Where and how to change the language on Xiaomi Android smartphones: all ways

Changing the interface language on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the first challenges that users face after buying a device, especially for owners of devices purchased abroad or through informal channels. Even if your Redmi, Poco or Mi came with Chinese firmware, you can return the usual Russian (or English) language in a few minutes – the main thing is to know where to look for settings and what nuances to consider.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to change the language to Xiaomi, from the standard settings menu to hidden features for global and Chinese versions of MIUI. You’ll also learn what to do if the desired language is not on the list, how to add it manually and why after the update the system can β€œreset” in Chinese. Instructions are relevant for all modern models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Before you start, make sure your device is at least 30% charged, which will prevent a sudden shutdown during system settings changes, and check your Internet connection (preferably via Wi-Fi), as some language packs may be downloaded additionally.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi smartphone do you have?
Redmi (Note/Prime series)
Poco (F/X/M)
Mi (number series)
Black Shark
Other

1. Standard method: MIUI settings menu

The easiest way to change the language is through basic system settings, which works on all official firmware (global, European, Indian versions of MIUI), but may not be available on Chinese devices without first unlocking.

To change the interface language:

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Scroll down and select the Additional section (on some versions System and Device).
  3. Tapping Language and Input (or Language and Region on new MIUI 14/15)
  4. At the top of the screen, click Language (the first item in the list).
  5. Choose the language you want from the language you want (e.g. Russian (Russia) or English (United States)).

If there is no Russian on the list, but there is English, select it first, which will make it easier to navigate the menu for further action. ROM) This section may be called (yΗ”yΓ‘n yΗ” shΕ«rΓΉfǎ).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for language change

Done: 0 / 4

2. Features of Chinese firmware (China ROM)

Xiaomi devices purchased in China or on AliExpress without official global firmware often have a limited list of languages, in which case the standard method will not work – you will have to use workarounds.

Here's what we can do:

  • πŸ”„ Install global firmware via Fastboot or Recovery. This is a radical method that requires unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock).
  • 🌐 Use MoreLocale 2 – Application for Forced Language Change (requires rights) ADB).
  • πŸ“± Activate hidden menus through engineering menus (not working on all models).

On Chinese firmware MIUI 13/14, the path to language settings can be hidden behind code ##6484## (inserted in the Phone app), but this method is unstable and can lead to resets.

What is China ROM and how is it different?
Chinese firmware (China ROM) is designed for the domestic market of China, and has a number of restrictions: no Google services, a limited list of languages (Chinese and English only), and pre-installed Chinese applications (for example, Mi Pay, Mi Video with content for China). Global firmware (Global ROM) is adapted for the international market and includes a full language package, Google Mobile Services (GMS) and meets local regulations (for example, GDPR in the EU).

⚠️ Note: Forced language change on Chinese firmware without superuser rights (root) can lead to system applications (for example, Mi Home or Mi Cloud). β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup.

3. How to Add Missing Language by Hand

If you don't have the language you want, but you have developer rights or root access, you can manually install it through ADB or specialized applications, and let's look at both.

Method 1: Through ADB (without root)

  1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
  2. Connect your smartphone to your computer and activate Debugging over USB (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – tap 7 times, then return to Additional β†’ For Developers).
  3. Open the command line in the adb folder and type: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings$LanguageSettingsActivity
  4. If the language is still not displayed, try the command for forced installation: adb shell"setprop persist.sys.locale ru-RU; setprop ctl.restart zygote" (replace ru-RU with the desired language code, for example, en-US).

Method 2: Appendix MoreLocale 2

  • πŸ“± Download MoreLocale 2 from Google Play (requires Android 5.0)+).
  • πŸ”§ Launch the application and provide access through ADB (instruction will appear on the screen).
  • 🌍 Select the desired language from the list (e.g. Russian – Russia) and apply the changes.
  • πŸ”„ Reset the device.
LanguageCode for ADBIs it supported in MoreLocale 2?
Russian (Russia)ru-RUYes.
English (USA)en-USYes.
Ukrainianuk-UAYes.
Kazakhkk-KZNo.
Turkishtr-TRYes.

πŸ’‘

If some apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) are left in Chinese after changing the language through ADB, clear their cache in the settings: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ [App Name] β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache.

4. Change of language for individual applications

MIUI 12 and later introduced a language change feature for individual applications, which is useful if you want Telegram to be in English and the system in Russian.

How to do this:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want (like YouTube or Chrome).
  3. Tap the App Language (a paragraph will appear if the App supports this feature).
  4. Select the language from the list (only those that are installed in the system are available).

If there is no language, then the application does not support this function, and then you can try:

  • πŸ”„ Install a different version of the app (e.g. Telegram X instead of the regular Telegram).
  • 🌐 Change the language settings within the application itself (usually in the Settings section) β†’ Language).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Poco) F5, Redmi K60) If you change the language for the application, you can lose the sound in the video or disrupt the font display. MIUI 14, which is fixed by restarting the device.

5.Why does the language reset after the update?

Many users face a problem: after updating MIUI through O TA, the interface language is reset into Chinese or English.

  • πŸ“¦ Incomplete language package in firmware (often on beta versions).
  • πŸ”„ Regional settings conflict (e.g. if SIM-Card registered in another country).
  • πŸ› οΈ Errors when installing the update (interrupted download or unstable Internet connection).

To avoid tongue reset:

  1. Before updating, check that in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ The MIUI version is ticked Notify of new versions, but not Auto Update.
  2. Download firmware only via Wi-Fi, not mobile Internet.
  3. After the update, do not click Reboot now, but wait for the automatic request (usually in 5-10 minutes).

If the language does reset, try to return it through the engineering menu: type in the Phone app code ##64663## and select Language Switch. This method works on 80% of Xiaomi devices from 2020-2026.

πŸ’‘

Update MIUI only through official channels (built-in software or Xiaomi website). The firmware side (e.g., with 4PDA) may contain viruses or incomplete language packs.

6 Problem Solving: Language is not changed or reset

If after all the manipulations the language remains the same or the smartphone β€œforgets” settings, try the following steps:

Problem 1: Language is not saved after rebooting

  • πŸ”§ Check if root rights are installed – sometimes they block system changes.
  • πŸ“± Reset the language settings to factory: Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Reset the language and keyboard settings.
  • πŸ”„ Install firmware manually through Recovery (instructions on miui.ru).

Problem 2: Only Chinese is listed in the list of languages

  • 🌐 Install MoreLocale or Locale More.
  • πŸ“¦ Download the language pack manually (for example, MIUI_Russian_Pack.zip) and pass through TWRP.
  • πŸ”§ Activate the hidden menu through ADB: adb shell am start -a android.settings.LOCALE_SETTINGS

Problem 3: Google services are missing after language change

This is a typical Chinese firmware situation.

  1. Install Google Play Services and Google Play Store manually (APK-file).
  2. Start Google Play Services and give all permissions.
  3. Restart your device and update services through the Play Market.

7. Changing the language on smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi

If you have not only a smartphone, but also a smart watch Xiaomi Watch S3, Redmi Watch 3 or fitness bracelet Mi Band 8, the language on them changes differently.

For smartwatches (Watch S2/Pro, Watch 2 Pro):

  1. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models).
  2. Go to the device profile and select Device Settings β†’ Language.
  3. Select the desired language from the list (Russian, English, German, etc. are available).
  4. Confirm the synchronization - the clock will reset.

For fitness bracelets (Mi Band 7/8, Smart Band Pro):

  • πŸ“± In the Mi Fitness app, go to the section of your bracelet.
  • 🌐 Tap on Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Language.
  • πŸ”„ Select a language and wait for the bracelet firmware update (can take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On Mi Band bracelets older than version 5 (e.g. Mi Band 4), language reset is only possible through factory reset. In the Mi Fitness app, select Untie the device, then reconnect the bracelet and select the language when you first set up.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi gadget do you have besides a smartphone?
Smart watches (Watch S2/Pro)
Fitness bracelet (Mi Band)
Headphones (Buds 4/5)
Router (AX3000/6000)
There are no other gadgets.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the language to Xiaomi

Can I change my language to Xiaomi without the internet?
Yes, but only if the language pack is already installed in the system. If the language is not on the list, you will need an Internet connection to download it (via Settings β†’ Language and Input or MoreLocale 2). On Chinese firmware without the Internet, it is almost impossible to change the language.
Why do some apps stay in Chinese after changing the language?
This is because individual system applications (Mi Home, Mi Cloud, Security) have their own language packs.Solution: Clear the app cache in Settings β†’ Apps. Update the app through the Play Market (if there is one). Install the global version of the app manually (APK-file).
How to return the Russian language if the smartphone is stuck in Chinese?
If you don't know Chinese, follow the visual instructions: Open Settings (cog icon). Scroll down and find the icon with the letter "A" (section ). Select English (or Russian if it's on the list). If English is not on the list, use MoreLocale 2 (installe APK via your computer).
Can I use two languages at the same time (e.g. English and Russian)?
V MIUI 13/14 There is a multitasking feature for languages, but it works in a limited way: You can add a second language to your Settings β†’ Language and input β†’ Additional languages: The system will automatically switch between them depending on the application (e.g. Chrome in English and Messages in Russian) full bilingual interface (like in Samsung One) UI) into MIUI no.
After the MIUI update, the Russian language disappeared.
This is a typical problem when upgrading from Chinese to global firmware via O. TA. Solutions: Reverse to the previous version via Fastboot (instructions for the first time) 4PDA). Install the language package manually through TWRP (look for files MIUI_Russian_Lang_Pack.zip). Reset the settings to factory (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings), but it will delete all data.