How to change text in Xiaomi smartphones: from language settings to deep modification MIUI

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face the need to change the text elements of the interface – whether it is an incorrect translation into the text. MIUI, Intrusive notifications or a desire to personalize your device, unlike iOS, where system labels are rigidly fixed, Xiaomi’s firmware provides multiple levels of access to text content, from basic language settings to editing localization files through the use of a localization file. ADB.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of changing the text - from official methods (change of language, update firmware) to advanced ones (manual editing). strings.xml, We will focus on the risks of loss of warranty when modifying system files and legal alternatives that do not require root rights. If you want to simply fix a typo in the menu or completely translate the interface into an unofficial language - here you will find a solution for your task.

1.Official methods: language change and regional settings

The safest and most obvious way to change text in Xiaomi is to use built-in language packages. The manufacturer supports more than 80 languages, including regional dialects.

1. Open the Settings. → Additional settings → Language and input → Language.
2. Select the language you want from the list (for example, Russian (Russia) or English (United States)).
3. Confirm the change – the system will restart (some models require manual restart).

If the language is not on the list, check:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: Some languages are added only in newer versions of firmware (for example, Ukrainian appeared in the first edition of the firmware). MIUI 12.5).
• 🌍 Regional packages: firmware for Global, EEA And China is different in a variety of languages. Download the full firmware for your region from the official website.
• 📱 Model of the device: budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) They may not support rare languages due to memory limitations.

⚠️ Note: When changing language to Chinese (zh_CN) Some features (like Google Play) may stop working due to regional restrictions. VPN servers in Europe or the United States.

2. firmware update: correction of translation errors

Frequently text errors in MIUI — These are bugs of a particular firmware version. MIUI 13.0.4 for Xiaomi 11T Pro had a problem with displaying Cyrillic in notifications, and in MIUI 12.5.7. POCO X3 Pro is a typo on the camera menu. It's a simple solution:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest stable version.
3. If the update does not come automatically, download the full package (.zip) from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com and install via Settings. → Update MIUI → Three points. → Select a firmware file.

For devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can install custom firmware (such as xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience), where translations are often better than official ones.

• 🔓 Unlock Bootloader (Loss of Warranty!).
• 🛠️ Installations TWRP or another custom Recovery.
• 📦 Handheld firmware via fastboot or recovery.

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Before updating the firmware, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset, that'll keep yours. SMS, Contacts and application settings, but not system files (including modified texts).

3. Editing text without root: ADB-Teams and MoreLocale 2

If you need to change the text only for a specific application (for example, fix the inscription in Mi Home or Security), you can do without root rights using the software. ADB third-party.

Method 1: MoreLocale 2 (to change the application language)

MoreLocale 2 allows you to force any language to be installed for individual programs, even if it is not supported by the system:

1. Download MoreLocale 2 from Google Play.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Fit).
3. Set the language (for example, en_US for English ru_RU Russian).
4. Restart the app.

Method 2: ADB-commands to change system lines

For advanced users, it is possible to temporarily replace text resources through the ADB. For example, to change the words "No sound" to "Silent mode" in the notification panel:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




sed -i 's/No sound/Silent mode/g' /system/priv-app/SystemUI/SystemUI.apk/res/values-ru/strings.xml




mount -o ro,remount /system




reboot

This method only works until the next system update and requires:

• 🔌 Included Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🖥️ Established ADB Tools on PC (download from Android site).
• ⚠️ Understanding the risks: An incorrect command can lead to a bootloop (obsessive boot).

4. Deep modification: editing strings.xml root-righted

For full control of the text in MIUI You will need root and system file editor (such as MiXplorer or Root Explorer:

1. Get root through Magisk (instructions for your model are available on the website) XDA Developers).
2. Download MiXplorer and enable Root access.
3. Cross the path: /system/priv-app/[Name of the annex]/res/values-[language]/strings.xml For example, for the Russian language in the settings it will be: /system/priv-app/Settings/res/values-ru/strings.xml
4. Open the file in the text editor and find a line to change: <string name="battery_saver_title">Battery savings</string> Change the text between tags and save the file.
5. Reset the device.

Examples of paths to key localization files:

⚠️ Attention: Editing strings.xml into /system It can cause applications to crash if you delete critical characters (such as % in rows with variables!

Make a backup copy through TWRP|Install Magisk and check root access|Download MiXplorer with root support|Check the vacant space in /system (minimum 50 MB)|Disable automatic updates MIUI-->

5. Magisk Custom patches and modules

If manual editing is too risky, you can use ready-made solutions from the community.

• 📌 MIUI Language Packs: modules for Magisk that add informal languages (e.g. Tatar or Kazakh) can be downloaded on Telegram. MIUI Language.
• 🎨 MIUI Customizer: a module for changing fonts, icons and text in the interface. Installed via Magisk Manager.
• 🔧 Xposed Framework + App Settings: allows you to change text resources for individual applications without editing system files.

Example of installing a patch through Magisk:

1. Download the module file (.zip) from a trusted source (e.g, 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.

Popular Modules for Text Change:

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Magisk modules are the safest way to customize after manual editing, and they don't affect system files directly, but instead use changes when the OS is booted, making it easier to roll back in case of errors.

6.Alternative solutions: running applications in the sandbox

If you only need to change the text in one application (e.g. Mi Fit or Xiaomi Community), you can use a sandbox with a modified version. APK. Popular tools:

• 🧪 Island (from Oasis Feng): Creates an isolated environment where you can install a modified application without risking the system.
• 🔄 App Cloner: clones the application and allows you to edit its resources (including text) before installation.
• 📱 Parallel Space: Launches an application in virtual space with the ability to swap language files.

Instructions for changing the text in the sandbox:

1. Install App Cloner from Google Play.
2. Select the target app (e.g. Mi Home).
3. In the clone settings, enable the Edit strings option.
4. Find a line to change (for example, device_offline → "Device offline") and edit the text.
5. Install a clone and use it instead of the original app.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Fit or Mi Pay) check file integrity and can block your account if you detect modifications!

7 Risks and how to avoid them

Any changes to system files or unofficial patches are risky, and the main problems and ways to prevent them are:

If you still have a problem:

• 🔄 Soft brick (device is turned on but not booted): run the firmware through Fastboot.
• 🚨 Hard brick (device not responding): contact the service center (required) JTAG).
• 🔒 Blocking Mi Account: Write in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

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Safest Modification Procedure: 1 Trying Official Methods (Changing Language, Updating); 2 ADB MoreLocale 2; 3 Only if nothing helps - resort to root and edit system files.

Frequently asked questions