How to change the layout of the physical keyboard on Xiaomi

Using Xiaomi Pad tablets or Mi Note smartphones in conjunction with physical keyboards makes a mobile device into a full-fledged workstation. However, users often face a situation where when connecting peripherals via Bluetooth or USB-OTG, text input is in English, despite the installed Russian layout in the system, which creates significant inconvenience, especially when working with documents or correspondence.

The problem is not the hardware of the gadget, but the logic of the Android operating system or the HyperOS shell. The system may not automatically recognize the need to switch to a local layout for external input devices. The solution requires intervention in language settings or the use of special key combinations that are different from the usual on computers.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the layout of the physical keyboard on Xiaomi devices. You will learn about system settings, hidden ADB functions and methods of forced input source selection. The instructions cover both wired and wireless models of keyboards.

Standard key combinations for switching

The fastest way to change the input language is to use the hotkeys built into Android firmware. Xiaomi devices often activate the default combination familiar to Windows users. The switch is instantaneous, but does not work with all peripheral models.

Try to press Ctrl and Space, which is a standard Android shortcut that cycles the available languages. If that doesn't work, check Shift + Space. On some keyboard models, especially compact ones, the Fn key can be the modifier.

⚠️ Note: If you do not click on the combinations on the screen pop-up menu of language selection, then the system activated only one input language for physical keyboards or switching function blocked by security settings.

For keyboard owners with a separate language change button (often referred to as Lang or Globe), the situation can be more complicated. In rare cases, it is necessary to reassign this button through third-party ducks, since Android by default ignores this signal from the user. HID-device.

Configuring input languages in Android and HyperOS

If the hotkeys don't work, you need to make sure that the language you want is even added to the list of physical inputs available. On-screen and physical keyboard settings in Android may vary. You need to go to Settings → Additional → Language and input.

In the menu that opens, find the Physical Keyboard. The system must identify the connected device by name (e.g. Bluetooth Keyboard or USB Keyboard), and clicking on it will take you to the layout settings menu for that particular device.

The following actions should be taken:

• ✅ Make sure the "Use by default" switch is active.
• ✅ Click on the item Set up keyboard layouts.
• ✅ In the list that opens, find and tick the languages you need (for example, Russian and English (US)).

After adding languages, go back to your desktop and try using Ctrl + Space again. Now the system must respond correctly to the request for a change of layout, since the necessary options have appeared in the profile of the physical device.

Use of the application "Settings of physical keyboard"

On some versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shells, the standard menu can be hidden or simplified, in which case a system application comes to the rescue that does not have an icon on the desktop, but is available through search or ADB. It is called Physical Keyboard Settings.

You can run it by typing a name into the phone's settings, and if you can't find it, you can use the command via your computer to connect the device to debug, and you can open a hidden menu where you can manage layouts in more detail than you would in the standard interface.

On this menu you can:

• 🔹 Forced to choose the default input method.
• 🔹 Disable autodetermination of layout.
• 🔹 Reset settings to factory settings for all connected HID-device.

This method is especially useful if you use specific keyboards with additional media keys that may conflict with standard Android drivers. Resetting through this menu often solves the problem of sticking to the English layout.

Table of keyboard combinations for different models

Different keyboard manufacturers and Android versions can use different key mappings. Below is a table that helps identify supported combinations on Xiaomi devices.

If neither of the combinations works, the keyboard application installed from the Play Market may conflict, in which case it is recommended to temporarily disable third-party keyboards (for example, Gboard or SwiftKey) and check the system.

Bluetooth keyboard problems and their solution

Wireless connections often make adjustments to input, delaying a signal or breaking a connection can cause the layout switch command to simply not reach the device, and Bluetooth keyboards can fall asleep and reset language settings when they wake up.

For stable operation, it is recommended to remove the device from the list of conjugated and pair again, but it is important not only to connect the keyboard, but also to allow the system to complete the installation of HID drivers.

⚠️ Warning: When you re-pair the Bluetooth keyboard, be sure to wait for the "Pair..." icon to disappear in the status bar. Attempting to type at this point can lead to an error in the input driver.

It’s also worth checking the battery level of the keyboard. When the charge is low, some models go into economical mode, disabling less important functions, which may include processing modifiers for changing the language.

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If the Bluetooth keyboard often loses communication, try turning off the option “Absolute Volume Level” in the Bluetooth settings. HID-Xiaomi devices.»

Forced change via ADB and reset settings

In the most difficult cases, when the interface is not responsive, you can use the ADB debugging bridge. This method requires a connection to the computer and minimal technical skills, and allows you to directly send a command to the system to change the current input method.

To perform the operation, connect Xiaomi to your PC, enable debugging over USB and enter the following command in the terminal:

adb shell ime list

This command will list all available input methods. Find the identifier of the desired layout (usually ru or com.android.inputmethod.latin) in the list. Then use the command to switch:

adb shell ime set < layout identifier>

However, a more efficient way for physical keyboards is to completely reset the input settings, which can be done by clearing the Physical Keyboard Settings app data through the application menu. Find it in the list of all applications (including system ones), select Memory, and click Clear Data.

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The most reliable way to return the Russian layout is to clear the data of the system application "Physical Keyboard" and re-add languages in the settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)