Xiaomi Redmi 1s has become a legend in the budget segment, but its owners often face one significant problem - the lack of native Russian in the firmware. The Chinese version of the MIUI operating system, which is initially installed on the device, contains only English and Chinese interfaces. This creates serious difficulties for users who do not speak foreign languages, as navigation on the menu becomes extremely inconvenient.
Fortunately, enthusiasts and developers have found several effective ways to do this. Russification can be done both by software methods without flashing, and by installing custom assemblies. The choice of the specific method depends on your technical training and the desired result. In this article, we will discuss all the options available in detail, assess their risks and benefits, so that you can make an informed choice.
It is worth noting that interference with system files always carries certain risks. Incorrect actions can lead to unstable operation of the device or even its complete failure. Therefore, before starting any manipulations, we strongly advise you to carefully study the instructions and make sure that you understand the essence of the actions performed. The security of your data and the health of the gadget is the number one priority.
Features of MIUI localization on older devices
The Android-based MIUI operating system has a unique localization architecture. Unlike pure Android, where language packs can often be added, MIUI is tightly tied to a specific firmware assembly. For the Redmi 1s (codenamed HM1S or HM1SCD), the official Russian-enabled global firmware is no longer available, forcing users to look for alternatives.
There are two main approaches to solving the problem: installing third-party localizer applications and completely replacing the firmware with custom one. The first method is less risky, but it gives an incomplete translation of the interface. The second method ensures full Russification of all system menus, but requires unlocking the bootloader and having technical skills.
⚠️ Warning: Installing untested firmware may result in a loss of warranty (if it is still relevant) or software failure. Always back up important data before starting work.
It is important to understand the difference between firmware versions. Global versions initially contain many languages, including Russian. Chinese versions (China) are limited to two languages. Since Xiaomi 1s has long been discontinued, it is difficult to find official global firmware, so most users turn to the development community creating modified builds.
Method One: Use of localization applications
The safest and easiest way to add Russian to Xiaomi 1s is to use specialized applications that do not change the system partition, but only replace the text lines of the interface on the fly, which is ideal for users who are afraid to lock up the phone or have no experience with root rights.
One of the most popular tools is the Set Locale & Language app, which allows you to force the Russian language to be installed for the entire system or individual applications. Once you install the program, you need to give it the necessary permissions and choose the Russian language in the list. The interface of the smartphone will change almost instantly, but some system notifications may remain in English.
Another effective solution is to use the MoreLocale 2 application, which requires you to connect to your computer and execute one command via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), but it is more stable and more deeply embedded in the system.
- 📱 Put the debugging on. USB in the developer menu (Settings) → The phone. → 7 times press the assembly number).
- 💻 Connect your phone to your PC and install drivers ADB.
- ⌨️ Enter the command: adb shell pm grant jp.co.c_lis.ccl.morelocale android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATION.
- 🇷🇺 Launch the app on your phone and select Russian (Russia).
The advantage of this method is that it can be reversible, and if something goes wrong, you just need to delete the app or reset the language settings, and the phone will return to its original state, but it's worth remembering that automatic translation can contain grammatical errors or inaccuracies, because it's based on crowdsourcing databases.
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Before installing any apps from unknown sources, be sure to check for them in the Google Play Store or on trusted resources like 4PDA to avoid viruses.
Method Two: Installation of custom firmware (Custom ROM)
For those who want to get a full-fledged Russian language in all corners of the interface, including the recovery menu and bootloader, the only option is to install custom firmware. For the Redmi 1s model, there are many builds based on MIUI (so-called MultiROM) or pure Android (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
The installation process requires pre-unlocking the bootloader, which older Xiaomi devices can sometimes do through special utilities or service codes, although officially support for this model has long been discontinued. Once unlocked, you need to install custom recavators, such as TWRP, through which the firmware is reflashed, which is a more complex path that requires care.
Independent firmware often includes improved optimizations and fresher versions of Android, which can give a second life to an older device. However, stability of such builds is not guaranteed by the manufacturer, there may be problems with the camera, Bluetooth or fast battery discharge if the drivers are written incorrectly.
Where to look for proven firmware?
When choosing a firmware, pay attention to the date of the last update and the number of users who confirmed it to work. Unstable build can turn your smartphone into a brick or make it impossible to use due to constant reboots. Always read other users' comments before downloading a file.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start the active phase of Russification, you need to properly prepare the workplace and the device itself. Chaotic actions without preparation are the main cause of errors. Make sure that the battery is charged at least 60-70%, as the process of installing language packs or firmware can take time, and a sudden power outage is critical.
You will need a computer with Windows (to work with drivers) ADB Fastboot is the easiest, quality USB-cable and free hard disk space, and remember to back up your contacts, photos and apps, and in the Russification process, data can be deleted, especially when you install custom software.
List of required software:
- 💾 Drivers. ADB Fastboot (usually part of Platform Tools).
- 📁 File Manager with access to system files (e.g. Root Explorer or MiXplorer) if you plan to manually edit.
- 🔓 Utility to unlock the bootloader (if necessary, for example, Mi Unlock, although for older models may need special tools).
☑️ Checklist of preparations for Russification
Pay special attention to drivers. If your computer doesn't see your phone in debugging or Fastboot, you can't execute any commands. Windows Device Manager should not have any unknown devices with yellow exclamation marks when you're connected to your smartphone, a fundamental step without which you can't take any further steps.
Comparison of Russification Methods
To make it easier for you to decide on your method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you weigh the pros and cons of each method, taking into account your skills and goals. Remember that for Xiaomi 1s, some modern methods may not work due to the architectural limitations of the old hardware.
| Criteria | Localization applications | Custom firmware | Manual editing of XML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Tall. | Medium/High |
| Risk of breakdown | Minimum | Medium/High | Medium. |
| Completeness of translation | Partial (90-95%) | Complete (100%) | Depends on the skills. |
| Preservation of the guarantee | Yes. | No (formally) | No (if root is available) |
As you can see from the table, localization applications win in security, but lose in depth integration. Custom firmware gives you a better user experience, but it takes time to master the installation process. XML-Files are only suitable for experienced users who understand the structure of Android.
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For most users of Xiaomi 1s, the optimal balance between quality and safety will be the use of the Set Locale application in conjunction with the manual installation of Russian font.
Frequent problems and their solution
In the process of Russification, users of older Xiaomi devices often encounter a number of common errors, one of the most common is “squares” instead of letters. This means that the system does not have a font that supports Cyrillic, and the problem is solved by installing fonts with the.ttf extension through themes or manually into the system folder /system/fonts.
Another problem is the incorrect display of dates and times. Russian may be set, but the format of the date will remain Chinese or American (MM/DD/YYYY). To fix it, you must force Russia or another CIS country to be selected in the region settings, and check the time format settings.
⚠️ Warning: If your phone has gone into an endless bootloop after installing the language, don’t panic. Try booting into Safe Mode or re-recovery to remove a newly installed app or theme.
You can also have a situation where Russian is on the list, but when you choose, the system drops it into English, which is typical for heavily stripped down versions of MIUI, in which case only changing the firmware to a fuller version or using the methods of forced localization through ADB, which were discussed above, will help.
Final recommendations and safety
Russifying the Xiaomi Redmi 1s is a great way to extend the life of the device and make it comfortable, but remember that this device is a legacy device. Many modern applications may no longer be supported on its Android version, regardless of the interface language.
If you decide to go the way of installing custom firmware, be sure to find a forum dedicated to your model. There are no universal instructions for all versions of 1s, since there are differences between versions for different carriers (WCDMA, TD-SCDMA).
Always check the checksums for downloaded files. A firmware or language pack file must have the same MD5 or SHA1 hash as the author specified, which will protect you from downloading corrupted or modified files. Digital hygiene is important even when working with old technology.
What do you do if nothing helps?
We hope that our instructions will help you customize your smartphone. Remember that software experiments are a rewarding experience, but it requires caution. Stay calm, read each step carefully, and don't be afraid to seek out more information in specialized communities.