How to change your settings on Xiaomi: from language to system settings

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI shells offer hundreds of settings, from basic (language, wallpaper) to hidden (developer modes, battery optimization). But finding the right option can be difficult: menus often move between versions of MIUI 12, 13 and 14, and some options are hidden behind “secret” combinations. This article will help you figure out how to change key settings on Xiaomi – with explanations for beginners and life hacks for experienced users.

We will look at not only standard actions (change language, theme, sound), but also rare scenarios: for example, how to circumvent the regional limitations of MIUI or return the old version of the firmware after a failed update. All instructions are tested on current models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5) and adapted to the latest versions of Android 13/14.

Warning: Some changes (such as unlocking the bootloader or editing system files) can result in a loss of warranty or device brik. If you are not sure about your actions, use the official methods in this article.

1. How to change the system language to Xiaomi

By default, Xiaomi offers a limited list of languages, depending on the firmware region. For example, the "global" version of MIUI may not be Ukrainian or Kazakh, and the "Chinese" version may not be Russian.

For standard language change:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Language and input → Language.
• 🔍 Select the language you want from the list (if not, see the next paragraph).
• 🔄 Confirm the change – the system will restart (on some models).

If the language is not on the list:

1. Install MoreLocale 2 from Google Play (developer rights required).
2. Launch the app, select the language and apply.
3. Reset the device.

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On Chinese firmware (China ROM) to add Russian language may require installing a patch through TWRP or changing the region in the Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) Changing the language via MoreLocale 2 can reset Google Pay settings. Before changing, back up to Settings → Google → Backup.

2. Changing theme and wallpaper: Hidden possibilities of MIUI

MIUI is famous for customizing the interface, but not everyone knows that the themes can not only be downloaded from the official store, but also imported from third-party sources (.mtz files).

Method 1: Official Theme Store

• 🎨 Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
• 🔍 In the search, type the title of the theme (for example, "Dark Mode Pro").
• 📥 Click Apply - the changes will come into effect immediately.

Method 2: Install custom themes (requires MIUI 12+)

1. Download the theme file (.mtz) from a trusted source (e.g. miuithemes.com).
2. Place the file in the MIUI/theme folder on the internal drive.
3. Open the Topics → Mine → Import application and select the downloaded file.

There are some tricks for wallpaper:

• 🖼️ To set up a live wallpaper, download APK with APKMirror (e.g. WallpapersCraft).
• 🔄 For automatic wallpaper change, use Settings → Wallpaper. → Driver (available on the MIUI 14).
• 📏 So that the wallpaper is not stretched, in the wallpaper settings, select the size of the wallpaper. → By screen size.

Once a week | Once a month |Only when you buy a phone |Never changed-->

3. Sound tuning: from volume to equalizer

Xiaomi's sound is not just tuned with volume sliders. MIUI has a hidden equalizer, separate profiles for headphones and speakers, and Dolby Atmos (on supported models). Let's see how this works.

Basic sound settings:

• 🔊 Volume control: Volume buttons + Settings → Sound and vibration.
• 🎧 For headphones: Settings → Sound. → Sound quality → Headphones (select Dynamic, Balanced or Bass type).
• 🔇 Disabling system sounds: Settings → Sound. → System sounds (switch sliders).

Hidden functions:

1. Dolby Atmos: Available on Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi K50. Included in Settings → Sound → Dolby (select Movie, Music or Game profile).
2. Equator: Download Wavelet from Google Play (Android 10+ required).
3. Mono-sound: For people with hearing impairments, include in Settings → Special. capabilities → Sound → Mono-audio.

Check the headphone connection|Select a profile in Dolby Atmos|Turn off the EU volume limit|Set up an equalizer in Wavelet-->

⚠️ Attention: POCO F4 Redmi Note 11 may lose sound in some games when Dolby Atmos is activated (for example, the sound may disappear in some games, PUBG In this case, disable Dolby or update the firmware to the latest version.

4. Change network settings: 4G, Wi-Fi and VPN

Network issues are one of the most common complaints of Xiaomi users: it can be a weak 4G signal, an automatic connection to slow Wi-Fi or blocking VPN. Here's how to fix typical errors and optimize the connection.

Mobile network (4G/5G):

• 📶 To forcefully include 4G (LTE), Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type and select Only LTE.
• 🔄 If the internet is lost, update your settings. APN: Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN) → Reset.
• 📡 To improve the signal, disable VoLTE (if not needed): Settings → SIM-map → Voice communications → VoLTE.

Wi-Fi:

• 🌐 To prevent the device from automatically connecting to weak networks, disable Settings. → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Auto-connection.
• 🔒 For hidden networks, enter SSID manually: Settings → Wi-Fi → Add a network.
• 📈 To speed up Wi-Fi, turn on Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → High performance mode (available on the MIUI 13+).

VPN and proxy:

For manual VPN settings:


1. Go to Settings → Connections → VPN.




2. Click Add VPN and select type (PPTP, L2TP, IPSec).




3. Enter the data from the provider (server, user name, password).




4. Save and activate the connection.

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On Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China ROM), VPNs can be unstable due to built-in restrictions, in which case changing the region in the Mi Account or installing custom firmware (xiaomi.eu) will help.

5. System changes: from developer mode to resetting settings

Some Xiaomi settings are hidden from ordinary users, but they can be activated through developer mode or secret codes.This allows you to fine-tune performance, animations and even unlock additional features.

How to turn on the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times in a row (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Useful options for developers:

• 🚀 Limitation of background processes → Set No Limits for Better Multitasking.
• 🎮 Debugging by USB → Turn it on for work with ADB.
• 🖥️ Window animation → Install Off to speed up the interface.
• 🔋 Do not turn off the screen during charging → Convenient to watch the video.

Secret codes for diagnosis:

Enter the phone as a number in the appendix:
#4636### → Information about battery and network
##225## → Calendar Check (for error diagnosis)
#6484## → Sensor test (gyroscope, accelerometer)
#64663## → Display test (colors, touchscreen)

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro Enable the option Forced GPU-Drawing in developer mode can cause the battery to overheat and discharge quickly. Use it only for testing.

6.Region and firmware changes: bypassing MIUI restrictions

MIUI firmware is region-specific, which limits access to certain features (e.g. Google Services on Chinese or Mi Pay on global ones). Fortunately, the region can be changed - but that requires caution.

Method 1: Change region through Mi Account (without risk to warranty):

1. Open account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. Go to Profile. → Country/region.
3. Choose the right country (for example, Russia, India or Europe).
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

Method 2: Install custom firmware (for experienced users):

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (waiting required) 7-15 days).
• 📥 Download the firmware from Xiaomi.eu (recommended) MIUI EU).
• 🛠️ Set it through TWRP or Fastboot.

7.How to return standard settings if something went wrong

If the phone starts to lag, overheat or not turn on after the changes, don’t panic. In most cases, resetting your settings or rolling back to the factory firmware can help.

Soft reset (without loss of data):

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings → Resetting all settings.
• 📱 Confirm the action – the phone will restart with standard settings (photos and files will remain).

Hard Reset (Hard Reset):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm and wait for completion.

Recovery via Fastboot (if the phone is not turned on):

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.


2. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).




3. In Mi Flash, select firmware and press Flash.




4. wait until the completion (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Redmi K50 Gaming hard reset can block the bootloader if it was previously unlocked through Mi Unlock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the settings on Xiaomi