How to change the language on the keyboard on Xiaomi Redmi

Changing the input language on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is a basic skill that every device owner who works with text in multiple languages needs. The standard switching procedure may not seem obvious to beginners, especially given the different versions of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS. Often users are faced with a situation where the right layout is not on the list, or the keyboard does not respond to the usual swipe gestures.

In this article, we will take a look at all the possible ways to customize language input, from standard methods through the toolbar to deep customization of system parameters, learn how to activate hidden functions of the Gboard keyboard and fix common errors when the system “forgets” the selected language after rebooting.

Before we get to the complicated settings, it’s worth noting that modern Xiaomi smartphones use mainly the Gboard keyboard from Google, which has a flexible toolkit. Understanding the logic of this application will allow you to manage text input as efficiently as possible, regardless of the model of your device, whether it’s a budget Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14.

Standard method of switching over the space and control panel

The fastest and most common way to change the language on Xiaomi’s keyboard is to use the space key. In the standard Gboard configuration, a short tap on the space changes the layout to the next one on the list, and a long tap opens the menu of all available languages. This is the most ergonomic method to get used to for everyday use.

If a simple tap doesn't work, look for the area next to the space or a special button with a Globe image. In some MIUI themes, this button can be hidden or replaced with a microphone icon. To return functionality, sometimes just change the keyboard theme in the application settings.

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If the swipe space doesn’t work, try to move your finger just above the keyboard, right down the bottom row of letters – sometimes the touch layer shifts because of the protective glass.

And there's also the option of manually selecting through a pop-up bar, so when you have a language selection menu, you can not only switch to another language, but you can also set the order of priority, and the system will offer autocorrection and word prediction for the language that is the first active language.

Setting up the list of languages in the Gboard app

To add new languages, you need to enter the settings menu of the keyboard itself, which can be done by holding the comma button or through the system settings of the phone. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Language and input, where you control the virtual keyboard, and it stores a complete list of all the layouts ever installed.

Inside the Gboard menu, select Languages. You'll see the current list of active languages. To add a new one, click Add Keyboard at the bottom of the screen. The system will offer an extensive catalog, including rare dialects and specialised layouts, such as AzERTY or QWERTZ.

• 🌍 Click on the globe icon in the bottom row of the keyboard for quick access to the list.
• ⚙️ Use a search by language name if their list is too large for manual browsing.
• 🗑️ Remove unused layouts with a long tap so as not to clutter the selection menu.

Importantly, some languages may require additional dictionary files to be downloaded, which takes several megabytes of traffic, but provides high-quality autocorrection and predictive typing functions. Without a downloaded package, the system will only offer basic character layout without smart prompts.

Changing the language of the system interface Xiaomi

Users often confuse the input language with the interface language of the system. If your phone's menu, notifications and application names are displayed in a foreign language, changing the keyboard settings is useless. You need to change the global settings of MIUI or HyperOS.

In the menu that opens, look for the section marked with an "A" icon or a globe symbol, usually at the top of the list or under "Additional Settings"; select "Language & Region" where you can choose Russian or any other language from the list of supported languages.

Once the system language is changed, the interface will reboot and all menus will be clear, and this action will also automatically add the corresponding layout to the list of keyboards available if it has not already been activated, and changing the system language will not delete your personal data, contacts or installed applications.

Solving problems with lack of proper layout

There are times when the list of available languages is missing the desired option, such as Kazakh, Tatar or specific European layouts, this is often found in global versions of Xiaomi firmware, where the manufacturer optimizes the set of languages for the region of sale, you can solve the problem by installing third-party dictionaries or updates.

The first step is to check for updates to the Gboard app in the Google Play store. Developers regularly add support for new languages and improve recognition algorithms. If the update didn't work, install an alternative keyboard, such as Yandex Keyboard or SwiftKey, which often have more complete support for CIS languages.

⚠️ Note: When installing keyboards from unverified sources (APK-- You risk passing the input data to third parties. Use only official app stores.

The problem may also be limited regional settings: If the region is the wrong location, some language packs may not load, try temporarily changing the region to Russia or the country where the language is the primary language, and reboot the device.

Use of voice and handwriting input

Modern Xiaomi smartphones allow you to type text not only with your fingers, but also with your voice. This feature is especially useful when you need to type a long message or when your hands are busy. To activate, click on the microphone icon on the keyboard. Voice input supports many languages and dialects, automatically determining speech.

Another powerful feature is handwriting, which is essential for languages with hieroglyphic scripts (Chinese, Japanese) or when you want to type in a character that is not in the standard layout, so to enable it, go to the language settings in Gboard, select the language you want, and find the option "Manual input".

Activating this feature will add a special mode where the screen turns into a field for drawing characters. The system uses neural networks to recognize handwriting, so you can write pretty quickly without knowing the exact location of the letters on the virtual keyboard, which is a great way to interact with the device for people with special needs.

Reset keyboard settings and eliminate errors

If the keyboard is not behaving correctly, it doesn't switch the language, it freezes or suggests the wrong words, you may need to reset it, and it won't delete your vocabulary of commonly used words, but it will return all configuration parameters to factory values. → Annexes → All applications → Gboard.

In the app menu, find the option “Clear Data” or “Reset Settings” and then the keyboard will restart as a new one, you will have to re-select the theme and activate the desired languages, but this often solves the problems with software glitches that arose after the system update.

In rare cases, a conflict can cause a third-party application to intercept input. Check which applications have permission to "Map on top of other windows" or access the keyboard. Disabling suspicious programs often returns the regular typing work.

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Complete reset of keyboard data is a radical but effective method of solving problems with hanging switching languages and incorrect autocorrection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)