Changing the interface language on Xiaomi devices is a challenge that every second user faces after buying a gadget. The reasons are different: buying an imported version with Chinese firmware, accidentally changing your settings or wanting to use your native language. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from smartphones on MIUI to TVs with Android TVs, including nuances for different versions of the software and models.
It's important to understand that the process varies depending on the type of device and the version of the operating system. For example, on smartphones with MIUI 14, the path to language settings may differ from MIUI 12, and on Mi TVs, the algorithm is different. We'll look at each case in detail so that you can quickly and error-free perform the setup.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t have the right language?
Most often, the lack of Russian or English is due to regional firmware, the manufacturer produces devices with different versions of the software for different markets:
- 🇨🇳 Chinese firmware – only contains Chinese and English, often without Google services.
- 🇪🇺 Global firmware – supports Russian, English and major European languages.
- 🇮🇳 Indian firmware - Russian may not be available, but Hindi and local dialects are available.
If your device doesn’t support the language initially, you’ll either need to install global firmware or use workarounds (discussed below), and you may also have a problem after resetting or updating the software when the system returns to factory settings.
How to change the language on Xiaomi smartphone (MIUI)
On most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI shell, the language change algorithm is the same. Consider the step-by-step instructions for the latest firmware versions (relevant to MIUI 12-14):
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Scroll down and select the Additional Settings section.
- Go to Language and Enter → Language.
- In the list of available languages, tap the desired one (for example, Russian or English).
- Confirm the choice – the system will automatically apply the changes.
If the language you want is not on the list, it means your firmware doesn't support it out of the box.
- 🔄 Update firmware to global version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🛠️ Install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) with multilingual support.
Check the current version of the firmware in Settings → About the phone
Connect to Wi-Fi to download updates
Make a backup copy of the data (in case of reset)
Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->
On some models (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11), the path may be slightly different. If you don't find the Additional Settings section, try:
Settings → System and device → Language and input → Language💡
If some applications (such as Mi Fit or Mi Home) are left in Chinese after changing the language, clear their cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Features of changing language on Mi TV
Xiaomi Mi TVs are based on Android TV, and the process of changing the language here is radically different from smartphones. The main difficulty is the limited list of supported languages in standard firmware.
- On the remote, press the Settings button (cogs) or go to Settings through the main menu.
- Select Preferences (or device settings on Russian firmware).
- Go to the Language (Language).
- In the list, select the desired language. If not, you will need to install a third-party launcher (for example, ATV Launcher).
An important nuance: on Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 and other models with Chinese firmware, the list of languages is often limited to Chinese and English.
- 📥 Install MoreLocale 2 from Google Play (if available in your area).
- 🔧 Use it. ADB-commands for forced localization change (instruction below).
ADB-language change commands to Mi TV
After the changes are implemented, some system applications (such as Mi Home or PatchWall) may remain in English.
How to change the language on smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi
On wearable devices (Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch, Redmi Watch), the language change occurs through the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit).
- Open the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone.
- Connect your device via Bluetooth.
- Go to the profile of the device (stamp its icon on the home screen).
- Select the device settings → Display language.
- Select the desired language and confirm synchronization.
Important limitations:
- 🚫 On the Mi Band. 5/6/7 Xiaomi Watch S1 The list of languages is limited to those supported by firmware. Chinese versions are often devoid of Russian.
- ⚠️ After changing the language, you may need to reset the device to factory settings (via Settings) → Resetting in annex).
If the Mi Fitness app doesn’t have the option of changing the language, try:
- Update the bracelet firmware through the application.
- Install alternative software (e.g. Notify & Fitness for Mi Band).
💡
On Xiaomi smartwatches, the interface language is tied to the Mi Fitness app language, and if it has English installed, the bracelet will switch to it too.
Change the language through Recovery and Fastboot modes
In rare cases (for example, after a failed update or reset), the interface language may "fly" and the settings menu will become unavailable.
Method 1: Through Recovery
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (this will reset all settings, including the language).
- After the reboot, select the language at the initial setup stage.
Method 2: Fastboot (for power users)
If Recovery is not available, you can flash global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:
- Download the official global firmware for your model.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (Power button + Volume down).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware file and press Flash.
⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data from the device. If the phone is enabled lock Mi Account, after the procedure you will need to enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account, otherwise the device will be blocked!
Table of language compatibility by Xiaomi models
Not all Xiaomi devices support Russian out of the box, and the table below shows the popular models (relevant for firmware 2023-2026):
| Model of the device | Chinese firmware | Global firmware | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Chinese, English | Russian, English, +20 languages | There is no Google Play on the Chinese version. |
| Redmi Note 12 | Chinese, English | Russian, Ukrainian, Kazakh | Global firmware is available for all regions |
| POCO F5 | There is no Chinese version. | Russian, English, +15 languages | By default, it comes with global software. |
| Mi TV Q2 55" | Chinese, English | Russian, English, +5 languages | Manual installation of locales via ADB is required |
| Mi Band 7 Pro | Chinese, English | Russian, English, +10 languages | Language depends on the version of the Mi Fitness app |
Important: On devices with Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Redmi K50) Russian language is not in principle – it can be added only by full flashing on the global version.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When changing language on Xiaomi devices, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Language changed, but some apps stayed on Chinese Solution: Clear the app cache in Settings → Annexes → Manage applications or reinstall them.
- 🚫 No language change option in settings Solution: Your firmware does not support multilinguality. Install a global version using the Mi Flash Tool.
- 📵 After the reset, the language became Chinese again Solution: It means that the device is Chinese firmware. You need to flash the global version.
- ⚠️ The TV does not save the selected language after the reboot Solution: Use ADB-commands for forced localization (see spoiler above).
⚠️ Note: If Google (YouTube, Play Market) services are lost on your smartphone after changing the language, you have installed Chinese firmware. You can only return them by completely reflashing them to the global version.