How to completely remove Gboard with Xiaomi Redmi Note: 5 proven ways

Google's Gboard keyboard is the default on most Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones, but not everyone likes it. Some prefer the branded MIUI keyboard, some prefer third-party alternatives like SwiftKey or Fleksy. The problem is that Gboard is integrated into Google's system services and does not have a "Delete" button in the standard application menu, which creates the illusion that it can not be uninstalled without root rights.

There are actually several ways to get rid of Gboard, from a simple shutdown to a complete removal via ADB. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for Xiaomi Redmi Note (including Note 10/11/12/13 series models) based on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14.

Why can’t Gboard be removed in the standard way?

Gboard is a system application that is pre-installed by the manufacturer. In MIUI (as in other Android shells), such applications are protected from accidental removal for several reasons:

• 🔒 Integration with Google services. Gboard is closely linked to Google Play Services and other ecosystem components, so removing it could disrupt some features (such as voice input or autocomplete).
• 📦 Location in section /system. Application files are stored in a protected area of memory that is not available without superuser rights (root) or special tools like ADB.
• 🔄 Automatic recovery, even if you remove it. APK-Manual file, system can restore it after rebooting or updating Google Play.

Xiaomi also sometimes modify Gboard to suit its needs (e.g., adding MIUI-style themes), making it harder to remove it without consequences. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to get rid of the keyboard, just need to use workarounds.

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications can lead to unstable smartphone operation. If you are not sure about your actions, limit yourself to turning off Gboard (method). №(1) or by setting an alternative default keyboard.

Method 1: Disabling Gboard without removing

The safest method is to deactivate the keyboard without deleting its files, which will prevent accidental use of Gboard and free up some RAM, but will not remove the application from the device.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type “Gboard” and select the app from the list.
3. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, first click “Stop”).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Once disabled, Gboard will disappear from the list of available keyboards, but its files will remain in the system. To completely stop using it, pre-installe another keyboard (for example, MIUI Keyboard) and make it the default keyboard in the language settings.

Install an alternative keyboard from Google Play

Make it the default keyboard in the settings

Create a backup copy of important data

Make sure that the shutdown will not disrupt other applications.-->

Method 2: Removing Gboard Updates

If Gboard has been updated through Google Play, you can bring it back to the factory version, which sometimes resolves performance issues or conflicts.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Gboard.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Delete Updates”.
3. Confirm action. The app will return to the version preinstalled in MIUI.

After that, we recommend you to disable the automatic update for Gboard in Google Play:

1. Open Google Play, find Gboard.
2. Click on the three dots next to the “Update” button and uncheck the “Auto Update” box.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note models (e.g. Note 12 Pro)+) The factory version of the Gboard can be severely curtailed in functionality, in which case it is better to use the method. №1 (disable) or install another keyboard over.

Method 3: Remove Gboard via ADB (without root)

To completely remove Gboard without obtaining root rights, you will need an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool, which works on most Xiaomi Redmi Note devices, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on your smartphone (how to turn on - see below).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.

Connect your smartphone to your PC

File transfer

Open the command line.

ADB

Enter a command to check the connection

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, you can continue.

Remove Gboard by the team

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

Once the command is executed, Gboard will be removed for the current user (without affecting system files).The application will disappear from the menu and stop updating through Google Play.

Uninstallation without deletion

Removal of updates

ADB (no root)

Root removal

I don't know, I haven't tried it yet.-->

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root access (like through Magisk), you can delete Gboard permanently, including all of its system files, a method that is radical and only suitable for advanced users.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/Gboard or /system/app/Gboard (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Delete the Gboard folder or the files inside it: Gboard.apk – the main application file; Gboard.odex – optimized code; Lib folder with libraries.

Reset the device.

You can also use root access ADB to remove:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/priv-app/Gboard




mount -o ro,remount /system




exit




exit

⚠️ Attention: Deleting root-righted system files can lead to bootloop if you delete something critical.Always back up through TWRP Or OrangeFox before such actions.

💡

Before deleting system files, check their dependence with the command adb shell dumpsys package com.google.android.inputmethod.latin. This will show which services are using Gboard.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (for advanced)

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use specialized utilities to remove system applications.

• 🛠️ Debloater Tools (e.g. Universal Android Debloater) – run through the ADB and allow massive removal of pre-installed applications.
• 📱 App Inspector – Analyzes application dependencies before deleting.
• 🔧 SD Maid (with SystemCleaner) – helps you find and uninstall unnecessary system APK.

Example of Universal Android Debloater:

1. Download the utility from GitHub.
2. Connect your smartphone to ADB (waywardly №3).
3. Run the program and select com.google.android.inputmethod.latin in the list.
4. Click on Uninstall and confirm the action.

The advantage of these tools is that they can roll back changes if problems arise after removal, but they require caution: some tools can remove critical components of the system.

What if other functions stopped working after Gboard was removed?

In rare cases, removing Gboard can affect:

• 🎤 Voice input in other applications (e.g. Google Assistant);
• 🔍 Autocomplete in browsers or messengers;
• 📝 System dialogs (e.g., entering a Wi-Fi password).

Decisions:

1. Install an alternative with similar features (e.g. SwiftKey supports voice input).
2. Restore Gboard via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.inputmethod.latin
3. Reset your keyboard settings to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.

If you still have problems, try clearing the Google cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Services.
2. Press "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
3. Reset the device.

💡

Before removing Gboard, check if it is used as the default keyboard in apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, otherwise you will not be able to type text into those programs once you delete it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Gboard on Xiaomi Redmi Note