How to change text on Xiaomi smartphone: from system inscriptions to messages in apps

Changing the text on Xiaomi smartphones may be necessary in a variety of situations: from the banal correction of typos in system notifications to the complete Russification of firmware for imported models. However, not all users know that the editing capabilities of text go far beyond standard settings. MIUI. In this article, we will discuss legal and technical methods of changing text information, from simple tricks with applications to deep modifications of system files.

It's important to understand that editing system text requires different levels of access, and that there are some standard Android tools that you can use, and some of them require root rights or even flashing the device. We will discuss each method, its limitations and potential risks in detail so that you can choose the best option without harming your smartphone, POCO and the flagship series Xiaomi 12/13/14, where the procedures are different.

If you're looking for a way to just change the font or the size of the text, that's another story (and another article) and it's about the content of the text: menus, notifications, system applications, even games. Are you ready for experimentation? Let's get started!

1. Change text in user applications (without root)

Let’s start with the most secure method, which does not require any interference with system files. Many applications (messaging, social networks, games) allow you to edit the displayed text through:

• 📝 Built-in localization settings – some programs (for example, Telegram or Telegram) VK) Support manual language change, including unofficial translations.
• 🔧 Plugins and mods – for games like Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings APK-fashions with modified textures and inscriptions.
• 🖥️ ADB-commands – through adb shell you can replace the string resources of some applications (requires enabled Debugging by USB).

Telegram example:

1. Open the Settings. → Language.
2. Select Add Language → Download from the channel.
3. Subscribe to channels with unofficial translations (for example, @ru_translations).
4. Install the downloaded.tgloc file through the app menu.

It's more complicated for games, like changing the text into PUBG Mobile, you'll need it:

1. Download modified APK from sites like APKMirror or PlatinMods.
2. Delete the original version of the game.
3. Set the mode by pre-allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special rights).

⚠️ Attention: Modified APK Before installing, check files through VirusTotal and read reviews on thematic forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

2. editing of system inscriptions through MIUI Theme Editor

Official tool from Xiaomi — MIUI Theme Editor allows you to modify some system texts without root rights. It works by creating custom themes where you can replace them:

• 📱 Desktop inscriptions (e.g., "Applications", "Widgets").
• 🔔 Text of notifications (e.g. “New communication").
• ⚙️ Signatures in quick settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

Instructions for use:

1. Download. MIUI Theme Editor from Mi App Store (not available in all regions).
2. Open the app and select Create a new theme.
3. Go to Text Resources (Text Resources) section.
4. Find the right line (for example, string_name="wifi_title") and edit it.
5. Save the theme and apply it to Settings → Topics.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all system lines are available for editing.
• ❌ After updating MIUI change may be reset.
• ❌ In some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Theme editor blocks the change of critical inscriptions.

💡

Before editing themes, back up the original theme through Settings → Topics → My subjects. → Exports, which will help you quickly get it back if you make mistakes.

3. modifying the text through ADB (without root, but with unlocking the loader)

The Deepest Method: Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It allows you to swap string resources in system and user applications without obtaining root rights, but requires an unlocked bootloader. This is an official procedure for Xiaomi, but it resets all data on the device!

What can be changed through ADB:

• 📄 Text in system dialog boxes (e.g., "Allow access to contacts?").
• 🔄 Recovery menu (Recovery Mode).
• 📱 Signatures of standard applications (Camera, Gallery, Phone).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer and turn on debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
4. Execute the command to extract string resources: adb pull /system/app/Title Annexes/Title Annexes backup
5. Edit the files. strings.xml or values/strings.xml res.
6. Download the changes back: adb push Applications modified /system/app/Title of the Annexes/
7. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect editing of system files through ADB This can lead to bootloop.Always back up the original files and check for changes on the second device if possible.

4. Complete editing of system text (root required)

To have full control over the text in MIUI You need a superuser's permission, which opens up access to all system files, including:

• 📜 /system/framework/framework-res.apk — mainline.
• 📱 /system/priv-app/ — standard annexes.
• 🔧 /system/etc/ — configuration files with inscriptions.

How to get root on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section about the ADB).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox via Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img
3. Download Magisk (the latest version from GitHub).
4. Squeeze Magisk through recovery.
5. Restart and check root through the Magisk Manager app.

After receiving root, use APK Editor or Root Explorer for file editing:

1. Open up. /system/framework/framework-res.apk into APK Editor.
2. Move to the res/values/ and edit the necessary lines in strings.xml.
3. Save the changes and restart the device.

Critical: editing framework-res.apk Always check for changes to the file backup and be ready to flash through Fastboot.

5. firmware localization: Russification and translation into other languages

If your goal is to translate MIUI In another language (e.g. Chinese to Russian), it is easier to use ready-made localization packages. This is true for "global" firmware that does not support your language.

Ways of Russification:

• 🌍 Official firmware - download the global or European version MIUI For your model from the official website.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware - for example, xiaomi.eu or MIUI Pro already contain full localization.
• 📦 Localization patches are.zip files that are stitched through recovery (e.g., remediation, MIUI Russian Pack).

Instructions for firmware localization patch:

1. Download the right patch for your version MIUI (Check compatibility by build number in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
2. Reboot to TWRP.
3. Click Install and select the downloaded.zip file.
4. Sweat the patch and clear the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/ART Cache).
5. Reset the device.

💡

For most users, the best option is firmware xiaomi.eu. It offers full Russification, no Chinese software and regular updates.

6. Text modification in games and heavy applications

Games and resource-intensive applications (such as AutoCAD or Photoshop Express) often store text resources in encrypted or compressed files, and editing them will require specialized tools:

• 🎮 GameGuardian – allows you to change the text in games in real time (root required).
• 📦 APKTool - Decompiling APK-resource-editing.
• 🔍 UnityEx - for games on the Unity engine (retrieves text assets).

An example from APKTool:

1. Download and install APKTool.
2. Decompile. APK games: apktool d game.apk -o game_folder
3. Edit the files in game_folder/res/values/.
4. Compile. APK back: apktool b game_folder -o game_mod.apk
5. Sign a modified APK with a Uber-apk signer.
6. Put it on the device.

Limitations:

• ❌ Many online games (such as Genshin Impact or Free Fire) have protection against modifications and can ban an account.
• ❌ Some applications check file integrity when you start.

⚠️ Note: Changes to text resources in online games (e.g., online games, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile can lead to permanent blocking of the account. Developers use detection systems such as Easy Anti-Cheat or BattlEye modifications.

7. Automation of Changes: Scripts and Tasker

If you need to dynamically change text based on conditions (e.g., change notifications at specific times), use:

• 🤖 Tasker – Automation of actions based on triggers.
• 📜 AutoInput (Tasker plugin) – change text in the input fields.
• 🔄 Shell scripts for advanced users (root required).

Example of a script for changing the text of notifications:

#!/system/bin/sh

Substitution of the notification text about low battery charge



sed -i 's/Low battery/Battery warning: connect charger/g' /system/framework/framework-res.apk/res/values/strings.xml

To automate this through Tasker:

1. Create a task (Task) → New Task).
2. Add the action of Run Shell.
3. Insert the script above (make sure the path to the file is correct).
4. Set up a trigger (for example, battery level) < 15%).

💡

Automating with Tasker is the safest way to dynamically modify text without tampering with system files, but it still requires root to work with scripts.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Changing Text on Xiaomi