On smartphones Honor with shells EMUI or MagicUI Changing the keyboard layout may seem like a trivial task - until you encounter a bug when the language suddenly resets or the switch button disappears. This is especially annoying during active chatting, when Latin characters are persistently printed instead of Russian text, and the standard method of changing the layout is (space + Shift) does not work. In this article we will look at all possible methods from basic to hidden shell functions that will help even in non-standard situations.

Owners Honor 50, Honor 70, Honor Magic 4 of other models are often faced with the fact that after updating Software or reset settings, the usual layout disappears. The reason lies in the features of the proprietary keyboard Huawei SwiftKey (or Honor Keyboard in new devices), which behaves differently than Gboard from Google. We tested all methods on current versions MagicUI 7.0 i EMUI 13so that you can choose the best option - be it a gesture, a voice command, or setting via ADB.

If you got here because the keyboard stuck in English does not respond to presses, go straight to the section “Emergency methods” - solutions for critical cases are described there. For everyone else, let's start with the classic methods that work in 90% of situations.

1. Standard switching layout on Honor

The most obvious way is to use the built-in language change button on the keyboard. In Huawei SwiftKey and Honor Keyboard it looks like Globe or an abbreviation of the current language (for example, RUS/ENG). However, its location may differ depending on the shell version and smartphone model.

To switch:

  1. Open any text input field (for example, notes or messenger).
  2. Touch icon globe (or hold spaceif there is no button).
  3. In the menu that appears, select the desired language.

If there is no switch button at all, then The layout has not been added to the keyboard settings. This is a common problem after a software update when the system resets language packs. The solution is to add the language manually (more on this in the next section).

📊 What keyboard do you use on Honor?
Huawei SwiftKey
Honor Keyboard
Gboard from Google
Other

2. Adding and removing layouts in settings

When the desired language is not in the switching list, it must be added through system settings. In EMUI/MagicUI this process differs from pure Android, so follow the menu paths:

Instructions for MagicUI 7.0+ (Honor 70/80/90, Magic 4/5):

  1. Go to Settings → System and updates → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
  2. Select Huawei SwiftKey (or Honor Keyboard).
  3. Tap Languages and layouts → Add language.
  4. In the list, find the desired language (for example, Russian) and download the package if required.

For EMUI 12/13 (Honor 30/50/X-series):

  1. Open Settings → Device → Language and input → Current keyboard.
  2. Select the keyboard you are using (for example, SwiftKey).
  3. Go to Layouts and languages → click + Add language.

After adding a language, the switch button will appear on the keyboard automatically. If this did not happen - restart your smartphone.

☑️ Check before adding a language

Done: 0 / 3
⚠️ Attention: On some models Honor (for example, Honor Play 6T) after adding a language, you may need to manually enable the layout in the keyboard settings. To do this, go to Languages and layouts, find the added language and activate. switch next to it.

3. Quick switching with gestures (hidden function)

Few people know, but in Huawei SwiftKey i Honor Keyboard there is hidden gesture for changing layout swiping the space bar. This function is disabled by default, but it can be activated:

How to enable:

  1. Open the keyboard settings (Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → [your keyboard]).
  2. Go to Input gestures (or Additional settings in older versions).
  3. Find the option Swipe on space to change language and enable it.

Now you just need to swipe your finger from left to right on the space barto instantly switch between layouts. This is especially convenient for one hand!

Gesture Action Works on
Swipe left on space Switch to previous language SwiftKey, Honor Keyboard
Swipe right on space Switch to next language SwiftKey (starting from EMUI 10)
Double-tap space Insert a period (does not affect the layout) All keyboards
Hold space Opening the language menu (if the gesture is disabled) SwiftKey, Gboard
💡

If the gesture does not work, try calibrating the touch input in the screen settings. Sometimes the problem lies in incorrect registration of swipes.

4. Switching the layout by voice (for MagicUI)

In MagicUI (starting with version 6.0) a unique function has appeared. It is useful when your hands are busy or the keyboard does not respond to touches. Here's how to set it up: voice layout switching. It is useful when your hands are full or the keyboard does not respond to touches. Here's how to set it up:

Activating voice control:

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Voice control.
  2. Enable the option Voice commands for keyboard.
  3. Remember the commands: "Change language" or "English layout" (both options are supported).

Now just say command, and the layout will change automatically. The function works even when the screen is locked (if the option Voice assistant on lock is enabled).

⚠️ Attention: Voice switching may conflict with other voice assistants (for example, Google Assistant or Yandex Alice). If the command is not works, disable third-party assistants in the application settings.

5. Emergency methods: if the keyboard does not respond

The situation when the keyboard stuck in one language and does not switch either with a button or with gestures, is familiar to many users Honor. Most often this happens after a software update or a malfunction. SwiftKeyHere's what to do:

Method 1: Reset keyboard settings

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Applications → [three dots] → Show system ones.
  2. Find Huawei SwiftKey (or Honor Keyboard) and open its settings.
  3. Click Storage → Clear data and Clear cache.
  4. Reboot your smartphone.

Method 2: Installing an alternative keyboard

If the standard keyboard refuses to work, temporarily install Gboard or Microsoft SwiftKey from AppGallery:

  1. Download the keyboard (for example, Gboard in AppGallery).
  2. Activate it in Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
  3. Turn on the switch next to the new keyboard and set it default.

Method 3: Force a layout change via ADB

For advanced users: if the keyboard is locked in English, you can force a language change via ADB. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the command: 

adb shell settings put secure default_input_method com.huawei.swiftkey/.SwiftKeyKeyboard

Then add the desired language through the standard settings (section 2).

What to do if all languages are gone after resetting the keyboard?

In this case, you will have to manually reinstall the language packs. in Settings → System → Language and region, add the desired system language (not the keyboard!), then return to the keyboard settings and repeat adding the layout.

6. Setting up automatic context switching

Branded keyboards Huawei/Honor can automatically adjust the layout to suit context for example, switch to English when entering email or to Russian in messengers. The function is called Adaptive input and is activated like this:

How to set it up:

  1. Open the keyboard settings (Settings → System → Language and input → [your keyboard]).
  2. Go to Prediction and correction → Adaptive input.
  3. Enable options:
    • ✅ Automatic language switching
    • ✅ Context analysis
    • ✅ Personalized suggestions

After activation, the keyboard will automatically select the layout based on:

  • 📧 Field type (mail, search, chat).
  • 🗣️ Last language used.
  • 📱 Applications (for example, Russian is used more often in Telegram, and English is used in Chrome).
⚠️ Attention: Function Adaptive input may conflict with VPN or third-party keyboards If the layout starts to change randomly, disable the option or add exceptions for specific applications in the settings. keyboard.
💡

Automatic switching saves up to 30% of time when typing, but requires initial setup and training of the AI (1-2 days of active use).

7. Honor models

Some smartphones Honor have unique bugs with the layout. Here are typical cases and their solutions:

Model Problem Solution
Honor 50/60 The language switch button disappears after the update Uninstall the update SwiftKey via Settings → Applications and restart the device
Honor Magic 4 The layout is reset to English when connecting a Bluetooth keyboard Disable the option Synchronize layouts in the physical keyboard settings
Honor X7/X8 It is impossible to add Ukrainian/Belarusian language Install Gboard —it has more regional layouts
Honor Play 30 The space gesture works only in portrait orientation Update SwiftKey to the latest version via AppGallery

If your model is not in the table, but the problem persists, check shell version in the settings (About phone → EMUI/MagicUI version). In older versions (below EMUI 10), you may need to manually install the APK with language packs.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the layout on Honor

Why did the Russian layout disappear after the update?

The reason is usually resetting the keyboard settings. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → [your keyboard] → Languages and layouts and add the Russian language again If it is not there. in the list - download the language pack (you will need Internet).

Can I assign a separate button to change the layout?

Yes, in SwiftKey and Honor Keyboard you can configure an additional button:

  1. Open the keyboard settings.
  2. Go to Layout and buttons → Panel settings tools.
  3. Add a button Language to the panel.

Now it will be displayed next to the space bar.

How to disable automatic word correction when changing layout?

Auto-correction interferes? Disable it separately for each language:

  1. Go to the keyboard settings.
  2. Select Prediction and correction.
  3. Disable Auto-correction i Text prediction.

For fine tuning, you can disable the correction only for specific applications (for example, in Telegram).

Why is there a layout when typing in VK/Telegram? is reset?

This is a known bug SwiftKey in combination with some messengers. Solutions:

  • Update your keyboard and messenger to the latest versions.
  • Disable the option in the keyboard settings Adaptive input.
  • Use an alternative keyboard (for example, Gboard).

If the problem persists, clear the messenger cache (Settings → Applications → [messenger] → Storage → Clear cache).

How to transfer keyboard settings to a new Honor?

When moving to a new smartphone Honor you can transfer personal settings keyboards (dictionary, layouts, gestures):

  1. On the old phone: Settings → System → Backup → Data backup → Select keyboard.
  2. Save a copy to Huawei Cloud or to a memory card.
  3. On the new phone, restore the data from the backup.
Important: The transfer only works between devices with the same shell (EMUI→EMUI or MagicUI→MagicUI).