Changing the input language is one of the most basic but critical functions for any smartphone user. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often face the need to quickly switch between Russian, English or other languages during correspondence. Standard methods may vary depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, as well as the keyboard installed.
In this article, we will take a look at all the options available for changing layouts, learn how to configure swipe switching, through space or system panel, and explore the nuances of working with Gboard and Mi Keyboard, so that you can type at maximum speed and comfort in any situation.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the usual keyboard shortcuts stop working or the desired language simply disappears from the list of available ones, this can be caused by an accidental reset or an update to the system, and we will eliminate this problem by returning full control of text input on your device.
Standard methods of switching to Gboard
Most Xiaomi smartphones use Google's Gboard keyboard by default, a powerful tool that offers several convenient ways to change the language. The most common method is to use a special key with a globe image, which is usually located in the bottom row of the keyboard, to the left of the space or in the corner.
Clicking on the globe icon instantly changes the language to the next language on the preset list. If you type in two languages, one short tap will switch them back and forth, but if you have three or more languages connected, a long press on that button will cause a pop-up menu with a list of all the layouts available.
Another popular way is to swipe down the space key, which allows you to cycle through all active languages, and this method is especially useful for those who are used to fast thumb printing and do not want to take their hand off the bottom of the screen.
Why isn't the swipe on the space?
Importantly, the behavior of the globe key can vary depending on the settings. In some configurations, it can display emoji instead of language if priority is given to the insertion of characters. Check the current configuration to make sure that the functionality you need is activated.
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A long press on the globe opens the full list of languages, and a short one switches to the next in line.
Setting up the language bar in Mi Keyboard
Owners of low-end and mid-range Redmi models often use the standard Mi Keyboard. The interface of this keyboard is slightly different from Google products, but the logic of the work remains similar. The main focus is on correctly activating the desired languages in the system settings, since not all the layouts you need can be enabled by default.
To get started, make sure that the language is added to the system. Go to Settings, then select Additional Settings and find Languages and Type. Here, in the list of active keyboards, select Mi Keyboard and go to Language Management.
In the menu that opens, you'll see a list of available languages. Those that are ticked are already active. To add a new one, just click on it in the list of available ones. Then you'll have the option to switch on the keyboard, usually by tapping the language symbol key or swiping the space if the function is supported by the current firmware version.
- 🌐 Press and hold the space key to call the language selection menu.
- ⚙️ Use the settings button (cogs) to quickly activate new layouts.
- 🔄 Swipe left or right on the space key changes the language instantly.
- 📝 In some versions MIUI The language change button can be placed in a separate row above the numbers.
It’s worth considering that older versions of the MIUI shell may have a different interface. If you don’t find the right options, try updating the keyboard app through the GetApps store or Google Play. Current versions of the software include bug fixes and new input management features.
Adding and removing input languages
Often the problem with not being able to switch is that the language you want is not added to the active list. MIUI-based Android allows you to keep dozens of languages active at once, but by default, the set is limited. It takes only a few seconds to add new layouts.
Go to the keyboard management menu as described in the previous section. Find the Add keyboard or + Add language button. In the list that opens, select the language you want. The system may suggest you choose a specific layout (e.g. phonetic, Chinese or standard QWERTY).
Once added, the language automatically becomes available for switching, if there are too many languages, the list can become cumbersome, in which case it makes sense to remove the rarely used layouts, and in the same language management menu, you need to click on the basket icon or the switch opposite the unnecessary language.
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Removing unused languages speeds up autocorrection and predictive typing algorithms, as the keyboard needs to analyze less data.
Notice the order of the languages. The first language on the list is often the primary language, and it's set by default when you start apps. You can change the priority of the languages by dragging them up or down in the list, which affects the cyclic switch sequence.
Solving the problems with switching layout
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the language does not switch in any known way, this can be caused by a software failure, application conflict or an error in the input service. Before looking for complex solutions, try to perform a basic device restart.
If the reboot didn't work, check if the keyboard is disabled. In the Languages and Input section, make sure the switch opposite the keyboard you're using is active. It's also worth checking the permissions for the keyboard application: it must have access to the system and, in some cases, the Internet for voice input and dictionaries to work.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party themes downloaded from unofficial sources may conflict with the standard keyboard. If problems started after installing a new theme, return the standard design.
In rare cases, cleaning the keyboard app cache helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find your keyboard (like Gboard) and choose Clear cache. Don't confuse it with clearing data, as this will remove your dictionaries and settings.
☑️ Diagnostics of language problems
Comparison of popular keyboards for Xiaomi
Choosing a keyboard is a matter of taste, but each application has its own multilingual input features. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best tool. Below is a comparison of the three most popular solutions for Xiaomi devices.
| Function | Gboard | Mi Keyboard | Yandex.Keyboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swipe switching | Yes (customizable) | Yes (standard) | Yes. |
| Voice input | Great (Google) | Basic | Good (Alice) |
| Design topics | Limited. | A lot (through the topic) | Very much. |
| Autocorrection | High precision | Medium | High (for RU) |
Gboard stands out for its integration with Google services and excellent translator. Mi Keyboard is good for its lightness and minimal resource consumption, which is important for budget models. Yandex.Keyboard often wins as a predictive set specifically for Russian and slang.
Third-party keyboards with lots of animations can consume more RAM, which on older smartphones can lead to micro-latency when printing. For maximum performance, it is better to choose native or lightweight solutions.
Use of voice input and emoji
Modern keyboards allow you to not only type, but also dictate text. On the Gboard keyboard, the microphone button is usually located next to the space or in the top row, and by clicking on it, you can dictate messages in any of the languages you're connected to, and the system recognizes speech with high accuracy.
To switch the language of voice input, it is often enough to click on the language icon that appears on the dictation screen, or to say a switch command if it is supported, this is especially convenient when hands are busy or you need to type a large amount of text.
And don't forget the emoji, the emoji key allows you to quickly insert emotions, and the latest versions of Android and MIUI support keyword search for emojis, which greatly speeds up the search for the desired character among thousands of options.
⚠️ Attention: Voice input requires a stable internet connection for maximum recognition accuracy, especially for rare languages or dialects.
By combining voice input, fast language change and emoji, you can communicate as effectively as possible. Experiment with settings to find the perfect balance between speed and convenience for your communication style.