How to change the language on the keyboard Xiaomi Pad 5: 3 working methods + problem solving

Introduction: Why can’t you change your language?

The Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet, with its powerful Snapdragon 860 processor and 2.5K 120Hz screen, has become a popular choice for work and entertainment. But many users face an unexpected problem: the keyboard persists in Chinese, English or other unwanted language, despite attempts to switch. What is it?

The reason is that MIUI is a tablet firmware feature, where unlike smartphones, keyboard language settings can be duplicated in multiple menus, and some options are hidden behind additional gestures. For example, the standard Gboard keyboard behaves differently than the branded MIUI Keyboard, and requires a separate setup, and after system updates, settings are often reset — it is not a bug, but a feature of Xiaomi optimization.

In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to change the input language, including hidden settings, and how to return the Russian layout if it suddenly disappeared after the update. All instructions are relevant for Xiaomi Pad 5 on MIUI 13/14 and Android 11/12.

Method 1: Changing the language through system settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI settings. However, there are pitfalls: menus may vary depending on the firmware version, and some items are hidden behind the "developers."

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Language and Input (or System → Language and Input in new versions).
3. Slip on the line Keyboard and input methods.
4. Select an active keyboard (such as MIUI Keyboard or Gboard).
5. Click Languages and add the desired (Russian, Ukrainian, etc.) with the + sign.
6. Return to the input field and hold the space – a language switching panel will appear.

Important! If the list does not include Russian, check if it is installed as a system language in the Settings menu → Additional → Language and region. Without it, the keyboard will not be able to load it.

Update the firmware to the latest version|Make sure the language is added to the system settings|Check if the keyboard is disabled in the menu "Special. features"|Reboot the tablet after the changes-->

Method 2: Switching languages directly from the keyboard

Not everyone knows, but on the Xiaomi Pad 5, you can change the input language without going into the settings, which works for both the MIUI Keyboard and the Gboard, but requires knowledge of hidden gestures:

• 🔄 Swipe space: swipe left or right on the space key, and the language menu opens, which works 90 percent of the time, but can be turned off in the gesture settings.
• 🌐 Globe icon: Some versions of the keyboard in the lower right corner have an icon of the globe.
• ⌨️ Long comma press: in Gboard, key holding, (coma) opens an additional menu with languages.

If gestures don’t work, check if they’re disabled in the keyboard settings (Gestural or Additional) – for example, in MIUI Keyboard, a space swipe might conflict with Quick Enter.

Method 3: Install a third-party keyboard (if the standard one doesn't work)

If the built-in MIUI keyboard stubbornly ignores your attempts to change the language, the only way out is to install an alternative.

To install and activate a third-party keyboard:

1. Download the application from Google Play (links in the table).
2. Run it and follow the setup instructions.
3. Return to Settings → Language & Input → Keyboard and turn on the switch next to the new keyboard.
4. Slip on its name and select Languages to add the right ones.
5. The next time you type in text, click on the keyboard icon in the notification bar and select a new one.

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If the language doesn't change after you install Gboard, try resetting it: Go to Gboard Settings → Reset → Return to factory. This often solves the problem of sticking the layout.

Problem Solving: Language is not changing or has disappeared

What if you've completed all the steps, but the keyboard is still in English or Chinese? Here are 5 common reasons and solutions:

• 🔄 Reset keyboard settings: Go to the keyboard settings and find the option "Reset" or "Return to factory" that will delete all user dictionaries, but often restores the language.
• 📱 Conflict with the shell MIUI: after major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 12 on MIUI 13) settings are reset. Check if the tick has been ticked off the Russian language in the system settings.
• 🛠️ Cache Error: Clear the keyboard cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Keyboard name] → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: if the tablet is purchased in China, some languages may be blocked, the solution is to change the region in settings or install global firmware.
• 🔧 No fonts: rarely, but sometimes the language is not set fonts.

⚠️ If you are using Chinese firmware (for example, V13.0.4.0.SKBCNXM), Russian may not be available in principle, and in this case, you will need to reflash to the global version (V13.0.4.0.SKBMIXM), But it voids the guarantee.

Hidden keyboard chips on Xiaomi Pad 5

In addition to the basic language change, the Xiaomi Pad 5 has several useful but little-known keyboard features that will make it easier to type in text:

• 🎨 Subjects of registration: in MIUI Keyboard can set your own keyboard wallpaper. Go to the keyboard settings → Themes and choose your favorite design.
• ⌨️ Keyboard partition: Hold the settings icon on the keyboard and select “Separate” – this is convenient for a large tablet screen.
• 🔊 Voice input: tap the microphone icon (if any) and dictate text. Works even without the internet for major languages.
• 📝 Clipboard: Gboard has a copy history. To enable: Gboard settings → buffer → Turn it on.

And on the Xiaomi Pad 5 you can use a physical keyboard via Bluetooth or USB-C. In this case, the language is switched by a combination of Win + Space (for Windows layouts) or Ctrl + Space (for Mac layouts).

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If you often type in two languages, set up “quick switch” in the keyboard settings, for example, in Gboard you can swipe the space to change the language, and in MIUI Keyboard you can double-tap on Shift.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the language to Xiaomi Pad 5