Copying text on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected nuances. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and the version of MIUI (13, 14 or HyperOS), the selection methods can differ: some trigger standard gestures, and some require the activation of hidden functions.
In this article, we have 5 proven methods for copying text on any Xiaomi phone, including little-known chips like a separate clipboard and smart highlighting in MIUI 14+. And we will also analyze why sometimes text “does not want” to be copied and how to fix it without restarting the device.
1. Standard copying: gestures and menus
The basic method works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version.
- 👆 Touch the text and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until the cursor appears.
- 🔄 Drag sliders (blue markers) to highlight the desired fragment.
- 📋 In the menu that appears, click Copy (or Cut if text needs to be deleted).
MIUI 14 and HyperOS have added smart highlighting: if you highlight a word, the system automatically prompts you to copy the entire phrase or paragraph, which works even in the Mi Browser browser and the Notes app.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) If you press it long enough, you can drag and drop instead of highlight. To avoid that, you can touch the text with one finger (not two!) and wait for the vibration.
If the menu doesn't appear:
- Check if the mode for children is turned on (Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode for children).
- Update the firmware: Older versions of MIUI 12 had bugs with context menus.
- Restart the app you’re trying to copy text (especially for Telegram and WhatsApp).
2. Copying with keyboard
Few people know, but MIUI allows you to select text directly from the keyboard, which is convenient for long messages or articles, and it works in any application that has an input field:
- Open the keyboard (for example, in Messages or Notes).
- Press and hold the gear icon (⚙️) keyboard.
- Select "Select text" (on some firmware - "Course").
- Drag the cursor to highlight the fragment, then click "Copy".
This method is particularly useful if:
- 📱 The touchscreen refuses to accurately recognize touches (relevant for Xiaomi with the AMOLED-low-temperature screens).
- 🔒 You need to copy the text from the field where long-pressing is prohibited (for example, in some banking applications).
- 📝 You work with a large document and want to highlight the text by paragraph.
⚠️ Note: If the keyboard does not display the gear icon, update the Gboard (Google keyboard) or switch to the standard gear icon. MIUI-keyboard in settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Language and input).
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Tap twice a word when you type in text, and the keyboard will automatically highlight it, and this works even in fields where normal selection is blocked.
The clipboard in MIUI: how to use it
MIUI has a built-in clipboard manager that saves the last 20 copied snippets (including images!) to take advantage of:
- Copy the text in any of the above methods.
- Open the input field (for example, in Messages or Notes).
- Click on the clipboard icon (two pages) in the keyboard toolbar.
- Select the right piece from the story.
Features of the exchange buffer in MIUI/HyperOS:
| Function | MIUI 12–13 | MIUI 14/HyperOS |
|---|---|---|
| Max, number of records. | 5 | 20 |
| Support for images | No. | Yes. |
| Pinning (fixing) | No. | Yeah (long tap on the element) |
| Synchronization between devices | Only through Mi Account. | Through Xiaomi Cloud (configured in Settings → Clipboard) |
To clear the clipboard history:
- Open the clipboard (as described above).
- Click on “Manage” (or “Edit”).
- Select “Clear All” or delete individual records.
How to enable the synchronization of the clipboard between devices?
4. Copying text from the lock screen
By default, MIUI blocks text from being highlighted on the lock screen, which is a security measure.
- 🔓 Unlock your phone and copy the text in the standard way (if the notification remains on the screen).
- 📸 Take a picture of the screen (click Loudness down). + Then use the Google Lens or MIUI Scanner for Text Recognition.
- 🔄 Enable Smart Lock (Settings) → Lock screen → Additionally. → Smart locking allows you to interact with notifications without fully unlocking.
For owners of Xiaomi with NFC, there is another life hack:
- Activate NFC in the notification curtain.
- Attach the phone to another device (like a tablet) and transfer text via Mi Share.
- On the second device, the text can be copied without restrictions.
⚠️ Attention: Screen recognition via Google Lens may not work if dark mode is turned on, the camera is less able to recognize white text on a black background.
5. Copying from protected applications (banks, messengers)
Banking apps (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) and some messengers (Telegram Secret Chats, WhatsApp with enabled protection) block copying of text. Here's how to get around the restrictions:
Turn off “Ban screenshots” in the application settings |
Make sure Developer Mode is enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times)|
Update the app to the latest version|
Check if the VPN is enabled (some banks block features when using the VPN)
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Method 1: Through the Developer Mode
- Enable Developer Mode (as indicated in the checklist above).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Find the option Do not block the clipboard and turn it on.
- Reboot the phone.
Method 2: Use of the second space
If the first method doesn’t work, create a second space in MIUI.
- Go to Settings. → Second screen.
- Create a new space and copy a secure application there.
- In the second space, copy restrictions are often reset.
On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) after upgrading to HyperOS, the “Secure Copy” function appeared – it allows you to temporarily unlock text for the clipboard by fingerprint.
Problems and Solutions: Why the Text is Not Copyed
If the text stubbornly does not want to be copied, check these points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The menu doesn't appear with a long press. | Misfire in MIUI Launcher | Reinstall Launcher through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher |
| Only a part of the text is copied. | Restriction of the app (e.g. on Twitter) | Use Read Mode in your browser (Mi Browser has built-in function) |
| The clipboard is empty after copying | Conflict with a memory optimizer | Turn Off Aggressive Optimization in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization |
| You can't insert text in the field. | The application blocks the insert (for example, password fields) | Insert through Autocomplete (Settings → Passwords and Security → Autocomplete) |
If none of these methods worked, try an alternative clipboard:
- 📱 Install Clipboard Manager (available in GetApps or Google Play).
- 🔄 Enable the option “Seal buffer interception».
- 🔒 Allow access to special features (Settings) → Special opportunities → Special facilities services).
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On Xiaomi with HyperOS appeared the function “Smart copying” – it automatically removes unnecessary spaces and string penos when inserting text into messengers.