How to Add a New Language to Xiaomi Devices: All Ways

Why change the language of Xiaomi and what are the restrictions

Xiaomi smartphones come with a preset set of languages, but not all of them are available out of the box. For example, in global firmware MIUI often lacks Russian for some regions, and in Chinese versions may not be European languages. Adding a new language solves the problem with menus, keyboards and system notifications that are displayed in an incomprehensible language.

However, there are nuances: on devices with a locked bootloader, some methods may not work, and models for the Chinese market (China ROM) often require unlocking or installing custom firmware.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to add languages to Xiaomi in 2026, including official and alternative methods, and how to avoid the typical errors when changing language packs.

Method 1: Adding language through standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in tools of the system, which is suitable for most global firmware (Global ROM) and some regional versions.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Additional Settings → Language and Input (or Language & Input in English).
3. Press the language (Language).
4. In the list of available languages tap on Add language.
5. Select the language you want from the list and confirm the choice.

If the language you want isn't on the list, your firmware doesn't support it out of the box, and one of the alternative ways that we've described below will help.

Check the version of MIUI (in Settings → About the phone)

Connect to Wi-Fi (to download language packets)

Battery charge >30% (to avoid failures)

Backup data (via Settings → Memory → Backup)

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Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5), you may need to restart the device after adding the language.

Method 2: Install the language pack with MoreLocale 2

If you don’t have the right language in the settings, but you have root rights or an unlocked bootloader, you can use the MoreLocale 2 app. This method works even on Chinese firmware (China ROM), but requires preliminary preparation.

Instructions:

1. Download. APK-MoreLocale 2 file from a verified source (e.g. APKPure).
2. Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Installation of Unknown Applications).
3. Open MoreLocale 2 and provide root access (if requested).
4. In the list, find the desired language (for example, Russian (Russia) or Ukrainian) and click on it.
5. Confirm the application of the changes and restart the device.

If the language has not changed after the reboot, check:

• 🔹 Root rights (via Root Checker).
• 🔹 Compatibility with MoreLocale 2 (some new chips, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, can block changes).
• 🔹 Version MIUI (on MIUI 14 and later may require additional permits).

💡

If MoreLocale 2 doesn’t work, try an alternative, the Locale & Language app, which supports more languages but requires Android 8.0+.

Method 3: Change language through ADB (without root)

For users who don’t have root rights but have access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there’s a way to change the language via the command line.This method works on most Xiaomi devices, including the POCO X5 Pro and Redmi K60.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


settings put system system_locales en-RU, en-US # Replacement with Russian (en-RU) and English (en-US) as backup




reboot

Where ru-RU is the code of the language you want (the full list of codes can be found here), and once you execute the command, the device will restart with the new language.

Warning: Incorrect use of ADB can cause system failures. Do not change other settings through settings put unless you are sure of their purpose.

Method 4: Install custom firmware with the desired language

If none of the above methods worked, the radical option remains – firmware alternative version of MIUI, which is suitable for advanced users and requires unlocking the bootloader.

Popular firmware with support for many languages:

• 🌍 MIUI EU — Unofficial firmware with support for 50+ languages including Russian and Ukrainian.
• 🌍 Xiaomi.eu – stable version with weekly updates.
• 🌍 Pixel Experience – firmware based on pure Android (suitable for POCO F4 GT, Redmi K50).

Installation instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Download the firmware from the official website (for example, xiaomi.eu).
3. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
4. Go to recovery, make wipe (Dalvik, Cache, System, Data) and run through the downloaded file. ZIP-file.

Official (Global ROM)

MIUI EU (xiaomi.eu)

Pixel Experience

LineageOS

Another (I will write in the comments)-->

Attention. ⚠️ Custom software firmware voids the warranty and can lead to a device blink:

• Create a backup through TWRP or Mi Cloud.
• Check firmware compatibility with your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G require different builds).
• Charge your phone at least 60%.

Method 5: Using Language Mods (Magisk)

If you have Magisk installed (a tool for obtaining root rights without changing the system partition), you can use language mods, which is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader, but Magisk is allowed.

Popular modules for MIUI:

How to install the module:

1. Download. ZIP-module file (e.g. from the forum) XDA).
2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
3. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
4. Reset the device.

Note: Some modules may conflict with system updates. Before installing the MIUI update, temporarily disable the language mod via Magisk.

Problems with changing language

Sometimes, when you change the language, you get a failure, like badges go missing, settings get reset, or some functions stop working. Here's how to fix them:

• 🔄 Resetting language settings: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Resetting settings.
• 📱 Cache Clearing: For system applications (such as Launche or Settings) run Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Reinstall the keyboard: If the Russian layout is lost after changing the language, delete and re-install Gboard or SwiftKey.

Attention. ⚠️ On devices with China ROM Google Play Services may stop working after changing the language:

1. Install Google Installer (e.g. Googlefier for new models).
2. Manually update Google services via APKMirror.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the language to Xiaomi