How to put Russian language on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Buying a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is often a pleasant surprise for the wallet, but sometimes it turns into a complexity in the form of an interface in Chinese or English. This is because many users order devices from Chinese online stores, where the version of the China ROM firmware is originally installed, which does not contain the localizations we need.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available solutions so you can comfortably use the gadget. You will learn how to distinguish global from Chinese firmware, how to activate hidden features of the system and in which cases you will need to flash the device. It is important to understand that each method has its own risks and requirements, so follow the instructions carefully.

Before you start taking action, you need to determine the current version of your smartphone software, which will depend on whether you can just switch settings or have to resort to more radical measures. Below we will look at the algorithm for actions for various scenarios, so that even on the budget device with a Chinese interface, a full-fledged Russian language will appear.

Diagnostics of the current version of the firmware

The first step should always be to accurately diagnose what is installed on your device. In the world of Xiaomi, there is a clear separation into Global ROM (global version) and China ROM (Chinese version). The global version initially contains all the necessary languages, including Russian, and is certified for work in Europe and the CIS. The Chinese version is focused on the domestic market of China and often lacks pre-installed Google services and necessary localizations.

To check the version, go to the phone's settings. Even if the interface is in a strange language, the icons and the layout of the elements usually remain similar. You need to find a section that in English is called About phone, and in Chinese it looks like the last item in the top menu block with the smartphone icon. Inside this section, look for the MIUI Version. If there is an "E" at the end (for example, 12.0.5.0.RUJEUXM), it is the European version, and Russian should be the default language there. If at the end is "CN", then you have Chinese firmware.

⚠️ Attempt to force the Russian language to Chinese firmware through third-party applications can lead to incorrect translation of system menus or "flight" settings.

Also worth paying attention to the presence of the app store GetApps instead of Google Play. In the Chinese versions, the Xiaomi branded store has been replaced by a local counterpart, which is a sure sign of regional system binding. If you find this configuration, do not worry - there are proven ways to adapt the device to our realities.

Standard Activation Method through Settings

In most cases, even if the phone comes with an English interface, Russian is already sewn into the system, but it is simply not activated, which is typical for so-called "Global Beta" versions or re-interlaced Chinese devices with a global recapverie installed, the process of turning on the language is standard and does not require root rights or a connection to a computer.

To start, you need to find a settings icon that looks like a gear, which is called Settings in the English version of the menu. Next, you need to scroll down to Additional settings, which is often indicated by three dots or sliders, and inside this menu, you need to select Languages & input, and then go to the Languages section.

Here you'll see a list of available languages. If there's Russian or Russian on the list, just click on it and drag it to the first position of the list. The system will instantly switch, and the entire menu will become clear. However, if there's no Russian on the list, the standard method won't work, and you'll have to resort to special applications or change the region.

Sometimes, changing the region of the device helps. In the same Additional settings menu, find Region and try switching the country to India or Indonesia. In some firmware versions, changing the region can unlock additional language packs that were hidden to the original region. After changing the region, restart the device and check the list of languages again.

Use of the MoreLocale 2 application

If the standard list does not contain the language you want, the popular app MoreLocale 2 comes to the rescue.This tool allows you to forcefully install any locale supported by the Android kernel, even if it is hidden by the manufacturer.The method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices without the need to obtain superuser rights (Root).

To implement this method, you will need to download APK-The application file is from a reliable source, as it may not be available in official stores. After installation, launch the program. You will see a list of countries and languages. At this stage, the system may issue a request for permission to change the settings, which must be confirmed.

However, in the new versions MIUI (starting 12 and above, the grant of special rights through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. Without it, the app can only change the language in some programs, not in the system. If a simple language choice fails, connect the phone to your computer, enable debugging. USB and enter the command: pm grant jp.co.c_lis.ccl.morelocale android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATION. This action activates the full functionality of the application.

⚠️ Note: After completely flashing the device or resetting to the factory settings (Hard Reset), the settings made through MoreLocale 2 will be reset, and the procedure will have to be repeated.

The advantage of this method is that it's safe for user data, you don't lose photos, contacts or apps, and if you don't like it, you just have to delete the app or reset the language settings to get it back to normal, and it's ideal for those who are afraid of locking up the phone with the wrong actions.

Configure through the hidden menu of engineering tests

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering test section known as the CIT (Customer Integration Test), which is designed to diagnose hardware components, but some firmware versions can access advanced localization settings, a method that is considered more advanced and requires caution.

To get into the menu, open the Phone app and type in a special code: ##6484##. If the code is correct, the testing menu will open. We're not so much interested in diagnostics as in accessing system logs or hidden configurations. In some cases, you can go through the Version Information -> Software Version path and see the current status of the language package.

A more efficient way to use the engineering menu is to change regional flags. By entering ##4636###, you will be taken to the testing menu. Select Phone information. Scroll down to Set preferred network type. Although this is a network menu, some versions of MIUI have a reset or configuration button nearby that can initiate checking of available languages when rebooted.

It’s worth noting that the availability of these features is highly dependent on the processor model (Snapdragon or MediaTek) and the Android version. On new Android 11/12/13 devices, access to deep engineering settings is often closed, and this method may not work, leaving only the option of flashing.

Full Firmware Reflash on Global ROM

The most radical, but also the most effective way to get full-fledged Russian and all Google services is to install Global ROM, a process that completely replaces the phone's software, removing all Chinese restrictions and adding the necessary localization, using the official Mi Flash Tool tool and a Fastboot firmware file.

Before the procedure, you need to unlock the bootloader. This is a mandatory security requirement from Xiaomi. The unlock process takes from 7 to 168 hours (depending on the Mi Account) and requires linking the device to the account through the developer menu. Without an unlocked bootloader, you will not be able to install global firmware on a Chinese device.

1 Download Mi Flash Tool and ADB drivers.


2 Download Fastboot ROM (Global) for your model.




3. Enter Fastboot mode (clamp Volume-Down + Power).




4. Connect to a PC and run the firmware through Mi Flash.

It is important to choose the Clean All firmware type to avoid conflicts between the old Chinese system and the new global files. Once the process is complete, the phone will automatically restart and the initial setup will be in Russian, a guaranteed way that turns a Chinese into a full-fledged international device.

⚠️ Warning: Flashing with the bootloader unlock can lead to loss of warranty in official service centers.In addition, on some models (especially with MediaTek processors), unlocking can cause resets. DRM-keys that will worsen the quality of the photo and sound.

Frequent Problem Solving and FAQ

Even following the instructions, users may encounter unforeseen difficulties, such as when the language is set, part of the menu may remain in English or the keyboard may not switch, often the problem lies in the system cache, and it is recommended that after changing the language, the Settings or System UI app cache is cleaned through the application management menu.

Another common problem is the lack of Russian keyboard layout. If the language of the system has changed, and you can not type in Russian, go to the keyboard settings (usually it is Gboard or Gboard). MIUI Keyboard, select Languages and add Russian. In some Chinese firmware, the standard keyboard does not support Latin or Cyrillic, then the solution is to install Google Keyboards from the base. APK-file.

💡

If after all the manipulations, the dates and times are confused with Chinese, do not manually change them in the settings. Turn on Network Time Synchronization (NTP), and the system will adjust the time zone and date format for your region.

Below are answers to the most common questions that arise from owners of Xiaomi smartphones when trying to Russify.

💡

The most reliable way to get a stable Russian language and all services is to install the official Global ROM, but the fastest and safest is to use the MoreLocale 2 application with ADB rights.