Replacement of the keyboard with Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 5 ways with instructions and tips

A smartphone keyboard is not just a typing tool, but an entire ecosystem that determines the speed of communication, ease of operation and even the security of personal data. 8T Often, it is necessary to change the standard MIUI-keyboard to an alternative one – whether it’s due to an uncomfortable interface, lack of the right languages, or a desire to get advanced features like gesture input or synchronization between devices.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to replace the keyboard with the Redmi Note. 8T — From basic system settings to installing third-party applications and solving typical problems (for example, when a new keyboard does not activate or disappears after a reboot). MIUI 12/14, As some keyboards (such as Microsoft SwiftKey) may conflict with Xiaomi’s shell, you’ll also find a comparison table of popular keyboards and answers to frequent user questions.

Why you might need to change your keyboard to the Redmi Note 8T

The standard MIUI keyboard on the Redmi Note 8T (model M1908C3XG) has a number of limitations that become noticeable when you use it actively:

• 🔍 Limited language set: no dialects, rare languages or specialised layouts (e.g. for programmers).
• ⚡ Low speed: printing delays due to optimization MIUI battery-saving.
• 🎨 Boring design: no themes for design, animations or button customization.
• 🔒 Privacy concerns: Xiaomi’s keyboard can send typing data to the company’s servers (unlike FlorisBoard or AnySoftKeyboard with open source).

In addition, users often complain about automatic fixes that work incorrectly (for example, replacing specialized terms with ordinary words), or the lack of support for swipe input (gesture set) for some languages. Alternative keyboards solve these problems, but their installation and configuration require attention to detail - especially on devices with MIUI, where the system can block third-party applications by default.

Method 1: Install the keyboard via Google Play

The easiest method is to download an alternative keyboard from Google Play Market. For the Redmi Note 8T, you can:

• 📱 Gboard (from Google) – supports swipe input, integration with Google Translate and search GIF.
• ⌨️ Microsoft SwiftKey is the best for multitasking thanks to cloud synchronization and text prediction.
• 🔓 FlorisBoard is open source, with no data collection, but with a limited set of themes.
• 🎨 Chroom – minimalist design with support for customization of each key.

To set the keyboard:

1. Open the Google Play Market and find the app you want (like “Gboard”).
2. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
3. After installation, open the keyboard app and follow the setup instructions (usually you need to allow access to the Text Input Management).

Check the vacant space (need ~50-100 MB)

Disable Battery Optimization for Keyboard in MIUI Settings

Enable installation from unknown sources (if you download APK)

Backup the dictionary of the standard keyboard (if necessary)

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⚠️ Note: After installing a new keyboard MIUI This is standard behavior in the system, which can be ignored if you downloaded an application from an official store. SMS, Think twice before permission (especially for lesser-known applications).

Method 2: Activate the keyboard through MIUI settings

Even after you install a new keyboard, it won't automatically become active.

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
2. Press Keyboard Management and turn on the switch next to the desired keyboard (such as Gboard).
3. Go back and select a new keyboard in the Current Keyboard list.

If the keyboard doesn’t appear on the list, check:

• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI Does not update the keyboard list immediately.
• 📥 Update the keyboard app in Google Play.
• 🚫 Make sure the keyboard is not locked in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Keyboard name] → Permits.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi Note firmware 8T (Especially custom ones, there may be no language and input in the settings, in which case, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner) and enter the query "keyboard".

Method 3: Install the keyboard via APK (if no Google Play)

If you're on your Redmi Note. 8T no Google Play Market (for example, on Chinese firmware or after deleting Google services), the keyboard can be installed via APK-- For that, file:

1. Download the APK of the desired keyboard from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror).
2. Transfer the file to your phone (via USB, Bluetooth, or cloud storage).
3. Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Your file manager] → Allow installation from this source
4. Open up. APK-file and follow the installer's instructions.

Popular keyboards for installation via APK:

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources can cause the phone to get infected with viruses.Always check the hash of the file (for example, through a hash). SHA-256) and use an antivirus (e.g. Malwarebytes). 8T s MIUI Security App protection can also work – it can be temporarily disabled in the security settings.

Method 4: Configure the keyboard for specific applications

Sometimes you need to use different keyboards in different applications, like Gboard for messengers and Hacker's Keyboard for the terminal. On Redmi Note 8T, you can do this:

1. Open any application where you want to change the keyboard (for example, Telegram).
2. Tap the input field to make the keyboard appear.
3. Swipe your finger across the keyboard toolbar (where the language is displayed) to the left – an icon will appear. ⚙️ (setting).
4. Click on it and select Change the keyboard.

If this method does not work (e.g., in some versions of MIUI 14), use the workaround:

• 📌 Install the External Keyboard Helper from Google Play.
• 🔧 In the application settings, specify which keyboard to use for each individual application.

💡

If you need a keyboard with support ADB-commands or Termux, install Hacker's Keyboard. It supports arrows, Ctrl, Esc and other keys necessary to work in the terminal.

Method 5: Solving keyboard problems on the Redmi Note 8T

Even after you install it correctly, the keyboard may not work properly. Consider typical problems and solutions:

If the keyboard stops working completely (for example, after the MIUI update), try:

1. Clear the cache and keyboard data in Settings → Apps.
2. Remove keyboard updates (if it is a system application).
3. Reset keyboard settings to factory: Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting → Reset keyboard settings

💡

On the Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 14 firmware and later, some keyboards (e.g. SwiftKey) may conflict with system optimization, in which case disabling MIUI Optimization via ADB (requires an unlocked bootloader) will help.

Comparison of popular keyboards for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

To choose the best keyboard for your Redmi Note 8T, compare the key options:

For most Redmi Note 8T users, Gboard is the best choice – it is free, supports all the necessary functions and integrates well with MIUI. If you want privacy, look at FlorisBoard or AnySoftKeyboard. For professionals working with the terminal, Hacker’s Keyboard will be indispensable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the keyboard with the Redmi Note 8T