How to change the language on Xiaomi: a detailed guide for all versions of MIUI and HyperOS

Changing the language interface on Xiaomi devices is one of the most basic but critical operations for a new smartphone owner. Often gadgets fall into the hands of users from China, where the default version of the operating system is installed, which does not support Russian or English, in which situation navigation on the menu becomes a real quest, requiring knowledge of icons by heart or the use of a camera translator.

However, even with global firmware, there may be situations where you need to switch to another language for ease of use or specific settings in the region. The process of changing the language in the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS has its own nuances, depending on the version of Android and regional binding of the device. In this article, we will discuss all possible scenarios, from standard switching in the menu to methods of changing the language on Chinese firmware devices (CN ROM).

It should be noted right away that the algorithm of actions can differ significantly depending on whether the bootloader is locked and whether the official firmware is installed. If you just unpacked the phone and see the characters, do not panic: there are proven methods of adapting the interface to your needs without deep knowledge of programming.

Standard language change in global firmware

For owners of devices purchased at official retail or with a global version of software, the procedure is as simple as possible and takes only a few seconds. The configuration interface is fully translated and logically structured, which allows you to find the right item even without knowing English, relying on visual hints. Usually the path to settings is universal for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.

To change the language, you need to open the Settings app, which looks like a gear, and in the list that opens, you should scroll down to the section indicated by the three-dot icon or the letter "A" in the circle (depending on the version of the shell), inside this section is the item "Language and Input" or simply "Language", and clicking on it, you will see a list of available locales.

If the language you want is not on the default list, you often need to click on the Add Language button (plus icon), after which you will open a full list of all the options supported by the system. After choosing Russian or any other language, the system will suggest installing it as the main one, and the interface will instantly rebuilt.

• 📱 Open Settings (cogs) and find the "Additional" or "System" section».
• 🌐 Select "Language & Input" in the list of parameters.
• ✅ Click "Language", select the desired option from the list or add a new one through the «+».
• 🔄 Confirm the shift if the system requests confirmation of action.

⚠️ Note: On some devices with European firmware (EEA) It may not be possible to select certain languages (e.g. Chinese or Arabic) without unlocking the bootloader or using special codes.

It is important to understand that changing the language automatically changes the layout of the keyboard and the format of displaying the date and time. If after changing the language the keyboard remains the same, check the input settings separately, as in some cases you need to manually add a language package for the virtual keyboard Gboard or MIUI Keyboard.

Language Change Features in Chinese Version (CN ROM)

This is a game-changer if you purchase a so-called “Chinese version” of a smartphone, which is designed for the Chinese domestic market and often doesn’t have Russian or English on the predefined list, and in the standard settings menu, you’ll find only Chinese and possibly English, but switching to English won’t solve the problem of full localization.

There are several methods to address this problem, ranging from simple tricks to complex flashing procedures, the easiest way is to use a language change app if it is already installed, or try to activate hidden language packets through an engineering menu. However, the most reliable but time-consuming way is to install a global firmware.

If you don't plan on reflashing your device, you can try to find the region-specific option in the settings. Sometimes changing the region from China to Russia or Global forcefully pulls up the necessary language packets from the cloud, and then you need to find the region-specific section in the settings (usually the second or third icon on the top of the settings menu).

It is worth considering that the Chinese versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shells do not have the default Google Play store, it is possible to install it, but requires additional manipulation. So, if you are not an experienced user who knows how to work with adb or recovery, it is better to consider buying a global version or installing a Global ROM.

Using the MoreLocale 2 application to change language

One of the most popular and effective ways to “russify” the Chinese version of the smartphone without flashing is using the utility MoreLocale 2. This application allows you to forcefully install any locale supported by the Android kernel, even if it is hidden by the manufacturer in the interface.

You need to download to start the work. APK-The application file is from a reliable source, as the official Google Play store may not have it. Once installed and launched, you will see a list of languages. If the screen will be a message about the need for permissions, the application will request access to change the system settings.

The key here is getting permission to change localization. On current versions of Android (10, 11, 12, 13, 14), this can not be done without connecting to a computer and using USB debugging. You will need to activate the developer mode and enter a special command through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

adb shell pm grant jp.co.c_lis.ccl.morelocale android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATION

After completing the command in the MoreLocale 2 application, the smartphone interface should instantly switch to Russian. However, it is worth remembering that this change only applies to the system interface and standard applications. Third-party applications can remain in the default language or require a separate setup.

• 📥 Download and install. APK-MoreLocale 2 application file on your smartphone.
• 🔧 Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the build number in About Phone»).
• 💻 Connect the phone to the PC, turn on “Debugging by” USB» And put in a command. ADB granting.
• 🇷🇺 In the application, choose Russian and enjoy the Russified interface.

⚠️ Note: MoreLocale 2 is not a complete flashing experience. If you reset to factory (Hard Reset), the language will return to the original (Chinese) and the procedure will have to be repeated again.

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If the keyboard is Chinese after using MoreLocale 2, go to the keyboard settings (usually space or through language settings) and add Russian layout manually. System language and input language are different parameters.

Changing the keyboard language and entering text

Often, users are faced with a situation where the phone interface is already in Russian, but the keyboard stubbornly types in characters or offers only English layout. This is a separate parameter that is customized regardless of the system language. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Gboard keyboard or the proprietary MIUI Keyboard is most often responsible for this.

To add Russian input, you need to go to the settings of the keyboard application itself, usually by long pressing a comma or space, or through the smartphone settings menu in the "Additional" -> "Language and input" section.

In the list of active keyboards, make sure you select the right one (such as Gboard). Then go to the "Languages" section inside the keyboard settings. Press "Add keyboard" and select "Russian". It is recommended to choose the YTSUKEN layout for comfortable typing.

If the keyboard does not switch in the standard way, check if the "Only one language" mode is turned on. Sometimes the input settings have a restriction that prohibits the use of multiple language packs at the same time, removing this restriction will allow you to freely switch between Russian, English and other languages in any application.

Changing the language in Google apps and services

Even after a successful system language change, some applications, especially Google’s services (Google Play, YouTube, Google Maps), can continue to display information in English or Chinese, because many modern applications have their own language settings that prioritize system settings, or cache old data.

Newer versions of Android (starting with Android 13) have introduced the App Language feature, which allows you to specify a specific language for each program separately. To use it, go to Settings → System → Language and Input → Application Language (the path may differ slightly in HyperOS).

Find the desired application, such as Google Play Store, and select Russian for it. If the application does not support multilingualism, this item may be missing or inactive, in which case only cleaning the app cache or reinstalling it with changed regional account settings will help.

The voice assistant is also worth special attention. If you use Google Assistant or Xiao AI (in Chinese versions), their language also needs to be set separately within the respective applications. For Google Assistant, this is done through the user profile in the assistant settings, where you can choose your preferred language of communication.

⚠️ Note: Changing the language in Google apps may take some time.If the changes don't apply immediately, try closing the app completely (unload from memory) and opening it again.

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The system language doesn’t always dictate the terms of the application. With Android 13+, each service can be customized individually, which solves the problem of mixed languages in the interface.

Problems with changing the language and their solution

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter a number of difficulties: sometimes, after choosing a new language, the interface bumps into each other, the text is cropped or squares are displayed instead of letters, indicating damage to the language package or font incompatibility.

One common problem is that the language resets on Chinese firmware using the MoreLocale method, which is because the system checks configuration integrity and returns default values when booted, in which case installing specialized Magisk modules (if there are root rights) or re-using the ADB command after each reboot helps.

It's also possible that the phone will freeze on the MIUI logo after trying to change the system files of the language, which is a critical error that requires you to log in to Recovery mode, turn off the phone and press the Volume Up + Power button combination. In the Recovery menu (which can be in English or Chinese), you should select Wipe Data, which will return the device to the factory settings.

• 🛑 Text becomes unreadable: check fonts in the theme and return the standard font.
• 🔄 Tongue resets: use ADB-command each time after switching on or install a global firmware.
• ⚙️ Menu in Chinese: navigate by icons or use a translator app with screen function.
• 🔋 Quick discharge after language change: check background processes, system debris may be left.

If none of the software methods worked, and the device remains incomprehensible to the Chinese, the only way out is to reflash to the global version (Global ROM), which requires unlocking the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website, which takes 7 to 30 days of waiting, and using the Mi Flash Tool program on the computer.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions