How to replace the keyboard on Xiaomi on Google Gboard: 3 proven ways

Why Xiaomi users want to change the standard keyboard

Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They are defaulted to the Mi Keyboard (formerly SwiftKey in some regions), despite integration with the ecosystem. MIUI, Many users face its disadvantages, from the lack of voice input to problems with auto-replacement in Russian. Google’s Gboard offers more flexible settings, gesture support (such as Glide Typing swipe), and synchronizing the dictionary through a Google account.

According to the survey XDA Developers (2023), 68% of Xiaomi device owners in Russia and CIS prefer alternative keyboards, reasons ranging from inconvenient character arrangement to lack of support for some languages in the Mi Keyboard (for example, Tatar or Ukrainian in older versions). MIUI). However, the process of replacing the keyboard on Xiaomi has nuances due to the limitations of the manufacturer.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for installing Gboard, including bypassing possible system locks, and give recommendations for setting up for maximum comfort. MIUI 12/13/14 Android 10-14 (including POCO Launcher and HyperOS for new models).

Method 1: Install Gboard via Google Play (official method)

The easiest and safest way to download Gboard is from the official Google Play Store. However, on some Xiaomi devices (especially in China), this method may not work due to the lack of Google services.

Check if Google Play is on your device

Connect to Wi-Fi (downloading) ~100MB)

Free up ≥200 MB of memory

Shut down. VPN (can block the loading)-->

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Google Play Store and search for “Gboard – Google Keyboard”.
2. Click Install and wait for the download to complete (app weight) ~90–120 MB).
3. After installation, open any field to enter text (such as Notes or Messages).
4. Swipe down the notification bar and click on the icon ⚙️ Settings → System system → Language and input.
5. In the Keyboard section, select Gboard and turn on the switch.
6. Return to the input field, tap the keyboard icon in the lower right corner and select Gboard from the list.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI In China (without Google services), this method will not work.

If Gboard does not appear in the keyboard list after installation, follow these steps:

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the system does not apply changes without a reboot.
• 📱 Clear the app's cache Settings → Annexes → Application management → Gboard → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Update. MIUI — in older versions of firmware can be bugs with the connection of third-party keyboards.

Method 2: Install Gboard through APK-File (for devices without Google Play)

If your Xiaomi does not have Google services (for example, on models for the Chinese market – Redmi). K50 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, you can install Gboard manually through APK-This method is also suitable for testing beta versions of the keyboard.

Warning: Installing applications from unknown sources may not be secure.Download APK only from trusted resources such as apkmirror.com or the official APKPure website.

Instructions:

1. Download the latest version of Gboard with APKMirror (choose option) arm64-v8a modern smartphones).
2. Transfer the Gboard-*.apk file to your device (e.g., via Bluetooth or cloud storage).
3. In Settings, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Browser (or File Manager) → Allow installation from this source
4. Open the downloaded one. APK-file and follow the installer's instructions.
5. After installation, activate Gboard in Settings → System system → Language and input → keyboard.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China after installing Gboard may not work voice input and text prediction due to the lack of Google services. ROM.

Mi Keyboard (standard)

Gboard by Google

SwiftKey

Other (write in the comments)-->

Method 3: Replace the keyboard via ADB (for power users)

If Gboard is installed but not displayed in the list of available keyboards, the reason may be a lock. MIUI. In this case, the team will help. ADB, which forcibly adds a keyboard to the system.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (download from Android site).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the smartphone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Follow the command to force the addition of Gboard: adb shell im enable com.google.android.inputmethod.latin
5. Restart the device and check for Gboard in the keyboard settings.

After completing the command, Gboard should appear in the keyboard list. If the problem persists, try to also perform:

adb shell im set com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

Setting up Gboard after installation: 7 useful features

Install Gboard is half the battle, and to make the keyboard work as efficiently as possible, we recommend you set the following parameters:

1. Enabling swipe input (Glide Typing):

• 👆 Open any text field and tap the icon. ⚙️ keyboard.
• 📱 Go to Glide Typing → Turn on.
• 🎯 Try to swipe the letters of the word (for example, "hello") - the system will select the option.

Synchronization of the dictionary:

• ☁️ Go to Gboard Settings → Dictionary → Synchronization of the dictionary.
• 🔄 Enable the option and select a Google account.
• ⚠️ On devices without Google services, this feature will not work.

Customization of themes and appearance:

• 🎨 Settings → Theme → Select the background (you can upload your image).
• 🔠 Settings → Size → Keyboard height (useful for small screens).
• 🌙 Turn on Dark Theme for comfort at night.

💡

If you are missing Russian words in the hints, download additional language packs to Gboard Settings. → Languages → Add keyboard. Select Russian (Russia) and Russian (swipe) for better recognition.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful installation of Gboard, Xiaomi users may encounter bugs.

1.Gboard disappears after reboot

It's a problem. MIUI, It resets the keyboard settings:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Gboard → Battery → No restrictions.
• 🔄 Turn off Auto-Optimization for Gboard in Battery Settings.
• 📱 Install Gboard as the default keyboard (Settings) → System system → Language and input → Default keyboard).

2. Voice input is not working

The reason is usually the absence of Google App or Google Play Services.

• 🔊 Install Google App from Play Store.
• 📥 Update Google Play Services to the latest version.
• 🎤 Check the permissions for Gboard (Settings) → Annexes → Gboard → Permits → Microphone).

3.Lucks and braking

If Gboard is slow, try:

• 🧹 Clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → Gboard → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Turn off animations in MIUI (Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations).
• 📵 Restart the device in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → Safe mode) and check the keyboard – if the lags have disappeared, the third-party app is to blame.

💡

If after all the manipulations, Gboard still does not work, try to roll it back to the previous version through the APK Or install an alternative: SwiftKey or Fleksy.

Gboard and Mi Keyboard: What’s Best for Xiaomi

To finally decide on the choice, compare the key features of both keyboards:

The bottom line: Gboard benefits in functionality, especially if you use other Google services (like Gmail or Docs).However, Mi Keyboard may be preferable for users who value minimalism and don't want to waste time setting up.

If you type in multiple languages often or swipe, Gboard is the best choice. For basic typing, the difference may be negligible.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions