How to open and configure Gboard on Xiaomi smartphones: the complete guide

Google’s Gboard keyboard is one of the most popular alternatives to the standard MIUI keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones, offering advanced dictionary, gesture support, built-in translator, and integration with Google services. However, many users face the problem that once Gboard is installed, it can’t be found in the list of available keyboards or it suddenly disappears from the system, due to the features of the MIUI shell, which by default hides third-party keyboards or blocks their work due to security policies.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to open Gboard on Xiaomi, from basic activation in settings to solving problems with the lack of a keyboard in the list of available ones. You’ll learn why MIUI can block Gboard, how to install it correctly (including hidden nuances for Chinese firmware), and what to do if the keyboard disappears after a system update. We’ll also look at alternative methods for devices with limited rights, for example, for corporate smartphones or models with a locked bootloader.

If you've tried to turn on Gboard but have not succeeded, don't be in a hurry to remove the app. 90% of the time, it's solved by setting permissions or resetting keyboard settings. And for Xiaomi owners on China ROM, we've prepared a separate section with instructions to bypass regional restrictions.

Why isn’t Gboard displayed in Xiaomi’s settings?

Before you try to open Gboard, it’s important to understand why it might not be available.

• 🔹 Keyboard not installed – sometimes users confuse installation APK Even after downloading from Google Play, additional settings are required.
• 🔹 MIUI Blocks third-party keyboards in Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Google services, including Gboard, are disabled by default.
• 🔹 No permissions required – the keyboard can be installed, but not have the rights to display in the text field.
• 🔹 Conflict with the system keyboard - if MIUI Keyboard from Xiaomi (com.miui.miuilatinime) is activated, it can suppress Gboard.
• 🔹 Resetting or system updates - after the update MIUI Often resets keyboard settings by default.

The most common situation is when Gboard is installed but does not appear in the keyboard list in the settings, which is because MIUI hides inactive keyboards, and to see it, you first need to manually enable Gboard through the Language and Type menu, and then assign it to the default keyboard. More on that in the next section.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with global firmware (Global) ROM) The problem is usually solved in 2 minutes by Google, if you have a Chinese version (China). ROM) — Additional adjustments will be required (see Section 5).

Method 1: Standard activation of Gboard via MIUI settings

If the Gboard keyboard is installed but not displayed when you type in text, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Language and input (on some versions of MIUI, the path may differ: Settings → System and device → Language and input).
2. Slip on the current keyboard (or keyboard management).
3. Turn on the switch opposite Gboard (if it is not listed, see Method 2).
4. Go back to the previous menu and select Gboard as the default keyboard.

If the keyboard doesn’t appear after these steps, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📥 Update Gboard to Google Play.
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Gboard → Clear the cache).

Install the latest version of Gboard from Google Play|

Check the availability of Google services (in China) ROM manual installation may be required)|

Turn off power saving for Gboard in battery settings|

Reboot the device after installation-->

If Gboard is not listed in the keyboard list even after installation, it could mean that:

• 📌 Application installed but not activated (first run required).
• 📌 You have Chinese firmware without Google services (see section 5).
• 📌 The system blocks third-party keyboards due to security policy (solved by resetting settings).

Standard MIUI|

Gboard|

SwiftKey|

Another.|I don't know.-->

Method 2: Manually enable Gboard if it doesn't appear in the list

If Gboard is installed but does not appear in the Language and Enter menu, try force-activating it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Gboard in the list and tap it.
3. Press Permissions and make sure all switches are on (especially Display on top of other apps).
4. Return to the main Gboard menu and click Launch (or Open).
5. After the first launch, the keyboard should appear in the list Language and input.

If this does not happen, reset the keyboard settings:

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

This command will reset the Gboard settings to factory settings, and it will require ADB (configuration instructions in Section 6).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (especially 13-14) after resetting the keyboard settings, you may need to manually reactivate the Gboard again. If the keyboard disappeared after the system update, try rolling back the version on Google Play (click Remove Updates).

A critical detail for Xiaomi on China ROM: if it disappears from the Language and Input menu after installing the Gboard, it means that the system blocks it as an “uncertified” application, the solution is to install Google services manually (see Section 5) or use workarounds (for example, a keyboard via Safe Mode).

Method 3: Assigning Gboard to the default keyboard

Even if Gboard appears on the list of available keyboards, it may not activate automatically.

1. Open any text field (for example, in Messages or Notes).
2. Swipe your finger down the notification bar and tap the Selecting method icon (usually looks like a keyboard with a globe).
3. In the window that appears, select Gboard.
4. Please check the default box (if available).

If this method does not work, check:

• 🔧 Updates for Gboard on Google Play.
• 🔧 No restrictions on settings → Annexes → Special access → Battery Optimization (Gboard should be disabled).
• 🔧 Conflict with other keyboards (e.g. SwiftKey or Microsoft Keyboard).

💡

If Gboard suddenly disappeared after the MIUI update, try removing it and installing it again. Before doing so, clear the cache and data in Settings → Apps → Gboard.

Method 4: Solving Gboard problems on Chinese firmware (China ROM)

On Xiaomi smartphones with Chinese firmware (China ROM), the Gboard may not work due to a lack of Google services.

1. Install Google Play Services and Google Play Store manually (e.g. via APKMirror).
2. Download the latest version of Gboard from the official APKMirror website (avoid third-party sources!).
3. After installation, restart the device.
4. Open Settings → Memory → Cleanup and press Deep Cleanup (this will help the system discover new applications).
5. Repeat the steps from Method 1 to activate Gboard.

If the keyboard doesn’t work after that:

• 🔹 Install Google Framework (com.google.android.gms file).
• 🔹 Check if Unknown Sources are included in the security settings.
• 🔹 Try using Magisk to install Google Apps (root required).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO X5) Chinese firmware can block Gboard even after installing Google services, in which case only reflashing to the global version will help. MIUI.

Method 5: Using ADB to force Gboard on

If standard methods don’t work, you can turn on Gboard via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for power users.

You will need to:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → 7 times to tap the version MIUI → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → set up USB).

Steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (CMD or Terminal).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices
3. Run the command to turn on Gboard: adb shell ime enable com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/com.android.inputmethod.latin.LatinIME
4. Make it the default keyboard: adb shell ime set com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/com.android.inputmethod.latin.LatinIME

If Gboard doesn’t appear after that, try resetting it:

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

💡

Using ADB is the most reliable way to enable Gboard if it is not displayed in the settings, but it requires technical skills and can cause failures if the commands are entered incorrectly.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting up Gboard on Xiaomi, users often make the following mistakes:

• 🚫 Installation from unverified sources - download APK From questionable sites can lead to malware installation.Always use Google Play or APKMirror.
• 🚫 Ignoring permissions – without permissions Displaying on top of other applications, the keyboard will not work.
• 🚫 Late Updates – An Older Gboard Version May Conflict With a New One MIUI.
• 🚫 Reset settings without backup – save your keyboard settings before resetting (e.g., sync them with your Google account).

Another common problem is that Gboard disappears after the MIUI update, which is because the system resets the default keyboard settings to avoid this:

1. Before updating, write down which keyboard was active.
2. After updating, immediately check the settings in the Language and Enter.
3. If Gboard is gone, repeat the steps from Method 1.

💡

If Gboard is unstable (hangs, missing characters), try turning off animations in its settings: Gboard Settings → Themes → Keyboard Animation → Disable.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Gboard on Xiaomi