Changing the keyboard layout is a basic but critical feature for any modern user of Xiaomi’s multilingual smartphone. Device owners, whether it’s a budget Redmi Note or a flagship Xiaomi 14, often face a situation where the system does not switch characters according to the usual algorithm, knocking down the tempo of typing. Understanding how to change the language on the keyboard, avoids unnecessary waste of time and nerves in correspondence or when searching for information.
The MIUI shell interface and the new HyperOS offer multiple levels of input control, from quick gestures to deep system keyboard settings. In this article, we will take a look at all the switching options available, look at typical problems with displaying the desired alphabets, and provide solutions for situations where standard methods do not work.
Before we get to the tricky stuff, it’s worth noting that most of the problems are solved by simply activating the layout you want in the settings menu. However, if you’re used to a particular button arrangement or using third-party printing apps, the approach may be different.
Standard ways to switch layouts
The fastest and most obvious way to change the input language on Xiaomi smartphones is to use special controls located directly on the keyboard panel. The standard Gboard keyboard, which is preinstalled on most global firmware versions, has a separate button for this. It usually looks like a globe image or an acronym for the current language (such as RU or EN) and is located at the bottom of the screen, often next to a space.
One short-term click on this button instantly changes the layout to the next available one on the list, and if you hold your finger on this button, a pop-up menu will open with a list of all the active languages, from where you can choose the right one at once, without cycling, which is especially convenient when three or more languages are activated in the system, and it is inconvenient to get to the desired one with a long tap.
In addition to the on-screen button, the MIUI-based Android operating system supports hardware combinations. On many models, switching is done by simultaneously pressing the Space and Volume Control button (most often Volume Down), a method that is system-based and works even if the on-screen buttons are hidden or inaccessible due to interface error.
Importantly, the behavior of the switch button may depend on the shell version. In older versions of MIUI, the button may have been missing by default, requiring activation in the settings. In current versions of HyperOS, the logic of the operation has become more predictable and unified for all regions. If the button does not appear, check if the second language is included in the settings, which we will discuss in more detail in the next sections.
Configuring input languages in the Android system
If the standard switching doesn’t work or the language you want is missing, you need to go to the system settings. This is where the list of available layouts is formed. To access this menu on Xiaomi devices, go to Settings, then select Additional (or Advanced Settings) and find the Language and Input subsection. In some versions of the firmware, the path may look like Settings → System → Language and input.
In the menu that opens, we're interested in Keyboard Management or Virtual Keyboard, and if you click on it, you'll see a list of keyboards installed. You'll need to choose an active one, most commonly Gboard or Xiaomi Keyboard (MIME), and then you'll see the internal settings menu of that particular app, where you'll find the Languages section.
Inside the language section, you'll see a list of all the layouts available. Those that are ticked or switched are active and will appear when you change language. If the language you want isn't on the Recommended List, scroll down to the All Languages section, find the one you want and activate it. The system can suggest you download additional files to recognize handwriting or voice typing, which is useful for Asian languages.
☑️ Checking language settings
Keep in mind that adding a language to your system doesn't always automatically add it to your keyboard. For example, you can change the language of your phone's interface to English, but the keyboard will only remain in Russian unless you explicitly add English layout to your Gboard settings. This separation allows you to flexibly customize your device to your needs, leaving system menus in one language and typing text in another.
Why isn't language added?
Working with the Gboard keyboard on Xiaomi
Google’s Gboard is the de facto standard for most Android devices, including Xiaomi smartphones. This keyboard has a powerful text prediction algorithm and easy multilingual input setting. To make the most of its capabilities, it’s recommended to set up priority languages. In the Languages menu, you can drag and drop languages inside Gboard settings, specifying the order of their appearance.
One of the unique features of Gboard is that it can enter multiple languages simultaneously without switching layouts. If you activate, for example, Russian and English, the keyboard will automatically suggest words from both dictionaries. This greatly speeds up typing in mixed messages. However, for some users this can be inconvenient, since the system may mistakenly suggest words in a language that is not expected at the moment.
For advanced users, layout is available. In some cases, the standard layout may not be the same as the usual typewriter. Changing the language in Gboard also allows you to choose the layout option, for example, "YTSUKEN" or "YTSUKEN (Where Ye)" It is a trifle, but for many it becomes a decisive factor in comfort.
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Use the floating keyboard feature in Gboard to more easily type text with one hand. Move the keyboard to any part of the screen and scale it as you wish.
The table below compares the main language customization options in the standard Xiaomi and Gboard keyboard, which will help you choose the best option to use:
| Function | Xiaomi Keyboard (MIME) | Gboard (Google) | Third-party (SwiftKey, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic definition of language | Basic | High precision | Very high. |
| Number of supported languages | Limited by region | Complete list | Depends on the developer. |
| Voice input | There is. | Integrated deeply | Depends on the version. |
| Design topics | Minimum. | Rich choice | Very much. |
Use of the Miui keyboard (MIME)
Chinese firmware and some global builds have their own MIUI Keyboard (or MIME) installed by default, with minimalist design and deep integration with Xiaomi services. Language switching is also done through the globe button, but the logic of adding new layouts may differ from the usual Google-ovo one.
To manage languages in MIME, you need to go to the keyboard settings (usually through the gear icon on the keyboard panel or through the general settings of the phone). In the Input language section, you can add the necessary packages. The feature of this keyboard is the presence of specific functions for Chinese, which may be redundant for users from the CIS, but the basic functions work with the stability.
If you're using the Chinese version of your smartphone, the settings menu can be entirely in Chinese, so to change the keyboard language, it's easier to download and install Gboard from GetApps or Google Play, making it the default keyboard, eliminating the need to understand the characters of the system menu.
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The native MIUI keyboard consumes less battery life, but Gboard offers smarter text prediction and better support for multilingual input.
It is important to note that MIUI updates can reset keyboard settings to factory ones. After a major firmware update (for example, switching from MIUI 13 to 14), it is recommended to recheck the list of active languages, as some additional packages can be deactivated by the system for space saving or for security reasons.
Solving Language Switching Problems
When the language on the keyboard stops switching or disappears, it is not common, but can cause serious inconvenience. Most often the problem lies in the software failure of the keyboard application itself. The first step in diagnosis should be to clear the cache. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find your keyboard (for example, Gboard) and select Memory → Clear cache.
⚠️ Note: When cleaning data (not just cache), the keyboard may reset all your personal settings, saved words and learned typing style. Use this option only if cleaning the cache has not helped.
Another common cause is conflict with newly installed apps. Some programs, especially those that require screen access over other windows or have their own keyboards (translators, ad blockers), can intercept input control. Try uninstalling newly installed apps or running the phone in Safe Mode to see if the problem persists.
If nothing works, you can try to force the keyboard process to stop. In the application menu, find your keyboard, press Forced Stop, and then try to call it again in any input field. The system restarts the process, which often eliminates temporary freezes.