Google Keyboard on Xiaomi: How to Select, Install, and Configure Gboard Instead of the Standard MIUI

Standard keyboard MIUI On smartphones, Xiaomi often causes users to dissatisfaction: it is overloaded with advertising, works with delays and does not support some of the features familiar to Google Keyboard. The switch to an alternative keyboard from Google solves most problems, from speeding up typing to integrating with the company’s services. However, not everyone knows how to choose the right version of Gboard, install it on Xiaomi without conflicts with the system and customize it to suit their needs.

In this article, we will look at all the steps, from comparing keyboards to solving typical installation errors. MIUI 14/15, where the manufacturer actively blocks third-party keyboards by default, you'll learn how to bypass restrictions, save autocomplete passwords, and even return gestures. MIUI, And why some of the features of the Gboard might not work on Redmi or POCO, And how to fix it.

Standard keyboard MIUI On smartphones, Xiaomi often causes users to dissatisfaction: it is overloaded with advertising, works with delays and does not support some of the features familiar to Google Keyboard. The switch to an alternative keyboard from Google solves most problems, from speeding up typing to integrating with the company’s services. However, not everyone knows how to choose the right version of Gboard, install it on Xiaomi without conflicts with the system and customize it to suit their needs.

In this article, we will look at all the steps, from comparing keyboards to solving typical installation errors. MIUI 14/15, where the manufacturer actively blocks third-party keyboards by default, you'll learn how to bypass restrictions, save autocomplete passwords, and even return gestures. MIUI, And why some of the features of the Gboard might not work on Redmi or POCO, And how to fix it.

Why Xiaomi Users Choose Google Keyboard

The main reason for the transition is performance. Keyboard. MIUI Often “brakes” when dialing quickly, especially on budget Redmi models or POCO It's 4 to 6 GB of RAM, and Gboard is better optimized, it consumes less resources and loads word predictions faster, and it's critical for users who write a lot in instant messengers or work with documents.

The second key factor is integration with the Google ecosystem, and if you're actively using Gmail, Google Drive or YouTube, Gboard suggests:

• 🔍 Quick Google search directly from the keyboard (click on the “G” logo»)
• 📁 Inserting files from Google Drive without switching between apps
• 🔑 Autocomplete Passwords from Google Password Manager
• 🌐 Instant translation of text on the fly (supports 100)+ language)

Important for Xiaomi owners: on devices with global firmware (EEA) Autocomplete Passwords in Gboard may not work due to limitations EU-Solution: change the region in Google settings or install the beta version of the keyboard.

Finally, Gboard offers flexible look and feel settings: themes, key sizes, toolbar layouts. MIUI-Most of these options are either missing or hidden in paid subscriptions.

Comparison of Google Keyboard and Standard Keyboard MIUI: better

To make an informed choice, compare the key parameters of both keyboards in the table:

The obvious leader is Gboard, but the MIUI-The keyboard has one advantage: it's better adapted to Xiaomi's signature gestures. For example, swiping left over the space for switching languages is more stable than in Google Keyboard. If you're critical of this feature, you can customize Gboard to it (we'll talk about this below).

Another nuance: on devices with MIUI for Russia (firmwareware) RU) The standard keyboard can offer more accurate predictions for Russian by learning from local data. But the difference is not critical — Gboard quickly adapts to your vocabulary.

💡

If you often type in two languages (such as Russian and English), you can set up automatic switching in Gboard without swiping. → «Languages».

Which version of Gboard to choose for Xiaomi

There are several versions of the keyboard available on Google Play, and not all of them work equally well on Xiaomi.

• 📱 The standard version is stable, but with reduced functions for some regions (for example, without voice input in Russian in the EU.
• 🧪 Beta – gets new features earlier (such as AI predictions), but may contain bugs. POCO F5 Xiaomi 13 with powerful iron.
• 🌍 Gboard Go is a lightweight version for weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C40). It has no functions but works faster.
• 🔓 Modified versions (e.g. Gboard Mod) – offer advanced themes and remote ads, but can be blocked MIUI As "unsafe." Set only at your own risk.

For most Xiaomi users, the best choice is the standard version or beta if you need the latest features. On devices with 3-4 GB of RAM (for example, the Redmi Note 10), the beta version can slow down - check the performance after installation.

How to check the Gboard version after installation:

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Notes).
2. Press the badge. ⚙️ keyboard.
3. Go to the "About the program" - there will be a version.

If you have a version older than 12.0 installed, but some features (like translator) don’t work, try clearing the keyboard cache in the app settings.

Step-by-step: how to install Gboard on Xiaomi

Installing Google Keyboards on Xiaomi is different from other Android devices due to limitations MIUI. Follow the instructions to avoid common mistakes:

Step 1 Download the Gboard

• 📲 Open Google Play and find “Gboard” – Google Keyboard».
• 🔍 If the app is not located, make sure you are logged in to a Google account (without it). MIUI may block the installation).
• 📥 Click “Install” and wait for the download to be completed.

Step 2. Activate the keyboard in the settings

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
2. Click on “Keyboard Management” and turn on the switch next to “Gboard”.
3. Go back and select Gboard as the default keyboard.

Step 3: Set up the permissions

To make Gboard work properly, give it access to:

• 📁 Contacts (for auto-filling names).
• 📊 Usage Statistics (for predictions).
• 🔊 To the Microphone (for voice input).

To do this, go to the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Gboard → Permits.

Step 4. Check the work.

Open any messenger (e.g. Telegram) and try typing if the keyboard doesn't appear:

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (such as the Redmi Note 12) after installing the Gboard may require a reboot to work properly.If the keyboard is not activated, restart the phone and repeat step 2.

Check the version. MIUI (upgrade+ recommended)

Remove the cache of the standard keyboard in Settings → Annexes

Disable battery optimization for Gboard

Download APK If Google Play is blocking the installation-->

Setting up Gboard for Xiaomi: optimization and secret chips

Once installed, Gboard requires fine-tuning to unlock its full potential, and here are the key parameters to change:

Appearance and topics

• 🎨 Go to Gboard Settings → Topics and select one of the pre-installed or download custom.
• 🖼️ For a transparent keyboard, select the theme “Transparent” and adjust the level of transparency.
• 📏 In the Size section, you can reduce the height of the keyboard – this is useful for devices with a small screen (POCO X3, Redmi 10).

Languages and input

• 🌐 Add the required languages to Settings → Languages: For Russian and English, turn on the option “Bilingual Text” so you don’t switch manually.
• 🔤 In the Dictionary section, you can add slang or professional terms that are not in the basic dictionary.
• 📱 For swipes (gestures), turn on "Sliding Input Drawing" for accuracy).

Additional functions

• 🔍 Enable Google Search in the toolbar for quick access to web search.
• 📎 Activate the clipboard for copy history (available in beta).
• 🎵 For music lovers: In gesture settings, you can swipe 123 to open Google Podcasts or YouTube Music.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi with firmware MIUI China (CN) The voice input function in Gboard may not work due to the lack of Google services, the solution is to install Google App and Google Play Services via Xiaomi.EU or manual stitching GMS.

For users who are used to gestures MIUI, You can emulate them on Gboard:

1. Go to Settings. → Gestures.
2. Enable “Swipe left by space” to switch languages (as in the MIUI).
3. Assign a swipe on the Enter key to change the register (convenient for a set of passwords).

💡

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 15 and later, Gboard can automatically shut down after the system update. To avoid this, add the application to Cleanup Protection (Settings) → Annexes → Special permits).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after installing Gboard correctly on Xiaomi, there may be failures.

1.The keyboard disappears after rebooting

Reason: MIUI It resets the default keyboard settings:

• Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
• Turn off the standard keyboard. MIUI (swipe-left → «Shut down»).
• Install Gboard as the default keyboard.

2. Password autofilling does not work

Cause: Conflict with MIUI Password Manager. Solution:

• Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → Auto-filling.
• Select “Google” instead «MIUI».
• Reset the device.

Brakes in typing

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Eliminate Gboard from Optimization in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🗑️ Cash: Clear the keyboard cache in Settings → Annexes → Gboard → Memory.
• 📉 Animations: Turn off key animation in Gboard settings (section "Exterior Views»).

4. emoji are not displayed or GIF

Reason: Additional functions disabled. Solution:

• Go to Gboard Settings → Emoji, stickers and GIF.
• Turn on the emoji screenings and GIF toolbar.
• If the problem persists, update Google Play Services.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro after update MIUI Gboard's microphone permission may be reset. Check the permissions after each major update!

Gboard Alternatives for Xiaomi: Whether to Try

If Google Keyboard doesn’t work for you, consider other options.Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons alternatives for Xiaomi:

If you care about privacy, look for AnySoftKeyboard or FlorisBoard (open projects without data collection). 8A, POCO C31) Gboard Go or Simple Keyboard is a good option.

Before installing an alternative, check:

• 🔒 Compatibility with your version MIUI (Some keyboards don't work on MIUI 15).
• 📱 Support your language (e.g. Fleksy requires a purchase for Russian).
• 🔋 Impact on autonomy (some keyboards drain the battery faster) MIUI-variant).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Gboard on Xiaomi