Xiaomi’s standard keyboard is often controversial because of specific design, predictive set features, or redundant features that aren’t comfortable for everyone. Many owners of Redmi and Poco smartphones wonder if it’s possible to completely get rid of this system app to make room or simply stop seeing it in the list of available input methods. Unlike conventional programs, the system components of MIUI or HyperOS aren’t removed by simply dragging and dropping into the basket, which requires a deeper understanding of the structure of the Android operating system.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can solve this problem, from the banal shutdown through settings to radical methods using ADB commands. You’ll learn why the system can prevent deleting default input and how to safely replace it with an alternative like Gboard or SwiftKey. It’s important to understand that completely removing the system component can affect the stability of the device, so every step should be conscious.
Before you start taking action, you need to define your ultimate goal: do you just hide the icon, disable autoplay or physically delete application files from the system partition? Completely removing the system keyboard without an alternative will make it impossible to type text anywhere in the interface. So the first and most critical step should always be to install and activate another typer method.
Why Xiaomi’s standard keyboard is in the way and should it be removed?
The main reason users are looking for a way to remove the Xiaomi keyboard is because of its integration with the shell. Mi Input (or Keyboard Xiaomi) often aggressively collects usage statistics, offers themes and stickers that take up precious memory space, and autocorrect algorithms can work incorrectly for the Russian language, constantly offering incorrect word variants.
Another factor is advertising and push notifications, which sometimes leak even through system applications. Disabling unnecessary services allows not only to speed up the smartphone, but also to increase the level of privacy.
The decision to delete should be considered. If you are annoyed only by pop-up prompts, it may be enough just to turn off notifications or clear the application data. But if you prefer minimalism and are accustomed to the functionality of Google Gboard, then replacing the standard solution will be a logical step to personalize your Android device.
Preparation: Installation of an alternative input method
Never try to remove or disable the only keyboard on your device, which will result in you not being able to unlock your phone, enter a Wi-Fi password, or respond to a message. So the first step is installing a reliable replacement. Google Play offers a host of options that will completely block the functionality of the stock app.
Once you install a new application, like Yandex Keyboard or SwiftKey, the system will automatically prompt you to activate it. You need to go to the language and input settings where you need to give the new application the necessary permissions. Without this step, the MIUI operating system will block the use of third-party software in the input fields.
Make sure the new input method works correctly in all applications: browser, messengers and system search. Only after you make sure that you can easily type text, you can move on to manipulating the standard Xiaomi keyboard.
☑️ Preparation for disposal
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Save a screenshot of the current keyboard settings if there are unique dictionaries or custom abbreviations that you don't want to lose when you transition.
Disable keyboard through standard Android settings
The safest and easiest way to get rid of an intrusive app is to disable it. This method doesn't physically delete files, but completely prevents the app from running and displaying on the system. To do this, open your smartphone's Settings and find the Apps section or All Apps.
In the list of installed programs, find Keyboard Xiaomi, Mi Input or Gboard (if you want to delete Google and leave the Xiaomish, although the question is the opposite), click on the name of the application to enter the control menu. Here you are interested in the button Disable or Turn off. If it is active, the system will warn you of the consequences.
Once confirmed, the app icon will disappear from the menu and the keyboard will no longer be offered for text input. However, in some firmware versions, the shutdown button may not be available (dark), which means that the manufacturer has forbidden to disable this component by standard means, and more advanced tools will be required.
⚠️ Warning: If the keyboard stops showing after the keyboard is turned off, try restarting the device. In rare cases, you need to reset your access settings to special features.
Using ADB to completely remove system applications
If a standard shutdown is not possible, a toolkit comes to the rescue. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method allows you to remove system applications without superuser rights (Root), but requires a connection to a computer. You will need to download platform tools for PC and enable debugging. USB on a smartphone in the menu for developers.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable and open the command line or terminal in the ADB folder. Enter the adb device command to check the connection. If the device is determined, you can proceed to find the exact name of the keyboard package, usually com.miui.inputmethod or a similar name.
To remove, use the uninstall command, which will hide the application for the current user. Enter the following instructions:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.inputmethodOnce the command is executed, the application will disappear from the system. It will not take up space in the user partition and will not be updated. It is important to understand that this action is reversible only through resetting the phone to factory state, since there is no standard "Recover" button for packets deleted through ADB.
How to return a remote application?
Comparison of methods: Disconnection vs Deletion
When choosing between a simple shutdown and a complete deletion via ADB, it is worth weighing the pros and cons. Disconnection is safe and reversible at any time, aching a place in the system partition that the user can not see, Deletion frees up space, but carries risks if the package name is mistaken.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of the two approaches so you can choose the best one for your situation:
| Criteria | Disconnection through settings | Removal via ADB |
|---|---|---|
| Security | High (systemic protection) | Medium (the risk of human error) |
| Liberation of the place | No (files remain) | Yes (files deleted for the user) |
| Difficulty | Low (2-3 clicks) | High (needs PC and cable) |
| Return of changes | Instant. | Requires reset or complex teams |
For most users who just want to change the keyboard to a more convenient one, the first method is quite enough. ADB It is only worth experienced enthusiasts who strive to maximize the cleaning of the system from garbage.
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Disconnecting via settings is the best choice for 95% of users, as it is secure and does not require a PC connection.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Unforeseen situations may occur when system components are modified, such as when a keyboard is removed, searching the menu or entering a password when booting may stop working, in which case the system often automatically switches to the base Android Keyboard (AOSP) if it has not been removed previously.
If the input screen is gone completely and you can’t unlock your phone, try connecting an external one. USB-keyboard OTG-Adapter: This will allow you to enter the necessary commands or passwords to restore access, and it can also help to log in to Recovery Mode and perform a data reset (Wipe Data), but it will delete all your files.
Sometimes users find that after updating the firmware remote application returns, this is normal behavior of the system when updating the system partition, in which case the procedure of disabling or deleting will have to be repeated again.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages that you are not 100% sure of their name, and remove critical system components can result in a bootloop).