How to quickly change the layout of the keyboard on the Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways

Changing the keyboard layout on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when they first turn on the device or after resetting, POCO or Mi, sometimes you need to add a new language, delete an unnecessary one, or just switch between them in one click. MIUI before fine-tuning third-party keyboards.

The peculiarity of Xiaomi smartphones is that they offer two keyboard options at once: a proprietary one. MIUI Google’s Keyboard and Gboard. Each has its own customization nuances, and in some cases (e.g. when using a Google Keyboard). POCO Launcher) can cause conflicts between them, and we'll take a closer look at both options, and we'll also show you how to solve typical problems, from language loss to switching failures.

Why you can’t change the layout on Xiaomi: typical mistakes

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand why many users have difficulties, most often the problems are related to:

  • πŸ”„ The keyboard conflict is when both are active and MIUI Keyboard and Gboard can ignore the settings of one of them.
  • 🌐 Regional restrictions – some languages (such as Ukrainian or Belarusian) may be hidden depending on the country of choice in the phone settings.
  • πŸ”§ Failures after the update - after major updates MIUI (For example, switching from version 13 to version 14, keyboard settings can be reset.
  • πŸ“± Features of firmware - on custom firmware (such as Xiaomi.EU) or global versions for different regions, the settings menu may differ.

Another common mistake is trying to change the layout right while typing, not realizing that in Xiaomi, language switching is often tied to a space or swipe on the switch key, and if these gestures are disabled, the user thinks that the keyboard is β€œbroken”.

πŸ“Š What keyboard do you use on Xiaomi?
MIUI Keyboard
Gboard
SwiftKey
Another.
I don't know.

Method 1: Change the layout in the standard MIUI Keyboard

Branded keyboard MIUI Keyboard is installed by default on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. It offers a basic set of features, but its main advantage is deep integration with the system, to add or remove the language layout:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Language and Enter β†’ Current Keyboard.
  2. Choose. MIUI Keyboard (if it is not on the list, turn on the slider next to the name).
  3. Put the badge on. βš™οΈ Settings next to the keyboard name.
  4. Go to the Languages and layouts section.
  5. Click Language Management and select the ones you want from the list (e.g. Russian, English (USA), Ukrainian).
  6. Activate the switches next to the selected languages.

After that, the layout switch button will appear in the input bar (usually with the language designation, for example RUS or the other). ENG). Change the language during typing:

  • πŸ” Swipe to the left or right (if the gesture is enabled in the settings).
  • πŸ”˜ Click on the button with the current language (located next to the space).
  • πŸ”’ Hold the switch button to open the menu of all available layouts.

β˜‘οΈ Checking settings MIUI Keyboard

Done: 0 / 4

If you add the language, if you don't have a switch button, check if the keyboard is disabled in the security settings. MIUI Blocks it because of suspicion of β€œunsafe” behavior (for example, if you have recently installed it) APK-files from unknown sources).

Method 2: Configure the layout in Gboard (Google keyboard)

Gboard is an alternative keyboard from Google that is often set by default on global versions of Xiaomi.It offers more features (like text prediction or search). GIF), But it's a little different than the keyboard you're using to change the layout:

  1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Messages or Notes).
  2. Put the badge on. βš™οΈ on the keyboard panel (or hold the button to switch languages).
  3. Select Keyboard Settings β†’ Languages.
  4. Click Add keyboard and select the languages you want from the list.
  5. Return to the settings menu and enable the Switching option (if it is disabled).

In Gboard, switching between languages can be configured flexibly:

Switching methodHow to turn it onNotes
The button on the keyboardIncluded by default (globe icon)You can change the position of the button in Settings β†’ layout
Swipe by gapSettings β†’ Gestures β†’ Swipe by gapIt only works when text prediction is enabled.
Voice switchingSettings β†’ Voice input β†’ Language switchingRequires Internet connection
Automatic determinationSettings β†’ Text input β†’ Autodetermination of languageIt can work in an unstable way with rare languages.

If it doesn’t appear in the switching list after adding the language, try:

  1. Reboot the smartphone.
  2. Clear Gboard cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Gboard β†’ Warehouse.
  3. Update the keyboard via Google Play.

πŸ’‘

If Gboard languages are missing after the update MIUI, Try disabling battery optimization for the keyboard in auto-start settings.

Method 3: Quickly switching the layout from the notification panel

Few people know, but in MIUI You can add a widget to switch the keyboard directly to the notification bar, which is convenient if you type in multiple languages often and don't want to open the settings every time:

  1. Turn the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
  2. Put the badge on. βš™οΈ (or edit).
  3. Find the widget Input Language (or Keyboard) in the list.
  4. Drag it to the active area of the panel.

Now, with the extended notification panel, you can:

  • πŸ”„ Instantly switch between layouts with one tap.
  • πŸ“‹ See the current language (a badge with an abbreviation is displayed).
  • ⚑ Quickly open keyboard settings (hold the widget).

This is the only way to switch the layout without opening the keyboard – useful for saving time when typing short messages.

πŸ’‘

The widget "Input Language" on the notification panel works regardless of the type of keyboard (MIUI Keyboard or Gboard).

Method 4: Using third-party keyboards (SwiftKey, Fleksy, etc.)

If standard Xiaomi keyboards don’t suit you, you can install alternatives from Google Play.

  • πŸ”  Microsoft SwiftKey supports more than 100 languages and device sync.
  • ⌨️ Fleksy – Minimalist keyboard with gestures.
  • 🎨 Chroom – Customized keyboard with themes.

To configure the layout in the third-party keyboard:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Activate it in Settings β†’ Language and input β†’ Current keyboard.
  3. Open the keyboard settings (usually through the icon) βš™οΈ input panel).
  4. Find the Languages or layouts section and add the ones you need.

SwiftKey, for example, allows:

  • πŸ”„ Swipe the switch key.
  • 🌍 Add dialects (e.g. English) UK vs. US).
  • πŸ“Š Set the priority of languages for autodetermination.
How to transfer dictionaries between keyboards?
If you switch from Gboard to SwiftKey, you can export your custom dictionary through Settings. β†’ Dictionary β†’ Export/Import (not available in all versions).

Note: Some keyboards (such as Fleksy) may conflict with the MIUI If the keyboard doesn't appear on the list of available ones after installation, check it out:

⚠️ Attention! MIUI 14+ Third-party keyboards may require permission to display over other windows. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Display over other windows.

Problem Solving: What to Do When the Location Doesn't Change

If you have completed all the steps but the layout is still not switching, try the following steps:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Language added but not displayed in switching listConflict between MIUI Keyboard and GboardTurn off one of the keyboards in the settings
The switch button is gone.Failure after MIUI updateClear the keyboard cache in the app settings
The layout is reset after rebootingBattery Limitations for KeyboardAdd the keyboard to optimisation exceptions
You can't add a certain language.Regional firmware restrictionsChange the region of the phone to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region

If the problem persists, try resetting the keyboard settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find your keyboard (for example, MIUI Keyboard or Gboard).
  3. Select Warehouse. β†’ Clear the data.
  4. Reboot your phone and reset the layout.

⚠️ Attention! Clearing the keyboard data will remove all user dictionaries and text prediction settings. Before doing so, export important data if it is supported.

Additional tips for working with the keyboard on Xiaomi

To make typing even more convenient, use these recommendations:

  • 🎨 Set up the keyboard theme: in Gboard and MIUI Keyboard can change the color, font and even add your own photo to the background.
  • ⚑ Use gestures: in Keyboard settings β†’ Gestures can be enabled to swipe to delete words, move the cursor, etc.
  • πŸ” Activate the search GIF/Stickers: In Gboard, this is done through an icon 😊 panel.
  • πŸ”Š Set up voice input: in MIUI Keyboard supports several languages at the same time.

For users POCO and Redmi with AMOLED-It's useful to turn on the dark theme of the keyboard to reduce the battery load, and you can do this in the keyboard settings in the Decoration or Themes section.

If you often type in multiple languages, consider using a floating keyboard.

  • πŸ“± Move the keyboard around the screen for easy dialing with one hand.
  • πŸ”„ Switch between languages quickly without losing focus.
  • 🎯 Change the size of the keyboard to your needs.

To enable the floating keyboard:

  1. Open any field to enter.
  2. Put the badge on. βš™οΈ keyboard.
  3. Select Size and layout β†’ Floating keyboard.
  4. Activate the switch and adjust the position.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing layout to Xiaomi

Can I change the layout to Xiaomi without the Internet?
Yeah, for a change of layout in MIUI Keyboard or Gboard Internet is not required, but additional languages (such as rare dialects) may require a connection to download.
Why did all languages other than English disappear after MIUI?
This is a well-known problem with some versions. MIUI. Solution: Go to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Language and input β†’ Languages. Add the languages you want to use to your system list. Reboot your phone. If that doesn't work, reset your keyboard settings (see "Problem Solving").
How to make the keyboard automatically define the language?
In Gboard: Open the keyboard settings. Go to Text Input. β†’ Language Auto-Definition. Enable the option and select languages for automatic recognition. MIUI Keyboard is a similar function called Intelligent Input and is in the basic settings.
Can I assign different layouts to different applications?
Xiaomi’s standard keyboards don’t support this feature, but SwiftKey has an option called Adaptive Suggestions that remembers frequently used languages in specific applications (e.g. English for Telegram and Russian for SMS).
How to remove unnecessary languages from the switching list?
V MIUI Keyboard: Go to Settings β†’ Languages and layouts β†’ Language management. Swipe left on unwanted language and click Delete. In Gboard: Open keyboard settings. Go to Languages β†’ Put a cross next to the unwanted language.