If you have ever looked into the settings of the smartphone Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, You may have noticed the mysterious "User Dictionary" item, which is hidden deep in the system settings, but it's often underrated. Many people think it's just a list of words for auto-replacement -- but it's actually a much more powerful tool.
In this article, we will analyze what a user dictionary in Xiaomi devices is, where it can be found in different versions. MIUI, How it affects the operation of the keyboard and voice input, as well as reveal hidden chips, which are not written even in the official documentation. If you are tired of the fact that the smartphone persistently corrects your unique terms (for example, nicknames, professional jargon or rare surnames) to standard words – this material is for you.
And yes, it's not just a "dumpster guide." MIUI Integrated with Xiaomi’s machine learning system, it could dramatically change the accuracy of text recognition – but only if it’s properly configured.
What is a “User Dictionary” and why is it needed?
The user dictionary is a personalized database of words and phrases that Xiaomi’s device uses to adjust auto-replace, predict text, and voice input. Unlike the standard system dictionary (which is common to all users). MIUI), This tool allows you to add unique terms that are not recognized by default.
Examples where this will be useful:
- 🔹 Nicknames and game terms: If you write @Star Warrior2007 and the keyboard persistently corrects to Star Warrior, the dictionary will make the system "remember" the correct version.
- 🔹 Professional jargon: Doctors, engineers, or lawyers often use specific abbreviations (e.g., "MRI-CT" or "OSAGO-CASCO") that MIUI default does not know.
- 🔹 Foreign words and transliteration: If you communicate in a mixture of languages (e.g., “Hi, how are you?”), the dictionary will help avoid automatic Russification of English words.
- 🔹 Rare surnames and place names: the system often misunderstands non-standard names (e.g., "Tsoi» → «Tsoin or Khabarovsk» → «khabarivsk»).
It is important to understand that the user dictionary works not only with the keyboard, but also with:
- 🎤 Voice input (including Google Assistant and Xiao) AI).
- 📝 Autocomplete in Mi Browser and applications.
- 🔍 Search by device (if a word is added to the dictionary, it will be prioritized in the results).
But there's a caveat: the user's vocabulary doesn't sync with the Xiaomi cloud by default, which means that once you reset or flash all the words you add, you'll have to re-enter them, and many people will find out too late.
Where to find the “User’s Dictionary” in MIUI differentiation
The path to the dictionary depends on the version MIUI And the device models (MIUI 14/15) The interface is simplified, but in older versions (MIUI 12 and below) the menu may be hidden in non-obvious places.
Current ways for popular versions:
| MIUI version | The way to the dictionary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 14/15 (2023–2026) | Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Keyboard Xiaomi → User's dictionary | In some regional firmware, the item may be called the “Personal Dictionary”. |
| MIUI 12/13 | Settings → System and device → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → User's dictionary | On some devices (POCO) You must first select “Google Keyboard” or “Xiaomi Keyboard». |
| MIUI 11 and older | Settings → All settings → Language and input → Current keyboard → User's dictionary | In older versions, the dictionary could be called “User Words.” |
| Global ROM vs China ROM | Translation: User Dictionary (Global) or (China) | In Chinese firmware without root, access may be restricted. |
If you don’t find an item on the menu, check:
- 🔍 Whether you use the Xiaomi keyboard (not the Gboard or SwiftKey) user vocabulary MIUI It only works with the native keyboard!
- 🔍 Is the firmware updated? MIUI 15 (2026) the interface has changed - the dictionary moved to the section "Additional».
- 🔍 Are there any regional restrictions, some EU/India devices have been cut down because of the GDPR.
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If you POCO or Redmi with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), user dictionary MIUI In this case, use alternatives: in Gboard, it's "Personal Dictionary." → Dictionary → Personal dictionary).
How to add and edit words: step-by-step instructions
It's easy to add a word to the dictionary, but there are nuances that affect how it works.
1. Open the dictionary (see the paths above).
2.Click Add (Icon «+» or»).
3. Enter a word or phrase. It's important here:
- If the word is spelled with a default error (for example, "adminka» → «enter it exactly as it should look.
For abbreviations (for example, “VAT”), specify the option without dots (“VAT”, not “N.D.S.”).
For foreign words in the Russian text (for example, "spoiler") add both options: "spoiler" and "spoiler".
4. Press "Save."
To edit or delete the word:
- 📝 Click on the word in the list → Select "Edit" or "Delete».
- 🔍 Use the magnifying glass icon to search the dictionary (in MIUI 14+).
Then add the words as they should be displayed (no typos)|
For abbreviations, use the option without dots (VAT, not N.D.S.)|
If the word is spelled differently (e.g., "Instagram" and "Instagram"), add both options.|
Check the words after adding - sometimes MIUI Ignoring too short (less than 3 characters)-->
Important: The user dictionary has a limit of 5,000 words (in a user's dictionary) MIUI 15 increased to 10,000. When you exceed the limit, the old words are automatically deleted. To avoid this, export the dictionary to the file (more on this below).
What to do if the word is not saved?
Hidden functions of the user dictionary: what can MIUI
Most users use the dictionary only to fix auto-replacement, but it actually does a lot more than that.
1. Priority of words in voice input
- If you add a rare name to the dictionary (for example, “Elzbeta”), then when you type (via Google Assistant or Xiao) AI) The system will recognize it correctly, even if it is usually wrong.
How to check: say “OK, Google, write Elzbeth” – if the word is in the dictionary, it will be typed without errors.
2. Autocomplete in the browser and messengers
- The dictionary is integrated with Mi Browser and standard applications (Messages, Mail) if you frequently type in the same email or address (e.g., "ulitsa")@lenina123»), Add it to the dictionary – the system will suggest it when you type it in.
3. Support for synonyms
- V MIUI 14+ You can add synonyms for words, for example, if you add "car" and you say "car" synonymously, the keyboard will tell you both options.
- How to Enable: When adding the word, click “More» → «Synonymous».
4.Blocking of unwanted corrections
- If MIUI He is a great word for you (for example, “cool» → «cool!), add it to the dictionary marked "Do not correct:
- Add the word to the dictionary.
- Press it. → Select "Do not offer corrections».
5.Dictionary export and import
- V MIUI 13+ The function of exporting the dictionary to the.txt or.xml file appeared. This is useful when changing the device or resetting settings.
- How to export:
- Open the dictionary → press «⋮» (three-point) → «Exports».
- The file will be saved in Internal Storage. → MIUI → Dictionary.
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The user's dictionary in MIUI It works not only with the keyboard, but also with voice input, autocomplete in the browser and even search by device. This makes it one of the most powerful personalization tools in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Problems and Mistakes: Why the Dictionary Doesn't Work
Sometimes the added words are ignored or disappear, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.
1. Words not retained
- Reason: In MIUI 12–13 was an error that caused words with spaces or special characters (#hashtag) not to be added.
- Solution: Update the firmware to MIUI 14+ Or add a word without special characters.
2.The keyboard does not suggest added words
- Reason 1: You use a third-party keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey). MIUI It only works with the native Xiaomi keyboard.
Reason 2: a word added for another language, for example, you add "hello" to the Russian dictionary, but type in the English layout.
Solution: Check the keyboard language and switch to your native language.
3 Words disappear after update MIUI
- Reason: Large updates (e.g., with a MIUI 13 on MIUI (14) the dictionary may be reset.
Solution: Export the dictionary before updating (see the instructions above).
4.Voice input ignores words
- Reason: Google Assistant or Xiao settings AI Disabled synchronization with the dictionary MIUI.
- Decision:
- For Google Assistant: Settings → Google → Devices and sharing → Voice Match. → Personalization of voice → Enable "Use a personal dictionary».
- For Xiao. AI: Settings → Xiao AI → Voice input → Use the user's dictionary.
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If you add the word, the keyboard still offers the wrong options, try restarting the device, and sometimes the changes only apply after the reboot.
5. Restriction on the number of words
- V MIUI The 12th limit was 2,000 words, in MIUI 14 - 5,000, in MIUI 15 — 10 000.
- Bypassing the restriction:
Remove unused words (sorting by date of addition).
Export the dictionary, clean it and import it back (sometimes it helps).
How to reset the dictionary to factory settings?
Alternatives to the Xiaomi dictionary: When it doesn't fit
If you lack native dictionary functionality or use a third-party keyboard, consider alternatives:
1. Gboard (Google Keyboard)
- Pros:
Sync with your Google account (words are saved when you change your device).
Multitasking support (you can add words for multiple languages at the same time)
- Cons:
- No integration with Xiao voice input AI.
- Word limit is 1,000 per tongue.
- How to set it up:
Install Gboard from Google Play.
- Go to Gboard Settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary.
2. SwiftKey (Microsoft)
- Pros:
AI predictions based on your writing style.
Support for cloud backup.
- Cons:
- Requires registration in a Microsoft account.
- Less integration with MIUI (It does not work with voice search in Mi Browser).
3. AnySoftKeyboard
- Pros:
- Full customization (you can create your own layouts).
Support for regular expressions for auto-replacement.
- Cons:
- A complex interface for beginners.
There is no Russian-language localization.
4. User dictionary file (for advanced)
If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), you can edit the system dictionary file:
- Way: /system/usr/share/dict/ (Root rights are required).
Format: Text file, each word from a new line.
Security and privacy: What Xiaomi knows about your dictionary
Many users are worried about whether Xiaomi is transferring data from the dictionary to servers.
1. Local storage
By default, the user's dictionary is stored only on the device in encrypted form.
- The path to the file: /data/data/com.miui.miuilatinime/shared_prefs/UserDictionary.xml (root-only).
2. Cloud synchronization
- V MIUI There is no automatic sync of the dictionary with the Xiaomi cloud (unlike Gboard, where words are saved in a Google account).
- However, if you are using Xiao AI or voice input, individual words may be sent to servers to improve recognition (this is stated in the privacy policy).
3.How to completely delete data
- To erase all traces of the dictionary:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Keyboard Xiaomi → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- For complete cleaning, also delete the file. UserDictionary.xml (root).
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If you’re paranoid and don’t want Xiaomi to know your unique words, use offline keyboard mode (keyboard settings). → In this case, predictions will be based only on the local dictionary.
4. How to protect the dictionary from outsiders
If you give the phone to other people, they can see your dictionary (for example, through keyboard settings).
- Decisions:
- Set a password for settings (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Blocking settings).
- Use the guest mode (Settings) → System system → Guest mode).
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Xiaomi’s user dictionary is not synced to the cloud by default, but when using voice input (Xiao). AI) Some data can be transmitted to servers. For complete privacy, disable online predictions in keyboard settings.