Replacing the standard keyboard with Xiaomi is a challenge that almost every smartphone owner of this brand faces. The built-in solution from MIUI does not always suit users: someone lacks functionality, someone is annoyed by banner ads, and some just want to try alternatives like Gboard or SwiftKey. However, the process of installing and configuring a new keyboard on Xiaomi has its own nuances – especially if we are talking about models with the shell of MIUI 14/15, where the manufacturer has tightened restrictions for third-party applications.
In this article, we will not only discuss the basic steps of installation, but also how to get around common errors (for example, when a new keyboard does not appear in the list of available), how to adjust auto-replacement and themes to the MIUI style, and also give recommendations for choosing the best keyboards for different scenarios – from fast dialing to privacy.board If you ever wondered why it does not activate after installing the G on the Redmi Note 12, or how to return a standard keyboard after experiments, you will find the answers here.
Why Xiaomi’s standard keyboard doesn’t suit users
The built-in MIUI keyboard (aka Mi Keyboard) has undergone many changes over the years, with the latest versions adding gesture support, improving text prediction, and even integrating the translator, but it also has obvious downsides that drive users to look for alternatives:
- 📢 Intrusive advertising: In some regions (such as India or China), banners with suggestions for installing apps are displayed in the keyboard.
- 🔍 Limited settings: no flexible settings for buttons, themes, or support for rare languages.
- 🛡️ Privacy issues: Mi Keyboard collects typing data (although this can be turned off in settings).
- 🐢 Low speed: on budget models like Redmi 10A Keyboard can "brake" with fast dialing.
In addition, many users note that the standard Xiaomi keyboard is poorly adapted for messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, where speed of typing and support for emojis is important. Alternative solutions (such as Gboard or Fleksy) often offer a more user-friendly interface and additional features, such as built-in Google search or GIF support.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models for the Chinese market (with China firmware) ROM) Third-party keyboards may be blocked, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader or flash to the global version. MIUI.
Which keyboard to choose for Xiaomi: a comparison of popular options
We tested several popular keyboards on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5) and compiled a comparative table on the key criteria:
| keyboard | Advantages | Deficiencies | Best for you. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard (Google) | Built-in translator, Google search, gesture support | Collects data on the set, sometimes “brakes” on weak smartphones | Users who want to integrate with Google services |
| SwiftKey (Microsoft) | Predicting text accurately, synchronizing between devices | Closed to new users (APK can be downloaded) | Those who value personalization and input history |
| Fleksy | Minimalist design, GIF support and extensions | Features, Fewer Languages | Designers and Customization Lovers |
| AnySoftKeyboard | Open source code, high confidentiality | Outdated interface, no cloud sync | The paranoid privacy |
For most Xiaomi users, Gboard is the best choice – it’s free, updated regularly and integrates well with MIUI. However, if you’re worried about privacy, look for AnySoftKeyboard or FlorisBoard (another open source project with a modern design).
Step-by-step: how to install a new keyboard on Xiaomi
The process of installing a third-party keyboard on Xiaomi is slightly different from other Android devices due to the features of MIUI. Follow this guide to avoid typical errors:
- Download the keyboard from Google Play. Open the Play Store and find the app you select (like Gboard). Make sure you download the official version - some clones may contain malicious code.
- Start the app installed. Open the keyboard after installation (e.g. Gboard will offer a short training) This is important: without the first start, the keyboard will not appear in the system settings.
- Activate the keyboard in the MIUI settings. Go to Settings → System & Device → Language & Input → Current Keyboard. Here you will see a list of available keyboards. Click on Keyboard Management and turn on the switch next to the new keyboard.
- Select the default keyboard. Go back to Current keyboard and select the keyboard you have installed from the list. The system will suggest you confirm the choice.
If after these steps, the new keyboard does not appear when typing, try restarting the smartphone or check if it is blocked by MIUI Security (in the security settings, disable the option to disable the keyboard change, if any).
Update MIUI to the latest version |Check the vacant space (need ~100MB) |Disable VPN (can block download) |Close all messengers before setting up-->
How to configure a new keyboard for MIUI: themes, gestures, auto-replace
Installation is only half the battle, and in order for the keyboard to fit perfectly into Xiaomi's ecosystem, it needs to be configured properly, and let's take Gboard as an example, because it's the most popular one.
- 🎨 Topics: In Gboard settings, select Themes and select a design that matches your theme MIUI. For example, for the dark mode the topic is suitable. AMOLED Black.
- 👆 Gestures: Turn on swipe to type (in the section Voice input and gestures). This will speed up typing by 30-40%.
- 🔄 Auto-Replacement: In the Text Correction section, set up automatic replacement of frequently used words (e.g., "sps» → «Thank you»).
- 🌐 Languages: Add the languages you want to use and enable Multilingual Input if you switch between them frequently.
For keyboards like SwiftKey or Fleksy, the settings will be similar, but with their own nuances. For example, SwiftKey can train a text prediction algorithm by importing message history from SMS or WhatsApp (SwiftKey Account section).
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If the keyboard “disappears” when you open messengers after setting up, try manually selecting it in the settings of a particular application. For example, in Telegram, go to Settings → Data and memory → Keyboard and specify the desired one.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after installing it correctly, Xiaomi users may encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The keyboard stopped working, reset its settings in Settings → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Warehouse → Cleaning up the data. That'll help 80 percent of the time.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The keyboard does not appear in the list of available | The application is not running after installation | Open the keyboard as a regular app from the menu |
| The keyboard "flys out" when dialing | Conflict with MIUI optimization | Disable Adaptive Battery for Keyboard App |
| No Russian language in Gboard | Regional restrictions | Download the language manually in the Gboard settings |
| Keyboard brakes | Many background processes | Clear the cache in Settings → Apps |
If none of these methods worked, try installing the keyboard through APK-file from the official developer's website (for example, Gboard can be downloaded from apkmirror.com). Sometimes problems arise due to the regional restrictions of Google Play on some Xiaomi firmware.
How to Get Back a Standard MIUI Keyboard
If the alternative keyboard experiment didn't live up to expectations, you can always go back to the standard solution.
- Open Settings → System and device → Language and input → Current keyboard.
- Select the Mi Keyboard (or MIUI Keyboard) from the list.
- Confirm the choice by pressing OK in the window that appears.
If the standard keyboard disappeared from the list (this happens after resetting), it can be returned by updating the MIUI services:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and check for updates for MIUI.
- If there are no updates, download the latest version of the Mi Keyboard manually from the official Xiaomi forum (section). MIUI Downloads).
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The standard MIUI keyboard cannot be removed completely, it is a system application, but it can be turned off in settings if you prefer an alternative.
Security: How to protect data when using third-party keyboards
One of the biggest complaints against alternative keyboards is typing data collection, and even Gboard and SwiftKey default to sending information to Google and Microsoft servers, respectively, to minimize the risks:
- 🔒 Disable Cloud Sync: In the keyboard settings, find the Sync or Backup option and deactivate it.
- 📱 Use open source keyboards: For example, FlorisBoard or AnySoftKeyboard does not send data to third parties.
- 🛡️ Check the permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → [Keyboard name] → Permits and disable access to contacts, location or microphone if they are not needed.
If privacy is critical for you, consider using a physical keyboard via USB-C or Bluetooth. Modern Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) support connecting external keyboards without additional settings – just connect the devices and choose the desired method of entering in the status bar.