How to create a table in Xiaomi notes: all the ways and hidden functions

Making tables in notes on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a challenge that users face when planning budgets, scheduling or running work projects. The standard Notes app (or Mi Notes in global firmware) offers built-in spreadsheet functionality, but many are unaware of its capabilities. In this article, we will examine all the available methods, from basic additions to advanced formatting tricks that work on MIUI 12-14 and later.

It's important to understand that the functionality may vary depending on the application version and regional firmware. For example, in the Chinese versions of MIUI (China ROM), tables are supported from 2021, while in global builds (Global/EU ROM), this feature appeared later, and we tested all methods on current models — from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra — to provide proven solutions.

How to create a table in Xiaomi notes

So, to start with the basics, how do you add a table to your note, and the Notes app has two official methods and one workaround for older versions of MIUI, and let's look at each one in detail.

The first and easiest way is to use a built-in table editor, which is available in the latest versions of the app (update it via Google Play or the App Store if there are no buttons), the second method involves manually formatting text with characters, and the third method is importing tables from other applications (for example, Excel or Google Sheets).

• 📱 Built-in editor is the most convenient option for MIUI 13/14. Supports changing row/column number, cell merge and basic text formatting.
• ⌨️ Manual formatting – suitable for older versions MIUI (Up to 12.5. The symbols shall be used | (vertical line) and - (hyphens) for markings.
• 🔄 Import from other applications -- copying a table from Excel or Google Tables and pasting it into a note -- it's unstable, but sometimes it saves you.

If you use POCO Launcher or custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), check the Notes version of the app, which is often stripped down, and in such cases, we recommend installing alternative apps like Google Keep or Notion, where tables are better implemented.

Step-by-step: how to add a table through the built-in editor

This method works on most modern Xiaomi devices with the current version of the Notes app.

1. Open the Notes app and create a new note (click on the + icon in the lower right corner).
2. In the toolbar above the keyboard, look for the Table icon** (the cells are shown). If it's not there, update the app.
3. Select the number of rows and columns (the default grid is 2×2). To change the size of the table, pull the lower right corner.
4. Fill the cells with text. Use Tab keys (on the external keyboard) or tap on the next cell to move between them.
5. Save a note - the table will automatically be saved in the application format.

If you don't have a table icon, check the settings of the app. Sometimes the feature is hidden in the menu More → Settings → Show the toolbar. Also make sure you don't have a lightweight version of the app (like Mi Notes Lite), where many of the features are stripped.

Manual table creation: a method for older versions of MIUI

On devices with MIUI 12 and below, there may be no built-in table editor, and manual character formatting will help, and this method is universal and works even in a text editor.

Example of markup for the 3×3 table:

| Heading 1 | Heading 2 | Heading 3 |




|-------------|-------------|-------------|




| Cell 1 | Cell 2 | Cell 3 |




| Cell 4 | Cell 5 | Cell 6 |

Key rules:

• 📏 Vertical lines | pole.
• 🔤 Hyphens (at least 3 pieces) under the headings form a horizontal line.
• ⏎ Each row of the table should be on a new row.
• 🔄 Use spaces to align the text (for example, | Text |).

Once you insert this code into the note, the application automatically converts it to a visual table (if it supports Markdown-like syntax). On MIUI 14, this method works stably, on older versions it can appear as plain text.

Formatting and editing of tables

It's half the job of making a table, and it's important to be able to edit it, to add lines, to merge cells, to change the color of the text, and let's look at the options available in the Notes app.

An important nuance: in Xiaomi notes, you can not change the color of the background of cells or add boundaries - these features are only available in alternative applications (for example, Notion or Microsoft OneNote). If you want advanced features, consider exporting the table to Google Sheets or Excel.

To quickly copy the table to another application, highlight it, click Copy, and then paste it into the target location. When you transfer it to Word or Excel, the structure is saved, but you may need to manually adjust it.

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If the table doesn't show up correctly after insertion, try pasting it first into Notepad and then into the target application, which clears the hidden formatting.

Synchronization and backup of notes with tables

The tables in Xiaomi notes sync with the Mi Account cloud, but there are nuances. If you are actively working with tables, we recommend you to enable backup:

1. Open the "Notes» → three-point (⋮) → Settings.
2. Select Sync and log in to your Mi Account (if not previously logged in).
3. Activate Auto Sync and set the frequency (we recommend Daily).
4. For added security, export important notes manually: Open the note → More → Export → Choose the format (.txt or.html).

Note that when exported to.txt, tables will be saved as separator text, and.html will be partially formatted. If you plan to migrate data to a PC, choose.html.

⚠️ Note: When you change your device or reset your settings, the notes are only restored from the cloud if you have synced. Check this in advance from the Settings menu. → Synchronization.

Alternative applications for working with tables

If the built-in features of Notes don't suit you, consider alternatives.-3 Xiaomi apps where tables are better implemented:

• 📊 Google Tables is a full-fledged analog of Excel with cloud synchronization. Supports formulas, graphs and sharing.
• 📝 Notion is a universal tool for notes, spreadsheets and databases. There are templates for budget, planning and projects.
• 📱 Microsoft OneNote – handy for handwritten tables (if you have a Xiaomi Pad or a smartphone with a stylus.

Each of these apps has its own advantages, like Google Sheets, which are free and integrated with other Google services, and Notion offers flexible templates for different tasks, and if you want formulas and calculations, you'd better choose Excel or Google Sheets.

To switch from Notes to another application, export data to.html or.csv, and then import it to a new tool. Notion, for example, has an import function from.csv that automatically converts data to a table.

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If you need tables with formulas, graphs, or complex formatting, Xiaomi’s built-in Notes won’t work – use Google Tables or Notion.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you work with tables in Notes, users encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• ❌ The table is not saved - check if there is enough space in the device's memory. Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → Notes → Memory.
• ❌ The table icon is gone - update the app via Google Play or reinstall it. If it doesn't work, reset the app settings.
• ❌ The table is displayed as text – your version MIUI It does not support visual tables. Use manual formatting or alternative applications.
• ❌ You can't change the color of the cells, it's a limitation of the standard app. Use Excel or Google Sheets for color.

If the tables still don't work after the app update, try resetting Notes to factory settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Notes.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. ⚠️ Warning: This will delete all local notes! Pre-export important data.

Another life hack: if you edit a table, try fixing the width of the columns manually, and then in table editing mode, pull the vertical lines of the dividers.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions