Manually adding local dictionaries to Android input methods

Manually Adding a Local Dictionary to Android Input Methods

Due to various restrictions on Android devices and the business strategies of input method companies, we often find it difficult to batch import plain-text local dictionaries into our input methods. Moreover, many input methods (such as Sogou Input Method and iFlytek Input Method) have recently removed the feature to import contact dictionaries on Android, making it extremely inconvenient to type names.

Based on the pain points above, I provide a relatively universal solution to help you import your local dictionary into Android phones and even computers.

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Preparing Your User Dictionary

First, you need to have your own user dictionary in a TXT file (e.g., containing hundreds of names).

Important notes when creating this TXT file:

1. Each name (or common word) should occupy one line.
2. Do not leave a blank line at the end.
3. Pay close attention to the text encoding!
   • If you intend to import the dictionary into an input method on a Windows PC, save the TXT file with ANSI encoding.
   • If you intend to import the dictionary into an input method on an Android phone, save the TXT file with UTF-8 encoding.

If you do not save the file with the correct text encoding, the dictionary cannot be imported successfully.

How to change the text encoding?

• Open the TXT file with Windows Notepad.
• Click File → Save As.
• Choose the appropriate encoding type from the encoding dropdown.

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Importing the User Dictionary into Android Input Methods

Case 1: The Input Method Has a Direct Import Option

Example: iFlytek Input Method on Android

• Send the UTF-8 encoded TXT dictionary file to your phone. In the phone’s File Manager, create a new folder in the root directory. Name it whatever you like; for example, 000.

How to send a TXT file from your computer to your phone and find it in File Manager?

There are many ways. The most common method:

1. Use WeChat File Transfer to send the TXT from your computer to your phone’s WeChat.
2. Open the TXT file in WeChat on your phone.
3. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of WeChat, then tap Save.
4. Now, go to your phone’s File Manager and navigate to Internal Storage → download → weixin. The TXT file will be there.

• In the phone’s File Manager, copy the TXT dictionary file into the folder 000, and rename the TXT file to user_dict.txt.
• Open iFlytek Input Method, go to Settings → Dictionary Settings → User Dictionary → Import from Local.
• In the file browser, select the folder 000 and tap Use this folder.
• Import successful. You will now see the total number of user dictionary entries displayed next to the user dictionary option in iFlytek Input Method.
• Test by typing.

Note: The PC version of iFlytek Input Method does not have an option to import user dictionaries.

The only way to import a user dictionary on the PC is to log into the same iFlytek account on both your phone and PC, and then sync the user dictionary.

Case 2: The Input Method Has No Direct Import Option

In this case, you must first import the user dictionary on your computer, then log into the same input method account on both your phone and computer to sync the dictionary.

Example: Sogou Input Method on Android

• Open Sogou Input Method on your PC, click Properties Settings → Dictionary → Import.
• Change the file type filter from Encrypted Dictionary File (*.bin) to Text Dictionary File (*.txt).
• Select your TXT dictionary file saved with ANSI encoding and import it.
• Log into the same Sogou Input Method account on both your PC and phone, then sync the user dictionary on your phone.
• Test by typing.

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Please Pay Attention to Text Encoding Selection!