Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often face the need to quickly translate text while typing. The built-in MIUI keyboard doesn’t always offer convenient tools for this, but the solution is: you can integrate the translator directly into the keyboard interface, which eliminates the need to constantly switch between applications or copy text manually.
In this article, we will discuss three proven methods of adding a translator to the Xiaomi keyboard – from using Gboard with an integrated translator to configuring Yandex.Keyboard and manual integration through Settings → Additionally. All methods work on the latest versions of MIUI 12-14 and do not require root rights.
If you’re a frequent speaker or traveler, this setup will save you up to 30-40% of your time translating texts, as tested by Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5 Pro users.
Method 1: Using Gboard with Google Translate
Google’s Gboard is the most versatile keyboard for Xiaomi, as it supports instant text translation right in the input bar, a technique that works for all models including the Redmi 10C, POCO F4, and even older devices on MIUI 11.
To activate the function:
- Install Gboard from Google Play (or download APK from APKMirror if you have Chinese firmware).
- Set Gboard as the default keyboard in Settings → System & Device → Language & Input → Current Keyboard.
- Open any application to type text (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).
- Tap the Google Translate icon (the icon with the letter "G" in the circle) on the keyboard toolbar.
- Select languages to translate and type text – the translation will appear directly above the keyboard.
The advantage of this method is that you don't have to copy the text to a separate application, but there's a caveat: some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese) may not display the translator icon. №2.
Method 2: Yandex.Keyboard with translator from Yandex
If Gboard doesn’t fit for some reason, the alternative is Yandex.Keyboard, which offers a built-in translator that supports 60+ languages, including Ukrainian, Turkish, and even Latvian, which is optimal for users in Russia and the CIS, where Yandex services are more stable than Google.
Instructions for setting:
- 📱 Install Yandex.Keyboard from Google Play or AppGallery (for devices without Google services).
- 🔧 Activate it in Settings. → Language and input → Keyboard management.
- 🌐 In the keyboard settings, enable the option "Translator" (section "Additional functions").
- 📝 When you enter text, click on the translator icon (the icon with two arrows) and select languages.
Important point: Yandex.Keyboard requires an Internet connection for the translator to work. If you are often offline, download the language packs in the application settings in advance.
Install the application from the official source |Activate the keyboard in the MIUI settings |Download offline packages for the desired languages |Check the Internet connection-->
Method 3: Manually add translator via MIUI settings
Some Xiaomi firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global) has a hidden feature of integrating the translator directly into the system keyboard, a method less well known but works without installing third-party apps.
Algorithm of action:
- Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → MIUI Keyboard.
- Select "Additional Settings" (or "Extended Features" depending on version).
- Find the Translate section and activate the switch.
- Specify the main and target languages (for example, Russian → English).
- Now, when you enter text, hold your finger on the space - a menu with the translation option will appear.
This method does not work on all devices, for example, on the POCO X3 Pro with MIUI 12.5, the option may not be available, in which case only installing a third-party keyboard (method 1 or 2) will help.
Why is there no “interpreter” option in MIUI settings?
Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
To determine the best option, compare all three methods on key criteria:
| Criteria | Gboard | Yandex.Keyboard | Built-in MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language support | 100+ | 60+ | 20–30 (depending on firmware) |
| Offline work | Yes (with packet loading) | Yes (with packet loading) | No. |
| Translation speed | Instantly. | 1-2 seconds | 2-3 seconds |
| Support for Chinese firmware | Requires manual installation of APK | It works through AppGallery. | Yes. |
| Additional functions | Voice input, GIF, emoji | Prediction of words, topics | Minimum set |
For most users, Gboard is the best solution, it supports as many languages as possible and works consistently, but if you prefer the Yandex ecosystem or have problems with Google services, choose Yandex.Keyboard.
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The built-in MIUI translator is suitable only for basic tasks. For professional use (for example, translation of long texts or rare languages), it is better to choose Gboard or Yandex.Keyboard.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you set up the translator in the keyboard Xiaomi users face typical errors. Let's look at the most common and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The translator icon in Gboard is not displayed.
⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware Xiaomi (for example, on Redmi) K50 Ultra) Google services are blocked by default. To fix this, install Google Play Services manually through APK.
Problem 2: Yandex.Keyboard is not installed.
- 🔄 Check if the installation from unknown sources is included in the Settings → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.
- 📥 Download. APK only from official sources (for example, Yandex website).
- 🔄 Restart the device after installation.
Problem 3: The built-in MIUI translator is not working properly.
⚠️ Note: If the translation contains errors or incomplete, update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → System updates. MIUI Below 12.5, the function may not work smoothly.
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If the keyboard translator stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the keyboard settings to standard: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Keyboard → Storage → Clear data.
Additional tips: how to speed up translation
In addition to the basic setup, there are several hidden features that will make using the translator in the keyboard even more convenient:
- 🔥 Voice input + Translation: In Gboard, click on the microphone icon, say the phrase in one language, and then tap the translator icon – the text is automatically converted.
- 📋 Translation buffer: In Yandex.Keyboard you can configure automatic translation of copied text (included in the clipboard settings).
- 🌍 Rapid switching of languages: B MIUI Hold the space and select the language – this will save time with frequent switching.
There is another lifehack for POCO F3 and Xiaomi 12T users: if you often translate the same phrases (such as greetings or business turns), save them to Favorites in Google Translate.