How to change the keyboard layout on Xiaomi Redmi 4: all ways

Changing the keyboard layout to the Xiaomi Redmi 4 is a challenge that every smartphone owner faces when they first get to know the device. Even if you bought a phone with Russian preinstalled, the standard MIUI keyboard can work in English by default, and if you need to type in multiple languages at the same time — for example, switch between Russian, English and Ukrainian — you can not do without the right setup.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to change layout, from basic language change in settings to installing alternative keyboards from Google Play. We will focus on the nuances that arise on Redmi 4 due to the version of MIUI and memory limitations. You will learn how to add a new layout, remove unnecessary, configure quick pairings to switch, and even solve the problem if the keyboard “flyes” after the system update.

Important: The instructions in this article are relevant for all Redmi 4 modifications (including Redmi 4A, Redmi 4 Pro and Redmi 4 Prime), but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (from MIUI 8 to MIUI 12). If your smartphone runs on a newer firmware, some menu items may be renamed - we will mention this too.

1. Check the current layout and version of MIUI

Before you change the layout, make sure it's the problem, not the keyboard failure. Open any application where you can type in text (such as Notes or Messages), and note:

• 🔤 Language of hints: if when entering a word highlights the options in English, it means active English layout.
• 📱 Globe or flag icon on keyboard: it means that multiple languages are supported.
• ⚙️ Settings button (cogs): if it is not, a third-party keyboard (e.g. Gboard or SwiftKey) may be used).

Also check out MIUI: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Redmi 4 is the most common:

Redmi 4 with MIUI 8 may not have the option to add languages directly in the keyboard settings – in this case, you will have to install an alternative keyboard from Google Play.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The keyboard stopped switching between languages, reset its settings. → All settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Current keyboard → Resetting settings.

2. Method 1: Change the layout in the standard MIUI keyboard

If your Redmi 4 uses Xiaomi’s native keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Open any field to enter text (e.g., create a new message).
2. Touch the gear icon (⚙️) on the keyboard to open its settings.
3. Select Input Languages or Input Languages (depending on the current system language).
4. In the list of available languages, include the necessary ones by dragging the slider to the right. For example, for Russian, find Russian.
5. Return to the keyboard and hold the space or click on the globe icon (🌐), switch between the layouts.

Updated to the latest version of MIUI|

Is enough free memory (minimum 500 MB)|

Is the phone connected to the Internet (to download language packets) |

Power saving modes are turned off (they can block changes)-->

If the language you want isn’t on the list, click Download Languages or Download Languages and select it from the one you want. Note that on Redmi 4 with a small storage capacity (16 GB), some languages may not load, in which case you will have to vacate space or use an alternative keyboard.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 8 and 9 when adding a new language, the keyboard may temporarily freeze. Don't close the application - wait 10-15 seconds for the changes to apply.

💡

If the Globe icon on the keyboard gets in the way, you can hide it. MIUI Go to Additional. → Toolbar and disable the option Show the button to switch the language.

Method 2: Install an alternative keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey)

If the standard MIUI keyboard is not suitable (for example, the desired language is missing or it is unstable), the best way to install a third-party keyboard.

• 📱 Gboard (Google): supports more than 100 languages, has a built-in translator and search GIF.
• ⌨️ SwiftKey (Microsoft): smart tips, synchronization of the dictionary between devices.
• 🌍 Multiling O Keyboard: Optimized for low-power devices (ideal for Redmi 4).

Instructions for installation of Gboard:

1. Download Gboard from Google Play.
2. After installation, open any text field and tap the keyboard icon in the bottom panel (near the space).
3. In the list, select Gboard and confirm the switch.
4. Click on the gear icon in Gboard, go to Languages → Add a keyboard and select the right ones.
5. For quick switching between languages, swipe your finger over the space to the left or right.

Method 3: Quickly switching the layout with gestures

If you're tired of constantly clicking on the globe icon, you can set up the hand gestures to switch the layout. MIUI It's done this way:

1. Open the keyboard settings (icon) ⚙️ keyboard).
2. Go to the Input Settings. → Gestures.
3. Enable the swipe option to change the language.
4. Now it is enough to swipe the finger on the space to the left or right to change the layout.

In Gboard and SwiftKey, gestures are configured in a similar way:

• 👉 In Gboard: Settings → Preferences → A blank gesture.
• 👉 In SwiftKey: Settings → Entering → Gestures.

💡

Gestures save time, but on Redmi 4 with a low-quality touchscreen (especially in early installments), false touches can trigger. If the keyboard starts switching itself, turn off the gestures and use the globe button.

If the gestures don't work, check:

• 🔄 Does the keyboard conflict with other applications (for example, launchers or antiviruses).
• 📵 Whether it's Do Not Disturb or Energy Saving, they can block gestures.
• 🔧 Have you been unable to adjust after the update? MIUI (in this case, will help reset the keyboard to the factory settings).

5. Problem Solving: The layout is lost or not saved

On Redmi 4, users often experience the keyboard layout reset after a reboot or update. Causes and solutions:

If the problem persists, try:

1. Remove updates for the standard MIUI keyboard (in the application settings).
2. Install an alternative keyboard (like Gboard) and make it the default keyboard.
3. Reset your phone settings (pre-save data!).

💡

On Redmi 4 with 16GB of storage, frequent keyboard failures can be attributed to space shortages: Transfer photos and videos to a memory card or cloud, then clear the cache of system applications.

6.Setting up auto-replacement and tips for multiple languages

If you're typing in multiple languages, it's helpful to set up auto-replacement and prompts so the keyboard doesn't correct words incorrectly. MIUI:

1. Open the keyboard settings (⚙️).
2. Go to Text Input. → Auto-replacement.
3. Turn off auto-replacement for languages where it interferes (e.g., for English, if you use slang or acronyms frequently).
4. In the Dictionary section, add frequently used words that the keyboard doesn’t recognize.

In Gboard, the settings are thinner:

• 📚 Personal dictionary: Add specific terms (e.g. nicknames or professional words).
• 🔄 Multitasking: Turn on the option to Show hints in multiple languages.
• 🚫 Word Blocking: Ban Auto-Replacement for Certain Phrases.

Redmi 4 with MIUI 8 may not have multitasking prompts.

• Use the space for manual language switching.
• Turn off auto-replacement completely if it interferes.
• Install Gboard – it handles mixed input better (for example, when both Russian and English words are in the same sentence).

7. Resetting the keyboard to factory settings

If all methods have been tried, but the layout still doesn't work properly, reset the keyboard settings. This won't delete your data, but will return all parameters to the "after-purchase" state.

For the standard MIUI keyboard:

1. Go to Settings → All settings → Additional → Language and input.
2. Select the current keyboard (such as the MIUI Keyboard).
3. Click Reset settings and confirm the action.

For Gboard or SwiftKey:

1. Open the keyboard settings (icon) ⚙️ keyboard).
2. Go to additionally → Reset settings.
3. Confirm the reset and restart the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the layout on Redmi 4