Changing the keyboard language on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when they first start a device or after resetting. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can be difficult due to the features of the MIUI shell and the variety of models (from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra). In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the layout, including nuances for different versions of the firmware and solving typical problems.
Keyboards on Xiaomi are unique in their Mi Keyboard (default) or third-party apps like Gboard. The algorithm will vary depending on the choice, and it’s also important to consider that the settings interface has changed since the MIUI 14 update, as we’ve taken this into account in the instructions below.
1. Standard method: through MIUI settings
This is a basic method that works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of model. Suitable for owners of Redmi, POCO and the main Xiaomi lineup with MIUI 12 firmware and later.
To add or change the keyboard language:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to the section Additional settings → Language and input → Current keyboard.
- Slip on the active keyboard (usually Mi Keyboard or Gboard).
- Select the Input or layout languages (name depends on the version of MIUI).
- Click Add language and select the one you want from the list (for example, Russian, English (USA) or Ukrainian).
- Return to the text input field and swipe the left/right space to switch between layouts.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Make sure you are connected to the Internet (to download language packets)
Close all active applications with input fields
Take a screenshot of the current keyboard settings (in case of resetting)-->
If the language you want is not on the list, you may need to download the language pack.
- 📥 Click on three dots in the upper right corner of the screen with layouts.
- 🔍 Choose Language Management or Download all languages.
- 🌐 Wait for the download to complete (requires a stable Wi-Fi connection).
Fast switching of layouts
After adding several languages, it is important to learn to switch between them quickly. MIUI There are three main ways:
| Method | Action. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| A blank gesture | Swipe your finger left/right on the space key | It only works on the Mi Keyboard. |
| Switch button | Click on the Globe or ABC icon on the keyboard | You can add a button in the keyboard settings |
| Voice input | Hold the microphone button and say "switch language" | Requires enabled voice input in settings |
| Keyboard combination | Press Shift + Space (in some versions of MIUI) | It doesn't work for all models. |
If the language switching button suddenly disappeared from the keyboard, check:
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14, after the update, the Globe button display setting may reset. To return it, go to the Keyboard Settings. → Appearance → Toolbar and enable the option of the Language Change button.
3. language setting in Gboard (if used)
Many Xiaomi users prefer the Google keyboard, Gboard. The algorithm for adding languages is different here:
Instructions for Gboard:
- Open any field to enter text (for example, in Notes).
- Slip the gear icon on the keyboard (or hold the comma to call the menu).
- Select Languages → Add a keyboard.
- Scroll through the list and mark the languages you need (e.g. Russian – QWERTY).
- Return to text entry and hold the space to switch.
The advantage of Gboard is that it supports simultaneous input in multiple languages without manual switching (Multilingual input in settings).
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If the added language is missing in Gboard, try clearing the app's cache in Settings → Apps → Gboard → Memory → Clear the cache. This often resolves the problem without removing the settings.
4. Solving problems with the display of languages
Sometimes the added language doesn't appear in the list or the keyboard forgets layouts after a reboot, and let's look at the typical reasons and ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Reset keyboard settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Your keyboard] → Warehouse → Reset the settings.
- 📱 Container conflict: B MIUI 13/14 You may have a language reset bug after you update. → Language and input → Current keyboard → Drop it.
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some models for India or China have their language lists trimmed. Solution - change region of device to Settings → Additionally. → Region.
- 🔧 Packet loading error: If the language is not downloaded, check the connection to the VPN (Some packages are blocked in Russia or use mobile Internet instead of Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Market (Global) ROM) The list of supported languages is wider than in Chinese versions of firmware (China) ROM). If you need, for example, Kazakh or Belarusian, you may need to reflash to the global version.
Mi Keyboard (standard)
Gboard (from Google)
SwiftKey
Another.
I don't know what I have.-->
5. Features for specific models
Some Xiaomi devices have unique nuances when changing the keyboard language.
| Model | Feature | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | After upgrading to MIUI 13, the language switch button may disappear | Turn it on manually in Keyboard Settings → Layout → Show the language button |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | POCO Launcher is installed by default, which can conflict with keyboard settings | Use Gboard or upgrade Mi Keyboard through Play Market |
| Xiaomi 13/14 Pro | Support AI-Prediction of text can interfere with manual language switching | Turn it off. AI-suggestions in keyboard settings |
| Black Shark 5/6 | Game mode blocks the change of layouts during the game | Add the necessary languages to the settings of the game space → Keyboard |
For devices with a foldable keyboard (such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), you may need to customize the layouts for each mode (folded/decomposed). → Features → Screen modes → keyboard.
How to check out the MIUI version on Xiaomi?
6. Additional Keyboard Functions
Besides basic language change, Xiaomi keyboards have useful features that make it easier to type:
- ✍️ Gestures: In the Mi Keyboard, you can configure swipes to quickly enter characters (for example, swipe up E for the first time). €).
- 🔤 T9 input: Useful for typing with one hand (included in Keyboard Settings) → Input methods).
- 🎨 Topics: Gboard has themes for wallpaper color or system theme MIUI.
- 🔍 Search GIF/Sticker: In Gboard, hold the button (coma) to access the media search.
To enable voice input (useful for long texts):
- Go to Settings → Additional → Language and input → Voice input.
- Select Google Voice or Mi Voice.
- Download the language package for speech recognition.
- Now hold the microphone button on the dictation keyboard.
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On devices with MIUI 14, voice input supports simultaneous recognition of two languages (for example, Russian + English) if you download the corresponding packages.
7. Reset keyboard settings to factory
If all attempts to add language failed, a complete reset of the keyboard settings can help, which will remove all user dictionaries and layouts, returning the original settings.
Resetting instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Mi Keyboard (or Gboard) and tap it.
- Select Memory → Clear data (this will remove all settings).
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
- After switching on, re-add the required languages according to the instructions from the first section.
⚠️ Note: On some devices with MIUI China ROM Resetting the keyboard can result in the removal of all languages other than Chinese, in which case you will need to manually install language packs through Settings. → Additionally. → Region (select Russia or Ukraine).