi

If you do decide to get rid of Gboard, follow this instruction. MIUI/HyperOS and smartphone models.

Method 1: Standard removal (for most models)

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter Gboard.
3. Click on the app, then select Delete (or Uninstall).
4. Confirm action. If the Remove button is inactive, proceed to method 2.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (for system applications)

If Gboard is marked as a system application, you will need to ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method is suitable for power users.

Install. ADB PC (download from [the official Android site](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools))|

Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the line with the version)|Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your device’s trust|

Open the command line in the folder with ADB Enter adb devices to check the connection-->

Next, execute the command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

If the team doesn’t work, try:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

This command will not remove the app completely, but will disable it for the current user.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB If you have problems updating apps or syncing your account after deleting, return Gboard with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

Method 3: Uninstall without removal

If you don’t want to take risks, just turn off the keyboard:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Press the Gboard and turn off the switch.
3. Select another keyboard (such as the keyboard). MIUI third-party).

💡

Before removing Gboard, install an alternative keyboard (such as SwiftKey or AnySoftKeyboard) and activate it by default, which will prevent text entry problems after uninstallation.

How to replace Gboard with Xiaomi: a review of alternatives

If you’ve removed Gboard or just want to try something new, consider these options:

For users who care about privacy, the best choice is AnySoftKeyboard or FlorisBoard, or if you want predictions and synchronization, look at SwiftKey.

How to Optimize Gboard if You Decide to Keep It

If you don’t want to delete Gboard, but it doesn’t work well, use these tips to optimize:

• 🔧 Turn off unnecessary features: Go to Gboard Settings → Preferences → Additional settings: Turn off Input History Saving, Data Synchronization, and Web Search-Based Offerings if you don't need them.
• 📱 Reduce battery consumption: In Settings → Battery → Battery consumption by application limit background activity Gboard. Turn off vibration and key sounds in the keyboard settings.
• 🎨 Customize the look: In Themes, select a minimalist style (such as Dark Material). Reduce the keyboard height in Settings → Size.

It is also useful to clean the Gboard cache every 1-2 months:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Gboard → Memory.
2. Press Clear cache.
3. If necessary, click Clear Data (this will reset all keyboard settings).

💡

Even if you don’t remove the Gboard, cleaning its cache regularly and turning off unnecessary features can significantly improve smartphone performance and reduce battery consumption.

Frequent Gboard issues on Xiaomi and their solutions

Xiaomi users often face problems when working with Gboard. Let’s consider the most common ways to eliminate them:

1.The Gboard does not open or fly out

Causes: conflict with the shell MIUI, damaged application data, lack of memory.

Decision:

• Clear the Gboard cache and data (see instructions above).
• Update the app through Google Play.
• If the problem persists, reinstall Gboard:

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.inputmethod.latin


adb shell pm uninstall com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

Then install the keyboard again from Google Play.

2. the keyboard does not switch to Russian/other languages

Causes: failure in language settings, conflict with system fonts.

Decision:

1. Open the Gboard Settings → Languages.
2. Make sure the language is added and turned on.
3. If the language is not in the list, download it to Add keyboard → Choose a language.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

3.Gboard brakes or hangs

Causes: cache overload, conflict with other keyboards, lack of RAM.

Decision:

• Clear the Gboard cache and Google Play Services.
• Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Animation. → put out without animation).
• Check free memory: If less than 1GB, close the background applications.

4. Voice input is not working

Reasons: lack of access to the microphone, failure in Google App.

Decision:

• Check permissions for Gboard in Settings → Annexes → Gboard → Permissions (Microphone must be enabled).
• Update Google App and Google Play Services.
• Reset voice data to Gboard Settings → Voice input → Offline speech recognition.

💡

After the update MIUI/HyperOS Gboard stopped working, try resetting the keyboard settings to standard: Gboard settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Gboard on Xiaomi