How to change the language on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 4: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, which is still used by many users. However, after buying the device (especially in the secondary market or abroad), there is often a problem with an unfamiliar interface language. Russian may not be on the list of available languages, and English or Chinese may complicate navigation on the menu.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for changing the Redmi 4 language for different versions of MIUI firmware, including global, Chinese and custom builds. We will also discuss what to do if the desired language is not in the settings, and how to avoid typical errors when changing localization.

Before you start setting up, make sure your Redmi 4 is at least 50% charged – this will prevent a sudden shutdown during the process. Also prepare a backup of important data: some language change techniques may require a reset.

1. Standard method: change the language through the MIUI settings

If your Redmi 4 has MIUI (International Version) installed, Russian is already on the default system to activate it:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional settings → Languages & Input.
3. Slip on the first item Languages (or Language and Region if the current language is partially understood).
4. In the list of available languages, find Russian (Russia) and select it. The system will suggest restarting the device - confirm the action.

If there is no Russian on the list, but there is English, try updating your firmware via Settings → About phone → System update. Global updates often add support for new languages.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Connect to Wi-Fi to download updates

Battery charge ≥ 50%

Make a backup of contacts and photos-->

⚠️ Note: On the Chinese versions MIUI (China Stable/Rom) Russian may not be available even after the update, in which case you will need to install a global firmware or localization package (see section). 3).

2 Features of Chinese firmware: why there is no Russian language

Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphones sold in China often come with MIUI China firmware, where only Chinese and English are available by default, and this is due to the company’s policy: local versions are optimized for the domestic market and do not include support for other regions.

The main features of Chinese firmware:

• 📱 Google Play Services and Google apps (YouTube, Gmail, etc.) are missing.).
• 🌐 In the language settings there are no Russian, Spanish, French and other European languages.
• 🔍 In the search bar, the default is Baidu instead of Google.
• 📦 Applications for China: Mi Pay, Mi Video (with Chinese content), Xiaomi Cloud without support for international servers.

The problem can be solved in two ways:

1. Installation of global firmware (recommended) - a complete replacement of the system with a version for the international market.
2. Installation of the localization package - adding Russian without changing the firmware (suitable for experienced users).

3. Installation of global firmware: a step-by-step guide

If your Redmi 4 is running Chinese firmware, the most reliable way to add Russian is to reflash the device to the global version of MIUI.

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📥 Global Stable for Redmi 4 (download from Xiaomi official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step 1 Unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi is locking the bootloader on all devices for security, to unlock it:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Settings → Mi Account → Sign in.
2. Activate USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times until you say “You’re a developer”). Then go back to Additional Settings → Developer → USB debugging.
3. Install the Mi Unlock Tool program on your PC (download from the official website).
4. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume down + Power until the hare appears in the eardress cap).
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions.Unlock waiting times can take up to 720 hours (30 days) for new accounts.

Step 2: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool

After unlocking the loader:

1. Download Global Stable Firmware for Redmi 4 (tgz file. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., unpack the archive in a folder, C:\MIUI\redmi4_global).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in step 1.4).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware. Then select Clean all and press Flash.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart with global firmware and Russian.

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If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after you have firmware, try pressing the power button for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't help, repeat the firmware with the Clean all and lock option (but this will block the bootloader again).

Alternative method: installation of localization package (without firmware)

If unlocking the bootloader seems too complicated, you can add Russian with the localization package from Xiaomi.eu.This method does not require complete flashing, but is only suitable for advanced users.

You'll need:

• 📱 Redmi 4 with unlocked bootloader.
• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📦 Localization Package for your version MIUI (Download the forum Xiaomi.eu).

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with localization (for example, miui_HM4X_ru_global_*.zip) and place it in the root of the phone's memory.
2. Reboot the device in Recovery Mode: Turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Power.
3. From the Recovery menu (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection) select Install update.zip to System.
4. Confirm the installation and wait until it is completed. After the reboot, Russian will appear in the settings.

⚠️ Note: Some localization packages may contain unofficial modifications that result in system instability or application errors. Before installing, check reviews about a specific build on the Xiaomi.eu forum or 4PDA.

5 Problem Solving: What to Do When Language Doesn't Change

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the interface language remains the same or resets after a reboot. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Restore and reset.
2. Select Settings Reset (or Erase All Data in English).
3. Confirm the action. Once you restart, reset the phone, and the Russian language should appear.

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If the reset doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely that the device has a modified firmware with remote language packs installed, in which case only a full flashing to the official global version of MIUI will help.

6. Additional settings: keyboard, voice assistant and region

After changing the system language, you may need to configure other localization parameters:

• 🔤 Keyboard: By default in MIUI It's used by Gboard (Google) or Mi Keyboard. To add Russian: Open any text field (e.g., in messages). Tap the keyboard icon in the bottom panel and select Keyboard Settings. Go to Languages and enter → Virtual keyboard and add Russian.

Region:

Russia

Settings → Additional settings → Language and region → Region

Voice assistant:

Google Assistant

Play Market

Also check the date and time settings – they should match your time zone (Settings → System settings → Date and time).If time gets lost after rebooting, activate the Autodetermination option.

7.Security: How to Avoid Language Change Mistakes

Mistakes when changing firmware or localization can result in data loss or phone failure.

• 🔋 Battery charge: Never start firmware if the charge level is below 50%.Forced shutdown during the process can "brick" the device.
• 🔌 Cable USB: Use the original cable from the kit. Cheap Chinese cables can interrupt the connection, causing disruptions.
• 📥 Firmware source: Download files only from official resources: Xiaomi official website (global firmware). Xiaomi.eu forum (localization). 4PDA (russifiers and instructions).
• 🔍 Version Check: Make sure the firmware is suitable for your Redmi 4 model. ADB: adb shell getprop ro.product.model Must return a Redmi 4 response or HM4X (codename).

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 4 from hand, check it for a link to the previous owner’s account (Mi Account). → If the phone requires login/password input when resetting or firmware, contact the seller to untie the device. Otherwise, you risk getting a "brick" after changing the firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the language to Xiaomi Redmi 4