How to put Yandex Keyboard on Xiaomi phone: full instructions with pictures

Installing an alternative keyboard on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge many users face when switching from iOS or other Android devices. MIUI (Usually Gboard or branded Mi Keyboard) is not always satisfied with the speed of the type, auto-replacement or design. Yandex Keyboard offers unique features: smart input in Russian, taking into account the context, built-in translator, gifs and stickers right in the keys, as well as synchronization of the dictionary between devices.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring Yandex Keyboards on any Xiaomi phone - from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14.

  • πŸ“₯ How to download and install an app from official sources (including without Google Play)
  • βš™οΈ Step-by-step setting up the keyboard in the system and its personalization
  • πŸ”§ Solving typical problems (keyboard does not appear, reset settings, conflicts with the MIUI)
  • πŸ”’ How to ensure security when using third-party keyboards

We pay special attention to hidden settings MIUI 14/15, which can block the installation of third-party keyboards – this information is relevant for new models Xiaomi 2023–2026 If you have tried to put Yandex Keyboard, but it does not work - at the end of the article there is a section with solutions.

πŸ“Š What keyboard do you use on Xiaomi?
Standard MIUI
Gboard by Google
Yandex Keyboard
SwiftKey
Another.

1. Preparing Xiaomi phone for installation

Before installing Yandex Keyboards, you need to check a few key parameters of your Xiaomi to avoid compatibility or performance issues:

Device requirements:

  • πŸ“± Android Version: Not Lower 8.0 (You need to do a full job. 10+). On Xiaomi MIUI 12/13/14/15 keyboard is stable.
  • 🧩 Google Play Access: If it is not available (for example, on Chinese firmware), you will need to manually install.apk.
  • πŸ” Permissions: The keyboard needs access rights to Special Features (for autocomplete) and Notifications (for suggestions).
  • πŸ“Ά Internet: stable connection for downloading the dictionary (about 50-100 MB at the first launch).

Some Xiaomi models (especially those with global firmware) may have battery optimization enabled, which blocks keyboard operation in the background.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Yandex Keyboard (after installation) and select Permissions β†’ Auto-start.
  3. Activate the option to Allow Autostart and Without restrictions in the Energy Saving section.

πŸ’‘

If you have Xiaomi on Chinese firmware (without Google services), download.apk keyboard from the official Yandex website: yandex.ru/keyboard. Make sure that the security settings allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Special permits β†’ Installation of unknown applications).

2. Installation of Yandex Keyboard: 3 proven methods

Depending on the Xiaomi model and regional firmware (Global, Russia, China), installation methods may vary. MIUI.

The easiest and safest method for most users is:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
  2. Enter the Yandex Keyboard and select the official application from Yandex LLC.
  3. Click Install and wait for the download to complete (about 30-50 MB).
  4. After installation, click Open - the setup wizard will start.

Method 2: Manual installation APK (Google-free firmware)

If you have Xiaomi on Chinese firmware or without Google services:

  1. Download the latest version of.apk from the official website: https://yandex.ru/dev/keyboard/
  2. Transfer the file to your phone (e.g., via Telegram or Xiaomi File Manager).
  3. Open the file and allow installation from unknown sources (if you receive a request).
  4. Follow the instructions of the installation master.

Method 3: Installation via Mi App Store (for Chinese firmware)

Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G for China) you can install the keyboard through the Xiaomi store:

  1. Open the Mi App Store (Blue Package Icon).
  2. In the search, type in Yandex Keyboard (in English).
  3. Download and install the app. You may need to start the first time. VPN dictionary-loader.

Download APK official website|Allow installation from unknown sources|Check out the Android version (minimum 8.0)|Disable Battery Optimization for Keyboard|Connect to Wi-Fi to download the dictionary-->

3. Activation and basic keyboard setting

Once installed, the Yandex keyboard will not be active automatically, but you need to turn it on in your system settings. On Xiaomi, this process may differ from other Android devices due to the features of the device. MIUI.

How to turn on the Yandex Keyboard:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System and Device β†’ Language and Input β†’ Current Keyboard.
  2. In the list of available keyboards, find the Yandex Keyboard and activate the switch.
  3. Click on the gear icon next to the keyboard name for additional settings.
  4. Return to any input field (such as Notes) and hold your finger on the space, and the keyboard change menu will appear.

Initial setting:

  • 🌐 Languages: Add the required languages to the keyboard settings β†’ Languages: Translit and non-translit options available for Russian.
  • 🎨 Topics: In the Design section, you can choose a color scheme (dark / light) or download custom themes.
  • ⚑ Quick Answers: Include Clipboard and Gifs for easy access to frequently used phrases.
  • πŸ”’ Security: Disable Statistics in Privacy Settings if you are worried about data transfer.
What if the keyboard doesn’t appear on the list?
If after installation Yandex Keyboard is not displayed in Settings β†’ Language and input, do the following: 1. Restart the phone. 2. Check if it is blocked. MIUI Optimization (enable Developer Mode and turn off Optimization in Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” 7 times click on version. 3. Remove and install the keyboard again, having previously cleared the cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Yandex Keyboard β†’ Warehouse.

4 Advanced settings and personalization

Yandex Keyboard offers dozens of options for fine-tuning to your needs. Let’s consider the most useful ones that will be useful to Xiaomi owners.

Auto-replacement and text prediction

To make the keyboard better suited to your writing style:

  • πŸ“š Include Message Training in Settings β†’ Predicting text: This will allow the keyboard to analyze your chats (without transferring data to servers).
  • πŸ”  Add slang words or specific terms to the User Dictionary.
  • 🚫 Turn off Auto Replacement if it interferes (for example, when typing code or nicknames in games).

Gestures and hot keys

To speed up recruitment:

Gesture/keyboardAction.How to turn it on
Swipe left down the gapMoving the cursorSettings β†’ Gestures β†’ Courier
Swipe up 123.Quick access to symbolsSettings β†’ Gestures β†’ Symbols
Double tap on ShiftEnable Caps LockSettings β†’ Keyboards β†’ Caps Lock
Enter retentionChange the size of the keyboardSettings β†’ Size

Synchronization between devices

If you use the Yandex Keyboard on several gadgets (for example, on Xiaomi and tablet), you can synchronize:

  • πŸ”„ Dictionary: Enable dictionary synchronization in Yandex account.
  • 🎨 Themes: Themes purchased or created will be available on all devices.
  • ⚠️ Security: Do not use sync on work phones with sensitive data.

πŸ’‘

On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+ You may need to disable optimization. MIUI You can do this in the settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (5 times press to enable the developer mode, then in Additional β†’ For developers β†’ Optimization MIUI.

5. Solving Typical Problems on Xiaomi

Even when installed correctly, the Yandex keyboard can be unstable, and below are solutions to some of the most common problems that Xiaomi has.

Problem 1: The keyboard disappears after the restart

Reason: MIUI Resets default settings when optimizing memory.

Decision:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Yandex Keyboard.
  2. Choose Auto Start and No Energy Saving Limits.
  3. Turn on the Cleaning Protection (if there is such a item).

Problem 2: Prediction of text does not work

Reasons:

  • There is no internet connection (the dictionary is loaded when you first connect).
  • In the settings, training by messages is disabled.
  • Conflict with other keyboards (e.g. Gboard)

Solution: Go to Keyboard Settings β†’ Predict text and turn on all options. If the problem persists, clear the keyboard cache in the app settings.

Problem 3: The keyboard is lagging or slowing down

Possible causes and solutions:

Reason.Decision
Little RAM.Close the background applications or turn on Easy Mode in the keyboard settings.
The old version of MIUIUpdate the firmware through Settings β†’ System Update.
Conflict with the shellTurn off animations in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (developer-style).

πŸ’‘

If the keyboard is slowing down when typing in Telegram or WhatsApp, try turning off Prediction text specifically for these applications. β†’ [messenger] β†’ Predict text and deactivate the option.

Problem 4: You can’t install a keyboard due to regional restrictions

On some Xiaomi firmware (for example, for India or China), the Yandex Keyboard may be blocked.

  • 🌍 Use it. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN when installed via Google Play.
  • πŸ“¦ Install.apk manually (see Method 2).
  • πŸ”„ Change the region in the Google Play settings (required) VPN And a new account).
How to remove the standard MIUI keyboard completely?
If you want to leave only the Yandex Keyboard, you can turn off the standard: 1. Go to Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Language and input β†’ Current keyboard. 2. Press the Standard keyboard. MIUI (3. Select to Disable (not delete, namely disable!). ⚠️ Note: If after that Yandex Keyboard stops working, you can return the standard only through resetting settings!

6. Security and confidentiality

Any keyboard has access to everything you type β€” passwords, messages, bank details. Yandex Keyboard is no exception, so it is important to configure it correctly from a security perspective.

What does Yandex know about your set?

By default, the keyboard can send to Yandex servers:

  • πŸ“ Anonymous statistics (frequency of use of symbols, errors).
  • πŸ” Contextual prompts (if text prediction is enabled).
  • πŸ“ Device data (phone model, Android version).

Logins, passwords and bank card data are not transmitted (according to Yandex's statement), but for complete certainty:

How to limit data collection

Go to the keyboard settings β†’ Confidentiality and:

  1. Turn off Statistics Sending.
  2. Deactivate Personalization of Tips (unless you need smart suggestions).
  3. Clear the manual entry history.
  4. Turn off synchronization if you are not using it.

⚠️ Note: If you enter sensitive information (passwords, codes from the SMS), temporarily switch to the standard keyboard MIUI or use Incognito Mode in the Yandex Keyboard settings (disables memorization of text).

Alternatives for maximum confidentiality

If safety is critical, consider:

  • πŸ“± Standard. MIUI β€” cloud-free.

7.Comparison of Yandex Keyboards with Alternatives for Xiaomi

To understand whether to switch to Yandex Keyboard, compare it with other popular options on Xiaomi:

FunctionYandex KeyboardGboard (Google)Mi Keyboard (Xiaomi)SwiftKey (Microsoft)
Prediction of the text in Russian⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (best)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Built-in translatorβœ… (Yandex. Translator)βœ… (Google Translate)❌❌
Gifs and stickersβœ… (keyboard)βœ… (through GIF-search)βŒβœ…
Synchronization between devicesβœ… (via Yandex account)βœ… (Google)βŒβœ… (via Microsoft)
Support for topicsβœ… (plenty)βœ…βŒβœ…
Confidentiality⭐⭐⭐ (statistics)⭐⭐ (data collection by Google)⭐⭐⭐⭐ (minimum)⭐⭐⭐ (Microsoft)

Conclusion: Yandex Keyboard is the best choice for Russian-speaking users of Xiaomi, if you are important:

  • πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Qualitative prediction in Russian (including slang and memes).
  • 🎨 Flexible configuration of the appearance.
  • πŸ”„ Synchronization between devices.

If privacy is the priority, it’s best to stay on the standard Mi Keyboard or install FlorisBoard.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Yandex Keyboard on Xiaomi

πŸ”Ή Why After Updating MIUI Yandex Keyboard stopped working?
Updates MIUI Sometimes they reset permissions for third-party keyboards. To get back up: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Yandex Keyboard. Enable All permissions and Autostart. β†’ System and device β†’ Language and input re-select Yandex Keyboard as the main one. If it doesn't work, delete and re-installe the keyboard.
πŸ”Ή Can I use Yandex Keyboard without a Yandex account?
Yes, the account is only for synchronizing the dictionary and those between devices, and without it, the keyboard will work locally: βœ… Prediction of text (based on input on this device). βœ… All themes and settings. ❌ Sync between gadgets. To disable sign-up offers, select Privacy in the keyboard settings β†’ Not to offer entry.
πŸ”Ή How to transfer the settings of the Yandex Keyboard to the new Xiaomi?
If you change your phone (for example, from Redmi Note 11 to Xiaomi) 13T), You can transfer settings in two ways: via Yandex: On your old phone, log in to your account in the keyboard settings. Enable Sync. On your new phone, set the keyboard and log in to the same account. Manual export/import: On an old phone, export settings to the file via Settings β†’ Backup: Transfer the file to a new phone (e.g., via Xiaomi Cloud or Telegram). Import settings on the new device.
πŸ”Ή Why Yandex Keyboard does not show emoji?
The problem may be related to: Lack of emoji fonts: Install the latest update MIUI through settings β†’ System Update. Conflict with other keyboards: Disable the remaining keyboards in Settings β†’ Language and input. Keyboard settings: Enable Emoji and stickers in Settings β†’ If the emojis are shown in squares, try changing the system font to Settings. β†’ Screen. β†’ font.
πŸ”Ή How to Return a Standard Keyboard MIUI?
If Yandex Keyboard is not suitable, you can return the standard one by saying: Open any field to enter text (for example, Messages). Hold your finger on the space - the keyboard change menu will appear. Select the Standard Keyboard. MIUI (or Gboard if it was default. β†’ System and device β†’ Language and input disable the Yandex keyboard (or delete it). ⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may have a standard keyboard called Android Keyboard (AOSP) Or Mi Keyboard. If it's not on the list, update the firmware.