Why Facemoji Keyboard Appears on Xiaomi and How to Remove It
Owners of Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI or HyperOS often face the unexpected appearance of the Facemoji Keyboard keyboard, an alternative layout with emojis, gifs and smart offers, which is installed as part of Google system services or through MIUI updates, and is difficult to remove by standard methods. Unlike conventional applications, it is integrated into the system and can be automatically activated after resetting or updating the firmware.
The main problem is that Facemoji Keyboard not only duplicates Gboard or SwiftKey functionality, but also replaces them by default, which annoys users. Moreover, it consumes additional resources, shows ads in some regions and collects input data (anonymized by default, but this raises questions about privacy). In this article, we will discuss three working methods of deleting them, from simple disabling to completely deleting system files (for advanced users).
Warning: Some methods require root rights or ADB. If you are a beginner, start with safe options (sections 2–3) and then move on to radical measures (section 5).
Method 1: Disable Facemoji Keyboard via keyboard settings
The safest and fastest method is to deactivate the keyboard in the system settings, which will not remove it completely, but will prevent automatic appearance when you type, Suitable for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) on MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → System and device → Language and input (on HyperOS: Settings) → Additionally. → Language and input).
- 🔍 In the Keyboard section, look for the Facemoji Keyboard (may be called the Emoji Keyboard or Facemoji Input").
- ⚙️ Slip on it and select "Disable" (or move the slider to the off position.).
- 🔄 Go back to the keyboard list and make sure that only your main layout is active (like Gboard).
If you don't have "Disable", you're protected by the system, and then you go to Method 2.
☑️ Preparing to turn off Facemoji Keyboard
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI for China ROM) the keyboard may be reset after the update, in which case you will need to repeat the process or use the ADB.
Method 2: Remove Facemoji Keyboard updates via ADB
If the keyboard doesn't turn off the standard way, it can be returned to the factory version by removing the updates via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn't require root, but requires basic command-line skills.
Step-by-step:
- Put the debugging on. USB: 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times to activate "Developer Mode". 🔙 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include "Debugging by" USB".
Connect your phone to your PC:
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
- 📱 Connect Xiaomi to the USB, Select the "File Transfer" mode and confirm access to debugging on the phone screen.
- Follow the commands: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facemoji.keyboard If the first command doesn't work, try: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.facemoji.inputmethod.latin
Once reset, the keyboard will no longer be active by default, but will remain in the system. To prevent it from reappearing, install another keyboard (such as Gboard) and make it the main one in the language and input settings.
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If Facemoji Keyboard is still activated after reset, check the settings "Language and input → Virtual keyboard → Keyboard management" and manually disable it.
Method 4: Completely remove Facemoji Keyboard via root (for advanced)
If you are willing to take risks and have root access, you can completely delete the system files of the keyboard. This method is irreversible and can lead to failures if done incorrectly. TWRP).
Instructions:
- 🛠️ Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Root Explorer). FX File Explorer).
- 📁 Go to the folder: /system/priv-app/FacemojiKeyboard/ or (depending on the firmware): /system/app/FacemojiInput/
- 🗑️ Delete all files in this folder (.apk,.odex,.vdex).
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
If errors occur after deletion (e.g., "Unfortunately, the process android.process.acore has stopped"), then the keyboard was part of the critical system services, in which case restore deleted files from the backup or reset settings.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra Facemoji Keyboard is integrated into Google services, and its removal can disrupt other functions, such as voice input or text sync.
How to Prevent the Reappearance of Facemoji Keyboard
Even after removal, the keyboard may return after updating MIUI or Google Play Services.
- 🚫 Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play: Open the Play Store → "Settings" → "Auto-Update Apps. Select Never or Wi-Fi Only (to manually monitor updates).
Block Updates for Facemoji Keyboard
- On Google Play, find the Facemoji Keyboard app.
- Slip on three dots in the corner → “Delete Updates” (if the button is active).
- 📵 Turn off synchronization of keyboard settings: Settings → Google accounts → Synchronization → Disable "Application settings"