Users of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face a situation where a third-party keyboard such as the Facemoji Keyboard suddenly appears on the device.This application can be installed along with other free software or activated accidentally after a system update.The presence of an unknown keyboard raises data security concerns and annoys with constant pop-ups.
Removing this component doesn’t always go the standard way through the app menu, as developers often use various tricks to keep the user away.In some cases, the program hides its icon or requires specific actions to be performed before uninstallation.Full removal of Facemoji requires disabling the device’s administrator rights if they were granted during installation.
In this guide, we will look at all the available methods to combat intrusive applications, learn how to find hidden settings, revoke special permissions and clean the system, and follow the instructions will help you regain control of your smartphone and ensure the confidentiality of input information.
Why Facemoji Keyboard Appears on Redmi
Facemoji’s appearance on the lock screen or as the main keyboard is often a surprise, and it’s marketed as a tool to create selfie emojis, but its distribution methods are aggressive, and it’s often introduced as a complement to other utilities downloaded from unofficial sources or even from Google Play.
The main reason for the difficulty of deleting is the permissions requested. When it is first activated, it requests device administrator rights and access to the clipboard. Without these permissions, it cannot function, but with them it blocks standard deleting. The user may not notice the tick in the agreement, which leads to deep integration of the keyboard into MIUI or HyperOS.
In addition, developers use dark pattern tactics in the interface, the delete button can be hidden in the depths of the menu, or the application simulates the system process so that the user is afraid to touch it. Understanding the implementation mechanism is the first step to successfully clean the gadget.
- 📱 Often installed bundled with free games or camera utilities.
- 🔒 Requests administrator rights by blocking standard deletion through settings.
- 👁️ Can collect data about the typed text, which poses risks to the security of accounts.
⚠️ Note: If the keyboard was installed without your knowledge, immediately check the list of applications with administrator rights.
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Before you start deleting, take a screenshot of the current list of installed applications, which will help restore the system if an important system component is removed by mistake during the cleaning process.
Checking the list of applications and finding hidden processes
The first step in cleaning up is to thoroughly review the installed software, and the standard path is through the Settings menu → Apps → All apps. However, Facemoji may masquerade as a system process or not have an icon in the launcher, and not only look for the full name, but also for acronyms or similar names, such as "Emoji Keyboard", "Face Moji" or strange character sets.
If you can't find the app visually, search by settings. Type the word "keyboard" or "keyboard" into the Xiaomi smartphone settings search box. The system will point to active input methods. It's also worth checking Advanced Settings → Language and input. It shows all active keyboards, even if they're not in the general list of programs.
In some versions of the shell, the app hides in the Tools or Google folder, which can be called Font Manager or Emoji Services. Be careful of the installation date: if an unknown application appears on the same day as the keyboard problems, that's your target, and deletion through this section is only possible if the administrator rights are not activated.
Disabling the rights of the device administrator
The most important step to remove is to revoke administrator rights. While Facemoji is an administrator, the Remove button will be inactive or hidden. To do this, go to Settings menu → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Device administrators. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.
In the list that opens, you'll see ticks against the apps that have increased privileges. Find the app there (Facemoji or its pseudonym) and uncheck the tick. The system will request confirmation of action. Once agreed, the program will lose its privileges and become a regular, uninstalled application.
If there's nothing suspicious about the admin list, but the keyboard continues to dominate, try the following method. Sometimes the rights are hidden in the "Special Features" section. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Special Features. Check the "Downloaded Services" tab. If there's an active service associated with the keyboard, disable it. This will deprive the program of the ability to intercept input and control the system.
| Type of permit | Where is the menu? | Risk to the user |
|---|---|---|
| Device administrator | Passwords and security → Administrators | Deletion blocking, full control |
| Accessibility (Accessibility) | Special Opportunities → Downloaded Services | Reading text from the screen, intercepting clicks |
| Overlay over windows | Appendices → Permissions → Display | Pop-up ads, hiding buttons |
| Use of data | Applications → Traffic consumption | Transfer of entered passwords to the server |
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Without revocation of administrator rights, removing the application is technically impossible with standard Android tools.
Standard uninstallation through settings
Once you have successfully revoked your rights, you can proceed to delete them directly. → Annexes → All applications. Find the target application in the list. Now that the administrator permissions are removed, the "Delete" button should be active and clickable.
Press the delete button and confirm the action in the pop-up window. The system can ask several times if you really want to get rid of the program, warning you about data loss. Ignore these warnings if your goal is a complete cleanup. The process takes a few seconds.
If you plan to use another keyboard after deleting, make sure it is already installed and activated. Otherwise, the system can automatically return the standard Gboard or MIUI Keyboard keyboard. Check this in the Language and Input → Keyboard Management section, where the desired program should be marked as active.
☑️ Deletion checklist
Use of safe loading mode
In cases where the application resists removal, locks the screen or constantly pops up, prevent access to settings, you need to use Safe Mode. In this mode, the smartphone loads only with system applications, which temporarily disables Facemoji and allows you to safely remove it.
To enter Safe Mode on most Redmi and Xiaomi models, you need to press the power button, and then (hold) the "Stop" option on the screen until the suggestion to go to Safe Mode appears. After the reboot, the corresponding inscription will be in the corner of the screen. In this state, third-party keyboards do not work, and you get full access to the settings.
While in Safe Mode, repeat the deletion procedure: go to the application settings, find Facemoji and delete it. Since the program is not running, it will not be able to interfere with the process. Once successfully deleted, simply restart the phone in the usual way to exit Safe Mode.
What to do if the safe mode is not turned on?
Cleaning through ADB for advanced users
If the GUI is not available or the application is hidden so deep that it cannot be found on the list, the ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge) will come to the rescue. This method requires a computer and a USB cable. It allows you to manage packages directly, bypassing the interface limitations.
First, you need to activate the debugging USB. Go to Settings. → About the phone and seven times quickly click on the build number (MIUI Version. You'll see a message saying, "You're a developer." Then you'll see the Advanced Settings menu. → For developers, include the item "Debugging by USB".
Connect your smartphone to your PC, install drivers and platform ADB. In the command line, enter the command to search for the package: adb shell pm list packages | Findstr facemoji. Once you have the exact packet name (e.g. com.facemoji.keyboard), use the command to delete: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facemoji.keyboard.This will force the app to be removed for the current user.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet.applications⚠️ Attention: Use of teams ADB Removing system packages with similar names can lead to unstable system operation or cyclical reboot.