Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones often face intrusive behavior of preinstalled software. One such problem is the standard emoji keyboard, which can overlap the interface, cause typing failures or simply annoy with its presence. Removing this component requires understanding the architecture of the MIUI shell, since system applications are not always removed in the usual way through the menu.
The uninstallation process can vary depending on the Android operating system version and regional firmware, some of which involve removing the app completely, others requiring it to be stopped or replaced by default, and it is important to understand that interfering with system processes requires care to ensure that the device is stable.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for getting rid of unnecessary input elements. You will learn how to use built-in system tools, special utilities for advanced users and alternative solutions. MIUI 12 and later standard removal is often blocked, requiring the use of ADB-Let's look at each step in as much detail as possible.
Analysis of the installed keyboard and its origin
Before you take any action, you need to identify what you are going to delete. Xiaomi smartphones can be installed several sources of emoji: the Gboard system keyboard, a separate application “Emoji Keyboard” from third-party developers or custom shell manufacturer.
If the app was downloaded by you yourself from Google Play, the process of removing it is trivial. However, if it is a system component that came with the phone, the system will protect it from being removed. System applications have deeper access rights and are often hidden from the average user in the standard control menu.
To check the type of application, go to your device settings. Find the program management section and carefully review the list. If the Delete button is inactive or missing, you have a system component, which will require more complex manipulations, which we will discuss below.
- 📱 System keyboard - built into firmware, requires special rights to remove.
- 📥 User application – downloaded from the store, removed in the standard way.
- ⚙️ Hidden service – may not have icons, managed through the application manager.
Trying to apply complex methods to a conventional application will take too long, and ignoring the system nature of the program will lead to an error of removal.
Standard removal through Android settings
Let's start with the simplest and most secure method that's suitable for user applications, which is that if you installed the emoji keyboard or came from a third-party launcher, it can be removed through the standard Android interface, which does not require a computer connection or special knowledge.
Open the settings menu of your Redmi 9 and find the Apps. In the list of all programs, find the right name, for example, "Emoji Keyboard" or "Facemoji." Click on it to open the management page. If the application is not critical to the system, you will see an active "Delete" button.
In some cases, an application may have device administrator rights, which blocks its removal, and administrator rights are often used by malware or aggressive programs to protect against removal, and to remove these restrictions, you need to go to advanced security settings.
☑️ Pre-deletion check
Once the restrictions are removed, repeat the deletion procedure. The system will request confirmation of your actions. Accept it, and the program will be completely erased from the internal memory of the device, along with all user data and cache.
Disabling the system keyboard without root rights
If standard deletion is not available, the only safe option is forced disabling, which does not physically delete the application files, but completely stops it from working, the system stops loading the program code into RAM, and it disappears from the list of available input methods.
To implement this method, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the list “Emoji Keyboard” or “MIUI Keyboard.” In the menu that opens, select the option “Disable” or “Stop.” If the “Disable” button is grey, try first clicking “Stop” and then “Disable.”
⚠️ Note: Disabling the system keyboard without installing an alternative may result in you being unable to type text into search or message fields. Install and activate another keyboard, such as Gboard or SwiftKey, in advance.
After disabling, it is recommended to clear the application data, which will delete saved words, usage history and personalized settings. Go to the Memory section inside the app menu and click Clear. This action will free up space and reset possible work errors.
Importantly, after resetting the phone to Factory Reset, the disabled app can be activated again.This is normal behavior for Xiaomi system components. You will have to repeat the shutdown procedure if you decide to completely clean the device.
Using ADB for deep cleaning of the system
For users who want to completely uninstall the system app, rather than just disable it, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This tool allows you to send commands directly to the operating system from the computer, bypassing the interface constraints. USB.
The first step is to activate the developer mode on your Redmi 9. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times (MIUI version). After the notification “You became a developer” appears, go to Additional → For Developers and turn on “Debugging by USB”.
List of commands for removing system packages
Connect your phone to your computer and run the command line in the ADB tool folder. Enter the adb device command to check the connection. The phone screen will see a request for debugging permission — confirm it. Next, use the adb shell pm list packages to find the exact name of the keyboard package.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet keyboardExecuting this command will remove the application for the current user. It will disappear from the launcher and stop consuming resources. Recovery of the application that is deleted in this way is possible only through a full reset of the phone settings or re-installation through the install flag ADB.
Setting up an alternative Gboard keyboard
After removing or disabling the standard emoji keyboard, you need to make sure you have a quality replacement. Google’s Gboard is the best choice for Xiaomi devices, as it ensures stable operation and functionality. Installing this keyboard ensures that there are no problems with text input.
Download Gboard from Google Play. Once installed, the system will automatically prompt you to activate the new keyboard. Go through the setup process by allowing access to contacts and a microphone for voice input. In Gboard settings, you can select a theme, key size and set of languages.
| Function | Standard keyboard | Gboard | SwiftKey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emoji | Basic set | Extended search | Frequent use |
| Voice input | There is. | High precision | Good accuracy. |
| Translation | No. | Built-in | Requires a plugin |
| Topics | Limited. | Many options | Flexible setup |
Don't forget to set Gboard as the default input method. Go to Settings → Additional Settings → Language and Input → Current Keyboard. Select Gboard from the list. Now, a new, more functional interface will be used when typing.
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Use the floating keyboard feature in Gboard if you're more comfortable typing with one hand, which is especially true for the larger Redmi 9 screens.
Solving Frequent Problems and Conflicts
Users may experience a variety of errors when removing or replacing a keyboard, such as when a system component is removed, the Wi-Fi password field or search bar may stop working, which occurs if the system has not switched to a new input method.
If you notice that the keyboard doesn't appear when you touch the text field, restart the device. In most cases, this solves the problem of caching settings. If the reboot didn't help, check if the new keyboard in the language and input settings is disabled.
⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB-There is a risk of removing critical system components, and be careful when entering a packet name, and an error may result in an unstable interface or a cyclical reboot.
It is also possible that the app is removed but the icon remains on the desktop, in which case simply remove the shortcut with a long press. If the icon returns after the reboot, it may not have been deleted correctly and the ADB rights procedure must be repeated.
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Completely removing system applications via ADB is irreversible without resetting settings.Make sure you don't really need this feature before applying removal commands.