Auto-replacement of the T9 in WhatsApp on Xiaomi smartphones is often a source of irritation: instead of the right words, the messenger substitutes ridiculous options, and fixing errors takes time. This is especially noticeable on devices with a shell MIUI, where the standard keyboard settings are intertwined with the proprietary functions of the messenger. In this article, we will discuss how to disable the T9 in WhatsApp on Android for all Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Mi 13.
Complicating the problem, auto-replacement can work on two levels: inside WhatsApp itself (via the built-in keyboard) and at the level of the MIUI system keyboard (such as the Gboard or the standard Xiaomi Keyboard). We will look at both options, and also tell you how to completely deactivate word prompts without losing the functionality of the messenger. Importantly, some methods require administrator rights or enable developer mode – we will warn you about this in advance.
Why is the T9 on WhatsApp on Xiaomi “wrong”?
The reason for the incorrect operation of auto replacement lies in the conflict of three components:
- 📱 System keyboard (Gboard, Xiaomi Keyboard or SwiftKey) – its settings overlap the parameters of the messenger.
- 💬 Built-in WhatsApp keyboard – uses a separate dictionary that is not synchronized with the system.
- 🔧 Branded “chips» MIUI — Xiaomi shell can force auto-replace for all applications.
For example, if you turn off T9 in Settings → System → Language and input, this does not guarantee that auto-replacement will disappear on WhatsApp. The messenger can ignore system settings and use its own algorithm of prompts. This is especially noticeable after the updates to MIUI 14 or Android 13/12, where developers often change the logic of the keyboards.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) post-off T9 Emoji tips may go missing. It's not a mistake; it's how optimization works. MIUI.
Method 1: Disabling T9 in the MIUI keyboard settings
Let’s start with the simplest method, which is to deactivate auto-replace at the system keyboard level, which is a good way to do it if you’re using a standard Xiaomi or Gboard keyboard.
Instructions for MIUI 14/13:
- Open the settings on your Xiaomi.
- Go to the section Additional → Language and input → Current keyboard.
- Select the keyboard you use (such as Gboard or Xiaomi Keyboard).
- Open the keyboard settings → Correct text.
- Turn off the options: 🔘 Auto-correction (or Auto-correction) 🔘 Word suggestions (or next-word suggestions) 🔘 Personalized tips (if any)
If after these actions, the T9 still works, then the problem lies in the built-in keyboard of the messenger – move to the next method.
☑️ What to check before disconnecting T9
Method 2: Deactivate Auto Replacement Inside WhatsApp
WhatsApp has its own hint system that works independently of the system keyboard.
- Open WhatsApp and go to any chat room.
- Tap the message input field so that the keyboard appears.
- Press on. ⚙️ (pin-sign ⋯ (three dots on the keyboard (depending on the version).
- Select Keyboard Settings (or Keyboard Settings).
- Turn it off: 🔘 Auto-correction (Auto-correction) 🔘 Input tips (Show suggestions) 🔘 Personalized suggestions (personalized suggestions)
If there is no keyboard Settings, then your WhatsApp is using the system keyboard – go back to Method 1.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (For example, for Redmi 9A or POCO M4 Pro) WhatsApp's built-in keyboard settings can be reset after the messenger update. Check them after each update.
Method 3: Reset the WhatsApp dictionary (for advanced users)
If previous methods didn’t work, the reason could be a “contaminated” WhatsApp dictionary that has accumulated erroneous clues, in which case the reset of the messenger keyboard data will help.
Instructions:
- Go to Android Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find WhatsApp in the list and open its settings.
- Go to the Warehouse. → Management of space.
- Click Clear Data (not to be confused with Clear Cache!).
- Warning: this will delete the entire chat history if you don't backup!
For owners of Xiaomi root-rights there is a radical method: deletion of the WhatsApp dictionary file via Root Explorer along the path /data/data/com.whatsapp/files/. However, it is risky - you can damage the messenger data.
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If you often write in two languages, instead of completely disabling T9, set exceptions in the keyboard. For example, in Gboard you can add words to the Dictionary → Personal words so that they do not get corrected.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off the T9, Xiaomi users often face these problems:
- Auto-replacement returns after reboot. Cause: MIUI Resets keyboard settings when you update security. Solution: disable automatic updates to system applications in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋯ → Settings → Auto-update.
- Emoji prompts are gone. This is a side effect of turning off Show suggestions. To get the emoji back, leave the Emoji prompts on in the keyboard settings.
- T9 only works on WhatsApp, and other apps don't. So the problem is with the messaging settings. Check Method 2 or reinstall WhatsApp.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Xiaomi (e.g. global version for Redmi Note 11) after shutdown T9 You may lose voice input. To return it, reset the keyboard through Settings. → Annexes.
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If neither method worked, the reason could be regional firmware (for example, the Chinese version of MIUI for Xiaomi 13), in which case only the flashing to the global version or the use of a custom keyboard will help.