Changing the language on Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphones is one of the first tasks that users face immediately after unpacking the device. Often it happens that the gadget comes with the already installed Chinese version of the MIUI operating system, where initially only English and Chinese are available, which can be a serious obstacle to comfortable use, especially if you do not speak these languages perfectly.
However, the process of adapting the interface to yourself does not always require complex firmware manipulation. Depending on the version of the software and the model of your device, the solution can be both trivial (simple switching in settings) and more complex, requiring the use of third-party applications or resetting settings. Understanding what version of the firmware you have is key.
In this guide, we will take a look at all possible scenarios, from standard language change in the global version to methods of activating Russian on Chinese firmware without losing warranty, you will learn how to correctly determine the type of your software and what tools may be needed to fully Russify the system.
Determination of firmware type and software version
Before you start any action, you need to clearly understand what version of software you are dealing with, depending on the set of options available and the ability to easily change localization. Xiaomi smartphones are divided into several main types of firmware: Global (World), China (Chinese), EEA (European Recovery/Developer.
Global versions usually already contain a full suite of languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, Kazakh and other languages of the CIS countries, which are solved with a couple of clicks in the settings menu. Chinese versions, designated by the CN index in the build number, are initially focused on the domestic market of China and may not have the necessary language packages.
- 📱 Global Version: Full support for all languages, Google services out of the box, lack of Chinese software.
- 🇨🇳 China Version: Minimum set of languages (Chinese, English), availability of Chinese apps, lack of Google services by default.
- ⚙️ Developer Version: Designed for testers, may have unstable operation and specific localization settings.
To find out the version of your device, go to About Phone. Pay attention to the line MIUI Version. If the end is the letter G or the word Global, you're lucky, and you can change the language in the standard way. If you see CN or Chinese characters, you need to use special methods.
⚠️ Note: Attempt to install a language package from another firmware version (e.g., a Russifier from Global to China) ROM) through system installers can lead to a cyclic reboot (bootloop) or the disappearance of part of the system fonts.
Standard Language Change in the Global Version
If your smartphone has global firmware or a European version, the process of changing the language takes literally a few seconds. the interface of MIUI and the new HyperOS is logically structured, so you can even find the right menu visually, orienting yourself by icons, if the current language is not clear to you.
First, you need to open the main settings menu, usually a gear on the desktop or in the notification curtain, then you need to find the section responsible for additional system parameters. Depending on the current version of the shell, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same for all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices.
☑️ Language change algorithm
Click on Additional settings. In the list that opens, look for Language & Input or just Language. In the list that opens, select Russian. The system will immediately apply the changes, and the entire interface, including menus, notifications and standard applications, will go to the selected language.
It is important to note that in some regions (for example, India or Indonesia), global firmware may not have Russian as the default language, in which case it will simply not appear on the list of languages, a regional binding restriction that sometimes bypasses changing the region in settings.
Features of the Chinese version of MIUI and methods of Russification
Chinese smartphone owners often face a situation where only English and... are listed as languages, due to the company's policy of not embedding unnecessary language packs into domestic software, but enthusiasts have found ways to activate hidden languages without flashing the device.
One of the most popular methods is using the MoreLocale 2 app, which allows you to force the system locale to change, making Android think that the system language has changed. If the firmware physically contains Russian files (and they are often even in Chinese builds, simply hidden), this method will make the system display them.
How does MoreLocale 2 work?
The method requires activation of debugging by USB. Go to Settings. → About the phone and quickly click on the Version MIUI (7-10 once until you say, "You're a developer." Then go to Advanced Settings. → For developers and turn on the switchboard USB debugging (USB Debugging).
| Method | Difficulty | Risks. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in settings | Low. | Absent. | 100% (if you have a language) |
| MoreLocale 2 (ADB) | Medium | Minimum | High (depends on firmware) |
| Installation of the russifier | Tall. | Tall (bootloop) | Medium (unstable) |
| Reflashing on Global | Tall. | Medium (unlock) | 100% |
Using ADB to activate the locale
To apply the method with MoreLocale 2, it is not enough to simply install an application and select a language. Modern versions of Android (starting with 6.0 and above) require confirmation of rights to change global settings through a computer. ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
You'll need to download. ADB-You have to put drivers and platform on your computer, and you have to connect your smartphone with a cable. Once you've connected and confirmed the debugging on your phone, you have to type in a command line on your PC. This command gives MoreLocale 2 the necessary privileges.
adb shell pm grant jp.co.c_lis.ccl.morelocale android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATIONOnce you have completed the command (it should be done without errors, just by returning the cursor to a new line), you can turn off the phone. Run MoreLocale 2 on your smartphone, find Russian or Russian in the list and click on it. The interface should switch instantly. If this did not happen, then your particular firmware assembly completely lacks Russian files.
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Use a quality original cable to connect to your PC. Cheap "charging only" cables don't transmit data, and the computer won't see the smartphone, making it impossible to execute. ADB-team.
Changing the region as a way to unlock functions
In the Xiaomi ecosystem, a region affects the operation of some system applications (for example, themes, browser, Mi Video), the availability of advertising and available features (for example, recording calls or a second space).
To change a region, go to Settings → Settings → Region. The default location is China or another country. Try Russia, Ukraine or the United States. After changing region, the phone may need to reboot or simply update the lists of available content.
- 🇷🇺 Russia/CIS: Includes local services, Yandex, optimizes network operation for local operators.
- 🇮🇳 India: Often has a stripped-down functionality and a specific set of pre-installed applications.
- 🇪🇺 Europe: Strict privacy settings, lack of some aggressive optimization features.
It is worth remembering that changing the region will not add Russian to Chinese firmware if it is not physically there, but it is a necessary step to fully adapt the global version to our realities, so that the weather, news and recommendations work correctly.
Problems after updating and resetting settings
After upgrading the system via OTA (over the air) or resetting to factory settings (Wipe & Reset), all user changes, including activating the language through ADB, can be lost.
If the language is English or Chinese again after the reset, the activation procedure will have to be repeated. In the case of MoreLocale 2, the grant rights obtained through ADB are usually retained even after the application is reset, but the application itself will need to restart and select the language.
⚠️ Warning: When you reset your data, including photos, contacts and apps installed, will be permanently deleted. Be sure to back up important data before starting the procedure.
Sometimes, after the upgrade, the system can fly to basic English. Check the settings first. If the update was cross-regional (for example, you updated the Chinese phone with global firmware manually), then the language should have been installed during the initial setup.
Radical measures: flashing the device
If none of the software methods worked, or if the Chinese version of MIUI is unstable, contains a lot of advertising and unnecessary software, the only reliable solution is a complete firmware reflash on the Global Version.
Unlocking the bootloader requires a wait of 7 to 168 hours (depending on the region of the Mi Account) after submitting an application. Once unlocked, you can install a clean global firmware with the Mi Flash Tool. This will completely solve the language problem, but will deprive you of warranties (in some service centers) and may lead to data loss.
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Flashing from China to Global is the only way to get a full-fledged Russian language and the lack of Chinese software for a long time, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and cancels the warranty.
It is important to choose the right firmware. You can't flash the global version over the Chinese version without changing the region of the device (cross-flash), as this can block the phone (hard brick).