The clipboard on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden tool that many users donβt use to the fullest. Unlike iPhones or computers where copy history is available by default, on Android (especially under the shell). MIUI) This functionality is often hidden or requires additional actions. Have you ever tried to find text that you copied an hour ago but couldn't? Or wanted to return information deleted from the buffer?
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to access the clipboard on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO β standard-function MIUI to third-party applications. We will pay special attention to the differences between firmware versions (MIUI 12, 13, 14) and models with pure Android (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F5). You will learn how to not only view the story, but also recover deleted buffer elements if they are not already overwritten by the system.
Important: clipboard functions may vary depending on the regional firmware. MIUI In Europe, copy history is disabled by default because of privacy policy, whereas in the Chinese version, it works out of the box.
1. Standard clipboard in MIUI: where to look and how to use
On most Xiaomi smartphones with a shell MIUI (12 and later, the clipboard is built into the Gboard (Google) or Mi Keyboard, but its location is not obvious: many users have not known about its existence for years:
Open any text field (e.g. Messages or Notes) and call the keyboard. In the top toolbar, find the clipboard icon (usually a square with an arrow or a document with a curved corner). 20-50 Copyed elements (depending on the model).
- π MIUI 14: The clipboard icon is on the right of the input field, next to the microphone.
- π± MIUI 12/13: You may need to click on three dots in the upper right corner of the keyboard, then select "Clipboard".
- βοΈ Settings: Some firmware history is disabled β it needs to be activated in Settings β Additionally. β buffer.
Please note: Standard clipboard exchange MIUI It only stores data until the device restarts, if you turn off the phone, the history will be cleared, and the system automatically deletes items older than 1 hour if they were not used.
2. How to turn on the history of the clipboard if it is not
If you click on the buffer icon and you see a blank screen or a message saying "No Elements", it's likely that the function is disabled in the settings. Here's how to activate it:
- Go to Settings β System and Device β Language and Enter.
- Select the keyboard you use (such as Gboard or Mi Keyboard).
- Find the "Change Buffer" or "Input History" section and turn on the switch.
- Some firmware will need to confirm permission to access data.
For MIUI 14 on Chinese firmware path may differ: Settings β Special facilities β Systemic tools β buffer.
Make sure you use the Gboard or Mi Keyboard.|Check the permissions for the keyboard in SettingsβAnnexes|Enable buffer synchronization with your Google account (optional)|Restart the device after the changes-->
If the story doesn't show up after you turn it on, try copying any text again, sometimes the system starts writing items only after you first manually copy them. β Confidentiality β Special access β buffer.
3. Alternative ways to access the clipboard
If the standard method doesnβt work or youβre not happy with the limited functionality of the built-in buffer, there are several alternatives:
Method 1: Through the Notes app (Notes)
V MIUI Notes app has a hidden function of working with a buffer:
- Open your notes and create a new note.
- A long click on the text box will call the menu where the item "Insert from the buffer" will be.
- This will show an extended history (up to 100 elements on some models).
Method 2: Use Google Keep to Use Google
Google Keep automatically saves copied text if the appropriate setting is enabled: Keep Settings β Enable saving from the exchange buffer.
Method 3: Google Voice Assistant
Activate Google Assistant and say, "Show me my clipboard." The system will display the latest copied items (works for text only).
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Works for MIUI. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard buffer in the keyboard | Quick access, does not require installation | Limited history, reset when rebooted | 12/13/14 |
| Annex "Notes" | Stores up to 100 items, works offline | No search for history. | 12/13/14 |
| Google Keep | Synchronization between devices, unlimited history | Requires the Internet for synchronization | All versions. |
| Third-party applications (Clipper, Clip Stack) | Advanced functions (search, categories, backups) | Consumes additional memory | All versions. |
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If you often work with a clipboard, add a Clipper or Clip Stack app widget to the home screen, allowing you to access the story in one tap without opening the keyboard.
4. Third-party applications for advanced buffer management
For users who need additional features (history search, categorization, cloud backup), standard tools MIUI It's not enough. Let's look at the top.-3 applications:
1. Clipper - Clipboard Manager
One of the most popular solutions with support for the Russian language.
- π Search for Copy History (including Images).
- π Categories for organizing elements (work, personal, passwords).
- βοΈ Synchronize between devices via Google Drive.
- π Protection of confidential data PIN-code.
2. Clip Stack
Minimalist application with a convenient interface:
- π Unlimited History (up to 1000 elements).
- π Quick recovery of deleted records.
- π¨ Dark theme and customizable view.
3. Copy Bubble
Unique solution with a floating window:
- π Access the buffer via a floating icon on top of any apps.
- π€ Exporting History to Text File.
- π Automatic removal of duplicates.
When installing third-party apps, pay attention to permissions: some buffer managers request access to Special Copy Tracking Features. This is fine, but install only verified programs from Google Play.
How to check the security of the clipboard application?
5. How to recover deleted items from the clipboard
If you accidentally cleared the buffer history or the desired text was lost after the reboot, there are several ways to return it:
Method 1: Through keyboard cache (works 60% of the time)
The system can store copies of text in the keyboard application cache:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find your keyboard (Gboard or Mi Keyboard).
- Choose Memory. β Cash and click Clear Cache (paradoxically, but sometimes it restores old data).
- Reset the device.
Method 2: Using a Google Backup
If you have synced with your Google account:
- Go to the Google Drive website.
- In the search, type "clipboard" or "clipboard".
- Check the Backup folder β sometimes application data is stored there.
Method 3: Specialized Utilities
Apps like DiskDigger or GT Recovery can scan a device's memory for deleted text, but its effectiveness depends on how long it has been since you deleted it and how much you've been using your phone since then.
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The chances of recovering data from the clipboard are maximum in the first 30 minutes after deleting, and the longer you wait, the more likely it is that the system will overwrite the memory with new data.
β οΈ Note: Do not use "restorative" applications that require root access. On modern Xiaomi smartphones, this can cause Mi Anti-Rollback protection to work and lock the device. Also avoid programs that promise to recover data without a PC connection β this is most often a scam.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Xiaomi users often face typical buffer issues, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
Problem 1: The clipboard does not save the image
By default. MIUI It only saves text in the buffer to add support for images:
- Install the Clipper or Copy Bubble app.
- In the application settings, enable the option "Save images".
- When copying an image, select βCopy to bufferβ (not βShareβ).
Problem 2: Buffer history resets after reboot
It's a feature. MIUI. Decisions:
- π± Use third-party buffer managers with auto-save function.
- βοΈ Enable sync with your Google account (in Gboard or Clipper).
- π Regularly export important data to your notes.
Problem 3: Cyrillic symbols are not displayed
Sometimes the clipboard shows Krakozabra instead of Russian text.
- π Check the encoding in the keyboard settings (should be UTF-8).
- π Switch the input language to Russian before copying.
- π± Update the firmware -- in MIUI 13.0.6+ this error has been corrected.
Problem 4: Clipboard doesnβt work in some apps
Some programs (e.g., banking or secure messengers) block access to the buffer.
- π Temporarily disable protection in the application settings.
- π Copy text into notes, then paste into the target app.
- π Use the βShareβ function instead of copying.
β οΈ Note: If after the update MIUI The clipboard stopped working, try resetting the keyboard settings. β Annexes β Application management β keyboard β Warehouse β Clear the data. It won't delete your texts, but it will reset your input settings.
7.Security: How to Protect Data in the Clipboard
The clipboard can be a vulnerable place for sensitive information to leak, and here's how to minimize the risks:
1. Clear the history regularly
In a standard buffer. MIUI:
- Open the history of the buffer through the keyboard.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select βClean Allβ or delete individual items.
2.Use secure managers
Apps like Clipper allow you to:
- π Install PIN-history-access.
- π« Exclude sensitive data (passwords, card numbers) from saving.
- ποΈ Automatically clean the buffer after a given time.
3. Disable synchronization for sensitive data
If you use cloud buffer synchronization (e.g., Google), exclude:
- π³ Bank card numbers.
- π Passwords and access codes.
- π Scans of documents.
4. Check the application permissions
Some programs (especially from unverified sources) can read the clipboard in the background.
- Go to Settings β Privacy β Permissions β Clipboard.
- Remove access to unknown applications.
- Leave only trusted applications (keyboards, buffer managers).
On devices with MIUI 14, we got a Secure Buffer feature that encrypts the data that's copied:
Settings β Privacy β Additional settings β Secure clipboard