Owning a Xiaomi smartphone opens up a wide range of features, but sometimes basic settings can cause problems for users. One of the most common problems is the need to change the language of typing on the keyboard, which is relevant for both those who have just purchased a device with Chinese or English firmware, and for those who need to switch between Russian and English while working.
The interface of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS may vary depending on the version of Android and the region for which the device is released. Standard switching methods running on pure Android can be hidden or changed by the manufacturer. Understanding the logic of the Gboard or MIUI Keyboard system keyboard will allow you to quickly adapt the device to your needs without the need for third-party applications.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to change layouts, from simple button combinations to deep customization of system parameters. You will learn what to do when the desired language is not on the list, and how to avoid typical errors in the configuration of text input. Changing the system interface language and the keyboard language are two different processes that do not depend on each other directly.
Standard layout switching methods
The fastest way to change the input language on Xiaomi smartphones is to use special keyboard or on-screen controls. In most cases, the Android operating system offers intuitive tools to instantly transition between the layouts available.
If you use the standard Gboard keyboard, which is the default on global firmware versions, look at the bottom line of the space above the letters. There's often a globe button or a language icon, and a short tap on this element cyclically switches the available languages in the order specified in the settings.
An alternative method that works on almost all versions of MIUI firmware involves swiping by space, by tapping the space key and swiping horizontally left or right, which changes the alphabet instantly, which is especially useful when typing with one hand.
However, if the swipe doesn't work or the globe button is missing, it means that only one input language is activated in the system, in which case simple switching is impossible until you add a second layout to the system settings, and without this step, the device will ignore attempts to change the language, considering the current one the only available option.
Configuring input languages in the system menu
When fast methods don’t work, you need to look at the fundamental settings of the device, which determines which language packs will be available for use, and the process of adding a new language to Xiaomi requires care, since menu items can be called differently depending on the localization.
To start, you need to go to the settings section for additional system settings. The path may vary, but most often it looks like Settings → Additional settings → Language and input. In new versions of HyperOS, this item can be directly in the main settings menu or hidden in the System subsection.
After you go to the language management menu, look for Languages or Language Management. Here you will see a list of layouts already installed. To add a new one, tap Add Language (often marked with a plus). In the list that opens, find the one you want, such as Russian, and select the layout you want (phonetic or).
☑️ Checking input settings
It is important to set the order of languages correctly. Android always uses the first language on the list as the default language when launching applications. To change priority, use the drag-and-drop function: pinch the desired language with your finger and move it to the top of the list.
⚠️ Note: When you delete all languages except one, the quick switching functions (swipes and buttons) will stop working until you add a new layout.
Working with the Gboard keyboard on Xiaomi
Google’s Gboard keyboard is the standard for most modern smartphones, including Xiaomi’s global firmware devices, with advanced functionality and flexible settings that allow you to fine-tune the text input process. Language management is implemented through a separate menu inside the keyboard itself.
To access the Gboard settings, call the keyboard in any text box and tap the gear icon, which is usually located in the top toolbar. If there is no such panel, press the comma key or use a long-term space tap to trigger the Quick Settings menu.
Inside the settings menu, select Languages, where you can not only add new layouts, but also adjust the behavior of the keyboard, such as enabling automatic language definition or activating voice input for a specific layout, which makes the Gboard a powerful tool for polyglots.
One of the useful features is the ability to turn off the language switch button if it interferes. In the "Settings" → "Preferences" section, you can find the "Show the language switch button" option. Disabling it will free up space on the screen, but you will need to use space swipes to change the layout.
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Use the Multilingual Input feature in Gboard to type in multiple languages simultaneously without constantly switching layouts – the keyboard itself will guess the language from the context of words.
Features of the MIUI Keyboard
On devices with Chinese firmware or in some regions, the native MIUI Keyboard is used. It differs from Gboard in interface and logic, which can confuse users who are used to standard Android. The settings interface is more minimal, but the functionality remains sufficient for everyday tasks.
To configure languages in MIUI Keyboard, you need to call the keyboard menu and click on the settings icon (cogs). Then you need to select "Language" or "Language." Unlike Gboard, switching here is often done through a drop-down list, rather than by adding languages to the system's general pool.
An important feature is support for handwriting and specific layouts for Asian languages, which can be built in by default. If you use a device imported from China, make sure that the Region settings are the right region, as this affects the available language packages and autocorrect dictionaries.
Users often find that MIUI Keyboard may offer incorrect auto-replace options when switching between languages. To fix this, it is recommended to periodically clean the keyboard data through the application menu or reset the dictionary of learned words in the settings of the keyboard itself.
| Function | Gboard | MIUI Keyboard | Third-party (Yandex, SwiftKey) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swipe switching | Yeah (in space) | Partially. | Yes (customizable) |
| Globe button | Yes (customizable) | Yes. | Yes. |
| Voice input | Built-in Google | Depends on the system. | Own or systemic |
| Design topics | Limited. | Basic | Extended. |
Solving problems with lack of language
It is not common, but it is possible, to have Russian or other languages missing from the list of available languages, usually because the language pack was not installed when the device was initially set up or was accidentally deleted during the optimization process.
The first thing you need to do is check for updates for the keyboard itself. Go to the Google Play or GetApps app store, find your keyboard and see if the update is available. Often, language packs are loaded with the app update.
If the update didn't work, try clearing the cache and keyboard application data. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Gboard or MIUI Keyboard. Select "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache." Then, when you first start, the keyboard can suggest reselecting languages.
⚠️ Warning: Cleaning up keyboard data will reset all your personal settings, learned words, and saved themes to factory values.
In extreme cases, if the system keyboard does not support the desired language (for example, rare dialects), the only way out is to install a third-party solution. App stores offer dozens of alternatives that are guaranteed to support the symbols and layouts you need.
Use of third-party keyboards
Installing an alternative keyboard is an effective solution for owners of older Xiaomi models or specific firmware versions where standard functionality is limited. Popular applications like Yandex Keyboard, SwiftKey or Grammarly provide powerful text tools and easy switching.
After installing the app from the store, Android will require the new app to be allowed access to data entry. This is a standard security procedure. You will need to activate the new keyboard in the Settings menu → Additional settings → Language and input → Current keyboard.
Third-party keyboards often offer more flexible toolbar customization, so you can take the language change button anywhere you want, resize it, or assign hotkeys, especially for people with special needs or who type huge amounts of text.
Security of Third-Party Keyboards
Remember that having multiple active keyboards can sometimes lead to conflicts or delays when calling them. If you notice that the keyboard appears late, try to keep only one main keyboard active and turn off the rest in the system settings.
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Third-party keyboards are the best choice if you need specific features like advanced auto-replacement, integration with a translator, or unique design themes that are not available in the runoff.