Why Change the Standard Keyboard to Xiaomi and What the Alternative Can Do
The default keyboard on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a modified version of Gboard with proprietary MIUI settings. It is optimized for the Xiaomi ecosystem, but not all users are suitable for its functionality, for example, many complain about the awkward location of emojis, the lack of flexible gesture settings or excessive integration with Mi Account services.
Alternative keyboards like SwiftKey, Fleksy or Chroom offer advanced features, from text prediction based on your writing style to full customization of appearance, and some keyboards are better adapted for multitasking (such as split-mode fast input) or support voice input with lower latency.
In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to change the keyboard – from the standard method through settings to installation. APK-file-bypassing MIUI. You’ll also learn how to solve typical problems (for example, when a new keyboard doesn’t appear in the list or resets after a reboot).
Method 1: Install the keyboard via Google Play
The easiest and safest method is to download an alternative keyboard from the official app store, which is suitable for most users, as it does not require root rights or technical skills.
Here's how to do it:
- 📱 Open Google Play Store on your Redmi Note 10S.
- 🔍 In the search bar, type the keyboard name (e.g. SwiftKey Keyboard or Gboard – Google Keyboard).
- 📥 Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- 🔧 After installation, open the keyboard app and follow the setup instructions (it is usually required to allow access to input control).
Important: Some keyboards (such as Microsoft SwiftKey) request access to contacts and messages to improve predictions, and you can opt out of these permissions, but the functionality of the keyboard will be limited.
Method 2: Activate a new keyboard in the MIUI settings
Install the keyboard is only half the way, so to make it the default keyboard, you have to change the input settings in MIUI. Here's a step-by-step instruction:
- Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Enter.
- Slip on Current Keyboard (or Keyboard Management depending on the MIUI version).
- Turn on the switch next to the name of the installed keyboard (for example, SwiftKey).
- Go back and select a new keyboard in the default keyboard list.
If the new keyboard doesn’t appear on the list, try the following:
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 📲 Remove the keyboard app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔧 Check if the antivirus or the optimizer is blocking MIUI keyboarding.
Downloaded the keyboard from an official source |
Turned it on in the MIUI | settings
Reboot the phone after installation |
Check the permissions for the application-->
Method 3: Install the keyboard via APK (if it is not in the Play Store)
Some keyboards (like Chroom or FlorisBoard) may not be available in Google Play for your region, and you’ll have to manually install them through the Google Play. APK-file.
⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Use only official developer sites (e.g. florisboard.org for FlorisBoard).
Instructions:
- Download. APK-Keyboard file on a reliable resource.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
- Select the browser or file manager through which you will install the APK and allow installation.
- Open the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
- Activate the keyboard in the MIUI settings (see Method 2).
Once installed, it is recommended to disable installation permission from unknown sources for security.
What to do if the APK is not installed?
Method 4: Reset keyboard settings (if nothing works)
Sometimes, after a keyboard change, there are bugs: you lose input, you don't display themes or you reset settings, and then you can reset to factory settings.
How to reset the keyboard settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find your keyboard (like Gboard or SwiftKey) and tap it.
- Select Warehouse → Clear data and Clear cache.
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Note: Data reset will delete all your personal dictionaries, saved phrases and appearance settings. If the keyboard supports backup (for example, SwiftKey via Microsoft account), restore the data after the reset.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The keyboard doesn't appear on the list. | APK is installed with errors or conflict with MIUI | Reinstall APK or clear the MIUI Settings cache |
| The keyboard is reset after rebooting | MIUI Optimizer Kills the Process | Add the keyboard to Clean Protection in the battery settings |
| Themes or emojis don't work | Incompatibility with the Android version | Update the keyboard or roll back to the old version |
| Input freezes | Conflict with other applications (e.g. launchers) | Disable unnecessary services in Settings → Autorun |
Method 5: Use the keyboard via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods fail (for example, the keyboard is blocked) MIUI), apply ADB-This requires a computer connection and basic knowledge of working with Android Debug Bridge.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 10S (7 times tap on the Build Number in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Run the command to activate the keyboard (replace com.package.name with a real package, for example com.microsoft.swiftkey): adb shell ime enable com.package.name
- Set the default keyboard through the MIUI settings.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not execute commands unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, the adb shell ime disable com.miui.internal.inputmethod command will disable the standard Xiaomi keyboard, which can cause problems if there is no alternative.
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If so, ADB-commands the keyboard still does not work, try to restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button). → This will help identify a conflicting application.
Comparison of popular keyboards for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
To choose the best keyboard, compare the key features of the most popular options.Be aware that the Redmi Note 10S runs on Android 11/MIUI 12.5+, so some features may be limited.
| keyboard | Pluses | Cons | Better for you. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard | Deep integration with Google, voice input, built-in translator | Collects a lot of data, sometimes brakes on weak devices | Users who actively use Google services |
| SwiftKey | Best text prediction, synchronization through Microsoft Account, many topics | It takes up a lot of space, sometimes hangs with prolonged input | People who want to print and value personalization |
| Fleksy | Minimalist design, gestures for quick input, low power consumption | Plugins and extensions require separate payment | Minimalists and lovers of gesture control |
| FlorisBoard | Open source, full customization, no data collection | Less prediction functions, more complex setup | Advanced users who value privacy |
For the Redmi Note 10S, we recommend SwiftKey as the most balanced option: it offers excellent text prediction, flexible settings and runs consistently on the Snapdragon 678. If privacy is important to you, look at FlorisBoard or AnySoftKeyboard.
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On the Redmi Note 10S, it is best to avoid keyboards with heavy animations (such as the Go Keyboard), as they can cause lags due to memory limitations (4/6 GB depending on the modification).