Standard keyboard MIUI on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO It often causes users to dissatisfaction: there is no quality gesture input, no integration with Google services, and auto replacement works worse than competitors. In 2026, Gboard remains the only keyboard with full support for Russian, emoji search and synchronization between devices through a Google account.
Many Xiaomi owners face a problem: even after installing Gboard from the Play Market, the system persistently returns the standard keyboard. MIUI. This is due to aggressive optimization. MIUI 14/15, This is a security-based system that blocks third-party keyboards. In this article, we'll look at all the workflows that you can do, including bypassing constraints, setting defaults, and solving common errors.
If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (Global) ROM), Google Play is already pre-installed, for owners of Chinese versions (China) ROM) You'll have to manually install Google first. Don't worry, we've covered both scenarios.
1.Preparation: Verification of the version MIUI availability of Google Play
Before you install Gboard, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements. Open Settings β About the phone and check:
- π± Version. MIUI: should be no lower MIUI 12 (on older versions, bugs with keyboard rights are possible).
- π€ Google Play: If itβs not available, install Google Services first.
- π System Updates: Upload the latest security patches to Settings β Update of the PO.
On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Gboard may not be installed due to the lack of Google Play Services. in this case, follow the instructions in the section "Installation on China" ROM".
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) post-update MIUI 15 keyboard can be reset on a standard keyboard. This is a system bug, the solution is described in the "Problem Solving" section".
If you already have Google Play installed, but Gboard doesnβt appear in the keyboard list β clear the Settings app cache β Annexes β Application management β Settings (βοΈ) β Clear the cache.
π‘
Before installing a new keyboard, back up the user dictionary in a standard keyboard. MIUI: Keyboard settings β Dictionary β Exports.
2. Installation of Google Services in China ROM (If not, play market)
Chinese versions of Xiaomi (China) ROM) They don't have Google services pre-installed. To install Gboard, you first need to unlock the bootloader and flash Global. ROM Or you can manually install Google Play, and we recommend the second option, which is safer and doesn't require a data reset.
Step 1: Download the Google Installer package
- π Go to APKMirror and download the latest version of Google Installer.
- π± Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β Annexes β Application management β browser β Allow installation from this source.
- π§ Install Google Installer and run it. select the Google Play Services package + Google Play Store.
Step 2: Configure after installation
After installing Google Play:
- Open the Play Market and log in to your Google account.
- Update all apps in the My Apps and Games section.
- Restart your phone β this is necessary to activate the services.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) after manually installing Google Play, sync errors may occur, in which case resetting Settings will help β Additionally. β Resetting settings β Resetting application settings.
Download Google Installer with APKMirror|Permit installation APK browser-based|Install Google Installer and select Google Play Services|Restart the phone after installation|Update all applications in the Play Market-->
3. Install Gboard from Play Market (main method)
If Google Play is already installed, the process is as simple as possible:
- Open the Gboard page in the Play Market.
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- After installation, click Open and follow the setup instructions.
However, even after installation, Gboard may not appear in the keyboard list. MIUI. To activate the keyboard:
- Go to Settings β Additional β Language and input β Current keyboard.
- Press Keyboard Management and turn on the switch next to the Gboard.
- Go back and select Gboard as the default keyboard.
If Gboard doesnβt appear in the list, try the following:
- π Reboot the phone.
- π§Ή Clear the cache of Play Market and Google Play Services.
- π₯ Install Gboard through APK (instruction).
Why does MIUI block third-party keyboards?
4. Alternative method: installing Gboard through APK
If the Play Market is not available or Gboard is not installed through it, use the APK-This method is also suitable for testing beta versions of the keyboard.
Installation steps:
- Download the latest version of Gboard from the official source: π APKMirror (select version) arm64-v8a modern smartphones). π APKCombo (alternative to Automatic Architecture Definition).
Settings β Applications β Application Management β Browser (or File Manager) β Allow installation from this sourceGboard
Authentication APK
To avoid viruses, always check the hash amount of the downloaded file. APK have the following parameters:
| Version. | Size (MB) | SHA-256 hash | Architecture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.3.05.5 | ~55 MB | a1b2c3... (check out APKMirror) | arm64-v8a |
| 13.2.03.5 | ~53 MB | d4e5f6... | armeabi-v7a |
| 13.1.09.5 | ~50 MB | 789abc... | universal |
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) some versions of Gboard may cause lags. Install the version armeabi-v7a instead arm64-v8a.
π‘
Installation through APK It allows you to bypass the regional restrictions of the Play Market, but requires a manual file security check.
5.Setting up Gboard as default keyboards
After installing Gboard, it needs to be activated and configured. MIUI This process differs from standard Android due to additional limitations.
Keyboard activation:
- Open any field to enter text (for example, in Notes).
- Tap the keyboard icon in the bottom panel and select Gboard.
- If Gboard doesnβt appear in the list, go to Settings. β Additionally. β Language and input β Current keyboard β Manage keyboards and turn it on manually.
π‘
If after setting up, Gboard continues to reset to the keyboard MIUI, install the SetEdit app from the Play Market, which allows you to manually edit keyboard system settings through the ADB (computer).
6. Features of installation on China ROM (global ROM)
On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The process of installing Gboard is complicated by the lack of Google Play Services. APK Keyboard may not work due to lack of necessary frameworks.
Solution 1: Installation via Xiaomi EU ROM
The most reliable way is to flash Xiaomi.eu (an unofficial global firmware with Google support).
- Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7 days).
- Download the firmware Xiaomi.eu for your model from the official website.
- Fastboot or TWRP (instructions are available on the 4PDA forum).
Solution 2: Manual installation of the Google Framework
If firmware is not an option, set a minimum set of Google services:
- π₯ Download Open GApps (select the Pico option for minimum weight).
- π§ Flow through TWRP or unpack ZIP and set APK manually (root rights required).
- π After installation, reset the cache in TWRP β Wipe β Advanced Wipe β Dalvik / ART Cache.
β οΈ Attention: To China ROM s MIUI 15 manual installation of Google Play can cause Google Play Services to keep stopping error. ROM.
7. Solving Typical Gboard Issues on Xiaomi
Even after successful installation, users are faced with bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
Problem 1: Gboard disappears after reboot
Reason: MIUI Resets keyboard settings when optimizing.
Decision:
- π Open the Settings. β Annexes β Application management β Gboard β Rights. β Additionally. β Change the system settings and allow.
- π Turn off battery optimization for Gboard (see Default settings section").
- π± Install QuickShortcutMaker and create a shortcut to force keyboard selection.
Problem 2: Signing is not working (swipe)
Reason: Conflict with settings MIUI or the Google App disabled.
Decision:
- π§ Enable Google App in Settings β Applications (if disabled).
- π Update Google App and Gboard to the latest versions.
- π Reinstall the language in Gboard: Settings β Languages β Remove and add again.
Problem 3: The keyboard is lagging or slowing down
Causes and solutions:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Printing delays | Conflict with MIUI optimization | Turn it off. MIUI Optimization through ADB: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization 0 |
| Swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swapping | Old version of Gboard | Upgrade to the latest beta with the testing program. |
| The keyboard disappears when you open applications | Insufficient RAM | Clear background processes in Settings β Annexes β Clean up. |
Problem 4: Voice input is not working
On Chinese firmware, voice input to Gboard requires additional Google services.
- π€ Google App (required!).
- π Google Text in Speech.
- π Enable Voice Entering in Gboard Settings.
π‘
If after all the manipulations, Gboard continues to reset, try installing an alternate keyboard (like SwiftKey) and return to Gboard after a week. MIUI "Getting used to third-party keyboards after prolonged use.
8.Gboard Alternatives for Xiaomi
If Gboard is not suitable or installed, consider alternatives with similar features:
Top.-3 Keyboard for Xiaomi in 2026 year
| keyboard | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SwiftKey (Microsoft) | β Best auto replacementβ Synchronization between devices | β No emoji search.β Less frequently updated | Play Market |
| Fleksy | β Minimalist designβ Editing gestures | β Plugins paidβ There is no Russian language in the free version. | Play Market |
| Chroom | β Full customizationβ Support for design themes | β Tough setupβ No cloud backup. | Play Market |
When to choose an alternative?
- πΉ If Gboard is not installed due to regional restrictions.
- πΉ If you need unique features (e.g. editing gestures in Fleksy).
- πΉ If privacy is important: Fleksy and Chroom donβt send data to Google.
For most users, Gboard remains the best choice thanks to the integration with Google Search, Translate and Google. GIF-But if you want to get the most customization, try Chroom.