What is SwiftKey and why it is preinstalled on Xiaomi
If you recently purchased a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone and noticed an unfamiliar name, SwiftKey, take your time to remove it. It's one of the most popular alternative Android keyboards developed by Microsoft (yes, the same one!) that's pre-installed on many Xiaomi devices instead of the standard MIUI keyboard -- for good reason.
SwiftKey is known for its artificial intelligence that analyzes your writing style, predicts the next words, and even takes into account the context of your correspondence. 😊 If you use slang, the keyboard will quickly adapt to your habits, but why did Xiaomi choose that? MIUI 12, SwiftKey has become the standard solution for global firmware versions, while the Chinese versions still use the native keyboard. MIUI.
It's important to understand that SwiftKey is not just a replacement, it's a full-fledged productivity tool, it supports over 300 languages (including dialects), it has a built-in translator, design themes, and even SwiftKey Flow for gesture input, but how do you set it up properly and should you abandon Xiaomi's native keyboard? Let's get into it.
SwiftKey differs from the standard MIUI keyboard
Many Xiaomi users are wondering: which keyboard is better, SwiftKey or built-in MIUI? To answer, compare their key features. The main difference lies in the algorithms of text prediction. SwiftKey uses Microsoft cloud technologies, which allows it to adapt faster to your vocabulary, but requires access to the Internet for full operation. MIUI keyboard, in turn, is more focused on local processing, which can be a plus for privacy.
Another notable difference is design and customization. SwiftKey offers hundreds of themes (including animated ones) while MIUI-The keyboard is limited to a few standard options. MIUI There is a one-handed feature that is not in SwiftKey by default (although it can be enabled in the settings), SwiftKey also supports floating mode (keyboard window can be moved around the screen), which is convenient for large smartphones like Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro.
- 🔹 SwiftKey: Cloud Prediction, 300+ languages, translator, themes, gesture input (Flow), floating mode.
- 🔹 MIUI-Keyboard: local data processing, one-hand mode, integration with Xiaomi services (for example, quick access to Mi Pay), less so.
- 🔹 General: support for emojis, voice input, auto-replacement, dictionary synchronization (in SwiftKey - through Microsoft account).
If you switch between languages frequently or write in several languages at once (e.g. Russian) + English + In Spanish, SwiftKey will be more convenient thanks to smooth switching without having to press the globe. MIUI-The keyboard for this you need to touch the icon of the language every time.
How to turn SwiftKey on or off on Xiaomi
If SwiftKey is installed on your device but not activated, you can turn it on in a few steps. Go to Settings → System and device → Language and input → Current keyboard. Here you will see a list of available keyboards. Click on SwiftKey and confirm the switch. If it is not on the list, then it is not preinstalled - download it from Google Play (free).
To disable SwiftKey and return to the standard MIUI keyboard, do the same, but select the MIUI Keyboard (or Gboard if you have one installed).Please note that if you completely remove SwiftKey through Settings → Applications, some features (such as gesture input) may become unavailable in other keyboards.
☑️ Setting up SwiftKey on Xiaomi
Once activated, SwiftKey will offer you a quick setup: language selection, permission to access SMS (to improve predictions), and sync with the cloud. By refusing to access messages, you lose the ability to personalized prompts, but you keep privacy.
⚠️ Note: If the characters on the keyboard are not displayed correctly after installing SwiftKey (for example, instead of Russian letters - characters), check the language settings in the SwiftKey application itself. MIUI.
Step-by-step setting up SwiftKey for yourself
SwiftKey is flexible, but many Xiaomi users use it out of the box without realizing its full potential. Let's break down the key settings that should be customized first.
1. Languages and layouts. Go to SwiftKey settings (⚙️ → Languages, add the languages you want, and you can turn on bilingual input here (e.g. Russian). + Useful option: Show hints in both languages if you switch frequently.
2 Themes and designs. In the Themes section, you'll find dozens of design options, from minimalist to animated. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) recommend choosing a dark theme to save battery power, and you can adjust key size and transparency here.
3 Prediction and Auto-Replacement. In Settings → Prediction, turn off Showing Error sentences if you are annoyed by typos in the prompts. Activate Cloud Prediction for more accurate recommendations (the Internet requires). If you use slang or jargon frequently, add these words to My Dictionary.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud prediction | On. | Improves the accuracy of tips, but requires the Internet |
| Bilingual input | On. (if necessary) | Simplifies switching between languages without clicking on the globe |
| Show the sentence bar | On. | Accelerates typing due to prompts over the keyboard |
| Press vibration | A bounce. (or weak) | Saves battery power and reduces the load on the tactile engine |
| Synchronization of the dictionary | On-line (via Microsoft account) | Save your words and settings when you change your device |
4 Gestures and additional features. In Settings → Enter SwiftKey Flow to gesture words (swipe your finger through letters without tearing it off). This speeds up printing by 20-30%. You can also set up Voice input (works through Google) and Floating keyboard - convenient for large screens.
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If SwiftKey has started to slow down, clear its cache in Settings → Apps → SwiftKey → Memory. This will not delete your settings, but will speed up your work.
Common SwiftKey Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions
Despite all the advantages, Xiaomi users sometimes encounter SwiftKey bugs. Let’s consider the typical problems and ways to fix them.
1. The keyboard is lost or not opened. This most often happens after the MIUI update.
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Language and input and select SwiftKey again.
- 🔧 Clear the application data (Settings) → Annexes → SwiftKey → Memory. → Clear the data).
- 🔧 Reboot your smartphone.
2. The predictions or the clues don't work, and the reason for that could be a cloud prediction that's disabled or a synchronization failure.
- 🔄 Is cloud prediction enabled in SwiftKey settings.
- 🔄 Is there Internet access (SwiftKey uses Microsoft cloud).
- 🔄 Is the traffic saving mode included in the MIUI (Settings → Connections → Saving traffic).
3.SwiftKey eats the battery. The keyboard can actually consume a charge if it's actively using the cloud or vibration.
- 🔋 Turn off the vibration when pressed.
- 🔋 Reduce the frequency of cloud sync (in your Microsoft account settings).
- 🔋 Use a dark theme on AMOLED-screen.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI SwiftKey stopped supporting Russian (or any other language you need), check if the language settings in the keyboard itself have reset. MIUI Resets regional parameters to default values (English).
What if SwiftKey is not installed from Google Play?
SwiftKey vs Gboard: Which is Best for Xiaomi?
Many Xiaomi users compare SwiftKey to Gboard and can't decide which is better. Let's make an honest comparison on the key criteria.
1. Text Prediction. SwiftKey leads the way here because of deep integration with Microsoft AI. It's better at remembering your slang, names, and frequently used phrases. Gboard's not bad either, but its predictions are more standard dictionary-oriented. For example, if you often write "vaccinations" instead of "hello," SwiftKey will be quicker to adjust.
2. Design and themes. Gboard offers more minimalist themes and supports dynamic wallpapers (like Google Photos). SwiftKey is famous for its animated themes and more flexible key size settings. If you care about aesthetics, choose SwiftKey; if you prefer minimalism, Gboard.
3. Additional features. Gboard benefits from Google's built-in search (you can search for GIFs, stickers or information directly from the keyboard). SwiftKey offers translator and better support for gesture input (Flow). Gboard also has a feature called Glide Typing (similar to Flow), but it works less smoothly.
4. Privacy. Gboard is the clear leader. SwiftKey syncs data to Microsoft’s cloud, which may alert privacy-conscious users. Gboard collects data, too, but Google has a more transparent policy in this regard (you can turn off personalization in settings).
- 🏆 SwiftKey is better if: you are interested in accurate predictions, gesture input, variety of topics.
- 🏆 Gboard is better if: you often search for information directly from the keyboard, appreciate minimalism and privacy.
- 🏆 MIUI-Keyboard is better if: you don’t want to install third-party apps and are happy with the basic features.
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For most users, Xiaomi SwiftKey is the best choice due to its balance of functionality and integration with MIUI. However, if you are actively using Google services, Gboard may be more convenient.
Hidden SwiftKey chips that few people know about
SwiftKey has a lot more to do than it seems, and here are a few hidden features that will make your communication even more convenient:
1. Quick access to emojis and gifs. Keep your finger on the emoji button (😊), To open a menu with commonly used emojis, and if you swipe left in the prediction bar, you'll find a GIF. GIPHY).
2. Personal shortcuts. You can create your own abbreviations in settings (Settings → Input → Abbreviations) for example, type in "adr" and SwiftKey automatically replaces this with your full address.
3. Incognito mode. If you enter a password or sensitive information, click on the key icon (🔑) SwiftKey will temporarily disable predictions and will not remember the typed text.
4. Gesture settings. In Settings → Input → Gestures, you can assign swipes to the space key. For example, swipe left to delete a word, swipe right to insert the last copy.
5 Multi-account support. If you use SwiftKey on multiple devices, sync your vocabulary through your Microsoft account so that your settings and frequently used words are available everywhere, even on a tablet or PC (via SwiftKey for Windows).
6. Voice input with translation. Click on the microphone icon (🎤) And say a phrase in one language -- SwiftKey can translate it into another language, if you have the translator on!
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To reset all SwiftKey settings to factory settings, go to Settings → Reset. This will help if the keyboard started to glittle after the update.