Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face a situation where the standard Gboard keyboard stops making its own functions or just annoys with the behavior. Google Keyboard is built into the Android operating system by default, so simply removing it through the standard application menu will not work. Users have to look for workarounds to deactivate the service or replace it with a more convenient analogue.
In this article, we will discuss all the available solutions to the problem, you will learn how to safely disable the system component without disrupting the operating system, and we will also discuss the nuances of the MIUI and HyperOS shell, which can affect the availability of certain input settings.
The process requires care, as completely removing the system application can lead to the inability to enter text in critical fields. Complete removal of Gboard without first installing an alternative will block the ability to enter text on the device.
Why users want to remove the standard keyboard
The main reason is the intrusiveness of autocorrection and statistics collection, with many users concerned that Gboard is constantly analyzing input text to improve predictive set, raising questions about the privacy of personal data stored in Google’s cloud.
Another aspect is resource consumption: On low-cost Redmi models with little RAM, the background processes of the keyboard can cause the interface to slow down, and turning off unnecessary services helps optimize the performance of the gadget.
It also has aesthetics and habit, and some people have been using SwiftKey or Yandex Keyboard for years and don't want to relearn, and Google's standard interface doesn't always suit the customization needs of advanced users.
- 📉 The desire to reduce the load on the battery and processor of the device.
- 🔒 concerns regarding privacy and data collection by Google services.
- 🎨 The need for more flexible customization of appearance and sounds.
- 🚫 The annoyance of pop-up clues and GIF-animation.
⚠️ Warning: Before disabling the system keyboard, make sure you have one alternative input method installed and activated, or you won’t be able to unlock your phone or enter your Wi-Fi password.
Preparation for replacement: setting an alternative
Before you touch Gboard settings, you need to prepare a replacement. Android will not allow you to be left without an active input method. Download your favorite keyboard from the Google Play store or GetApps. Popular options are TouchPal, Facemoji or minimalist Simple Keyboard.
Once you install the application, the system automatically prompts you to activate the new input method, which is a critical step that you can't skip, and if you miss, you'll have to reset to the factory to get back the input option.
Some antivirus or built-in MIUI protection can warn that a new keyboard may collect data, a standard Android security warning, as any keyboard technically has access to the input characters.
☑️ Preparation for keyboard change
It is important to check the new keyboard in different applications: browser, messengers and search field. Make sure that the switching of languages works correctly and voice input (if necessary) functions.
Standard method of disabling through Android settings
The safest and most recommended way is to use the built-in tools of the operating system, which doesn't require root rights or special knowledge, but simply deactivates the application by hiding it from the list of available input methods.
To start, go to the main settings menu of your Xiaomi. Find the section responsible for additional system parameters. The path may differ slightly from firmware to firmware, but the logic remains the same.
You need to find the language and input control, and that's where you store the settings for all the keyboards you've installed, and select Gboard from the list, and click "Disable" or "Switch off."
Settings → Additional settings → Languages and input → Keyboard management → Gboard (Switch off)Once confirmed, the system will alert you to the consequences, if the alternative is already working, then only a new keyboard will be offered when typing.
| Action. | The result | Recovery capability |
|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | Keyboard hidden but not removed | Instant, via the same menu |
| Clearing the data | Resetting the dictionary and settings | Full, dictionary will have to learn again |
| Removal of updates | Return to the factory version | Yes, through Play Market. |
⚠️ Note: On some global firmware versions, the “Disable” button may not be available (darked), in which case the standard methods will not remove the keyboard, and more complex manipulations will be required.
Using ADB for Advanced Users
If the standard menu doesn't allow you to disable the system application, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) comes to the rescue, which allows you to control the system components from a computer, and it is safe if you execute commands exactly according to instructions.
To start, you need to activate the developer mode on your Redmi, and quickly tap the build number in the About Phone section seven times, then turn on USB debugging from the Developers menu.
Connect your smartphone to your computer through a high-quality cable. On the phone screen, you will see a request for debugging permission - be sure to tick "Always Allow" and confirm the action.
Commands to remove Gboard via ADB
Open the command line on your PC in the ADB tool folder. Enter the command to disable the Gboard packet. The packet name usually looks like com.google.android.inputmethod.latin.
This method is effective because it forcibly changes the status of the application in the system. Even if the MIUI tries to return Gboard to default after the update, the ADB command can be rewritten, but the status of "disabled" is often retained.
- 💻 Requires a PC or laptop with drivers ADB.
- 🔌 We need quality USB-plug-in.
- 📝 It is important to know the name of the system application package.
Nuances of work in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells are known for aggressive memory optimization, which can kill off third-party keyboard processes by returning users to Gboard, and to avoid this, you need to configure the new keyboard correctly.
Go to the battery settings and find the alternative you have installed. Set the "No Limits" mode, which will prevent the system from unloading the keyboard process from memory when you type in another application.
Also, HyperOS has a Safe Enter feature, so make sure your new keyboard has access to this mode, otherwise it may not appear in the password fields and the system will force Gboard to be enabled.
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If the new keyboard disappears in the password fields of banking applications, try temporarily disabling Privacy Protection in Xiaomi’s security settings.
Another important thing is to auto-start, so let the new keyboard auto-start so that it's ready to go right after the lock screen is turned on, and that will eliminate the delays in unlocking the device.
⚠️ Note: After major firmware updates (e.g., switching from MIUI 14 on HyperOS) settings of input methods can be reset. Check the active keyboard immediately after the system update.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
A common problem is a black screen instead of a keyboard, which happens if the input process freezes or doesn't have time to boot, in which case it helps to restart the device or clear the cache of the replacement application.
Sometimes you have a press desynchronization, you type an "a" and a "b" appears. This is treated by updating the dictionary or reinstalling the keyboard app. Remember to update Google Play services, as they affect the way you type.
If voice input in other apps stopped working after Gboard was turned off, that's OK. Voice dialing is often tied to Google's engine. You'll either have to accept or use voice input inside the newest keyboard, if it supports such a feature.
In rare cases, the system may cycle to choose the input method every time you touch the text field, the solution being to reset special features settings or force the Android System process to stop in the application manager (with caution).
💡
The key to success is having a working alternative before the system component is turned off. Never remove the only keyboard available.