Choosing a keyboard for Xiaomi Redmi is not just a matter of convenience, but a way to make communication, work and surfing online faster and more enjoyable. Redmi smartphones (whether Redmi Note 12, Redmi 13C or flagship models) work on Android with a proprietary MIUI shell that offers its own keyboard. But it is far from optimal: it has limited themes, no smart autocomplete or gesture support. In this article, we will discuss what alternatives are worth considering, how they differ and how to choose the ideal option for your tasks.
We tested over 15 keyboards from Google Play, selected the best in terms of functionality and convenience, and also took into account the nuances of working with Xiaomi — for example, compatibility with MIUI 14/15 or support for Cyrillic layouts. If you are tired of slow typing, word errors or want more personalization — this guide is for you.
Why a standard MIUI keyboard might not work
Xiaomi Redmi owners often find that the built-in MIUI keyboard is unstable, and here are its key drawbacks:
- 🔄 Slow boot: When you first open after rebooting your phone, the keyboard can “hang” on the phone 2-3 seconds.
- 🎨 Limited topics: everything 5-6 design options, without the ability to download custom backgrounds.
- 📱 Gesture problems: for example, swipe up to switch to numbers is triggered once in a while.
- 🌍 Weak multitasking: When switching between languages (Russian/English) quickly, it sometimes “forgets” the layout.
In addition, in MIUI No built-in translator (like Gboard) and no support GIF-It's keyboards and limited voice, and if you want those features, you'll have to look for an alternative.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or Redmi 9C) The standard keyboard can conflict with banking applications. If you enter a password in SberBank Online or Tinkoff, the keyboard disappears, try turning it off in the System settings. → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
Top.-5 Keyboards for Xiaomi Redmi: comparison of functions
We have selected the 5 most popular keyboards that work best on Xiaomi, all of which support Russian, have high scores in Google Play (4.5+ stars) and are optimized for Android 12/13/14.
| keyboard | Advantages | Deficiencies | Rankings in Play Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard (Google) | Built-in translator, GIF, voice input, cloud dictionary | High RAM consumption (up to 150 MB) | 4.7 ⭐ |
| SwiftKey (Microsoft) | Best word prediction, synchronization between devices | Advertising in the free version | 4.6 ⭐ |
| Fleksy | Minimalist design, gestures for editing | Plugins (emoji, GIF) are purchased separately | 4.5 ⭐ |
| Chroom | Support for dark topics, custom key sizes | No voice input. | 4.4 ⭐ |
| AnySoftKeyboard | Open source code, high security | A complex setup for beginners | 4.3 ⭐ |
Important for Xiaomi Redmi: Gboard and SwiftKey keyboards are best optimized for MIUI – they fly out less often when multitasking and work correctly with branded gestures (for example, swipe down to fold the keyboard).
How to choose a keyboard for your tasks
The choice depends on what you use your smartphone most often for, and here are the key criteria:
- 💬 For social networks and messengers: necessary GIF, Stickers and quick access to emojis → Gboard or SwiftKey.
- 📝 For text: Auto-replacement, dictionary synchronization and Markdown support are important → Fleksy or AnySoftKeyboard.
- 🎮 For gamers: you need a compact keyboard with the ability to move → Chroom.
- 🔒 For security: If you enter a lot of passwords, choose a keyboard with no cloud sync → AnySoftKeyboard.
If you often type with one hand, look for the One-Handed Mode modes in Gboard and SwiftKey, which allow you to shift the keyboard left or right, which is convenient for large smartphones (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
Download only from Google Play (not from third-party sites)
Check permissions (no SMS/calls should be available)
Disable the old keyboard in the MIUI settings
Test in Safe Mode (if there are lags)
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Step-by-step instructions: how to install and configure the keyboard
Installation of the alternative keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi takes no more than 2 minutes.
- Download the keyboard from Google Play (such as Gboard).
- Open Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
- Press Keyboard Management and turn on the switch next to the new keyboard.
- Go back and select Current Keyboard → Specify a new one.
- (Optional) In the keyboard settings, set up the theme, language, and additional features (such as word prediction or voice input).
If the keyboard does not appear after installation:
- Reboot your smartphone.
- Check if the antivirus is blocking it (e.g. Mi Security).
- Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [keyboard] → Clear the cache.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially custom) may trigger the error "keyboard is not responding", in which case it will help reset the keyboard settings to factory or reinstall the installation.
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If you type in two languages often, you can set up a quick swipe swipe switch on the space in Gboard. Go to Settings → Languages → Switching languages and turn on the swipe option on the space.
Hidden keyboard chips for Xiaomi Redmi
Many users are unaware of the useful features that make typing easier. Here are a few life hacks:
- 🔍 Search for emojis according to the words: In Gboard, click on the emoji and type in the word (for example, “heart”) – the system will show all the appropriate emojis.
- 📋 Clipboard: SwiftKey and Gboard have copy history (available on long tap on the input field).
- 🎵 Music input: Fleksy can be typed by “painting” with your finger on the keys (Fleksy Gestures function).
- 🔒 Hidden Mode: Chroom has an Incognito Mode option that does not save the text you typed.
Xiaomi Redmi is particularly useful for autocomplete passwords. If you use Google Password Manager, Gboard can automatically substitute usernames/passwords in apps.
- Open the Gboard Settings → Autocomplete.
- Select passwords and switch on the switch.
- Allow access to Google Smart Lock.
How to speed up keyboard work on weak Redmi (e.g. Redmi 9A)
Problems and Solutions: Why the Keyboard is Lagging or Not Working
Even the best keyboards can slow down on Xiaomi Redmi, and here are the typical problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The keyboard slowly appears | Little RAM. | Close the background applications or install the Lite version of the keyboard |
| Don't switch languages | The conflict with MIUI Launcher | Update MIUI or change launcher to Nova Launcher |
| Disappears when you enter a password | Blocking with a banking application | Use a standard keyboard for banking |
| Voice input is not working. | No access to the microphone. | Check the permissions in Settings → Privacy → Permits |
If the keyboard has stopped working completely:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the keyboard and press Erase Data.
- Reboot your smartphone.
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On Xiaomi Redmi with 4 GB of RAM or less, it is recommended to disable keyboard animations and use lightweight themes. This will reduce lags by 30-40%.
Security: Which keyboards should not be installed
Not all keyboards from Google Play are secure.
- 🚫 Keyboards with access to SMS: They can intercept confirmation codes (e.g, AI keyboard GO Keyboard – They’ve had data breach scandals).
- 🔓 Suspicious permissions: If the keyboard asks for access to contacts, geolocation or camera, it’s a reason to be wary.
- 📦 Clones of popular keyboards: The Play Market has fake Gboards (like the Gboard Pro). LLC.
How to check the safety:
- Look at reviews: if there are complaints about advertising in the text or data theft – do not install.
- Use VirusTotal to check the up file.
- Turn on Google Play Protect (Settings → Google → Security).
⚠️ Attention: Forums 4PDA and XDA Developers have modified versions of keyboards with advanced features (such as Gboard Mod) that may contain spyware - install them only if you trust the source.