Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV, Mi TV A Pro, etc.) come with international firmware, where Russian is often not on the standard list, which creates difficulties for users, especially if the interface is displayed in Chinese or English. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to add Russian, from basic settings to alternative methods for older models.
It is important to understand that the process depends on the version of the MIUI TV firmware and the regional binding of the device. For example, European TVs (EEA) already include Russian in the list of languages, while Asian versions (CN) require additional manipulation. We will discuss solutions for both cases, and also show how to avoid typical errors when changing the language.
If you find that you don't have Russian in your settings after you buy it, don't rush to return the TV to the store. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 5-10 minutes without losing warranty.
1. Check the current firmware version and region
Before you change the language, make sure your TV supports Russian in principle.
- Turn on TV and go to Settings β Device Preferences β About (or Settings β About TV).
- Find the lines Model (model) and MIUI TV Version (firmware version).
- Note the region in the model name (e.g. Mi TV 4S 55" EEA - European version, Mi TV 4A 32" CN - Chinese).
If the model name has EEA (European Economic Area), Russian is already pre-installed - you just need to select it in the settings. For models with CN (China) or IN (India), you will need to manually install a language package.
Check out the MIUI TV version:
- πΉ Versions 1.0-2.5 - old firmware, Russian is added through the ADB third-party APK.
- πΉ Versions 3.0 and higher β Support language packs via Settings β Language & input.
β οΈ Attention: On TVs with firmware MIUI TV 1.x (A language change that was released before 2019 could cause a system failure, requiring a complete reset or flashing.
Method 1: Change the language through a standard menu (for the EEA-model)
If your TV is designed for the European market, Russian is already sewn into the firmware to activate it:
- On the remote, click the Settings button β select Preferences (or Settings).
- Go to Language & Input β Language (Language and input) β Language).
- In the list, find Russian (Russian) or Russian and select it.
- Confirm the choice and wait for the reboot (it will take ~30 seconds).
If the Russian is not on the list, but the model is European, try updating the firmware:
- Go to Settings β About β System Update.
- Click Check for updates and install the latest version.
Check the Wi-Fi connection|Connect the TV to the outlet (do not use an extension cord)|Charge the remote to 100%|Remember current sound and image settings-->
After the update, Russian should appear. If not, move to alternative methods.
Method 2: Install Russian through the language package (for MIUI TV 3.0+)
For TVs with MIUI TV 3.0 firmware and later (released after 2020), you can install a language package without root rights.
- Download the official language package for MIUI TV (file ru_RU.apk) on USB-storage device FAT32).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV (USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port).
- Open File Manager (or Explorer) on TV and find the file ru_RU.apk.
- If you see an βInstall blockedβ error, allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β Security & Restrictions.
- After installation, go to Settings β Language & Input and select Russian.
If the file manager is not on the menu, use an alternative method:
- π± Install the Send Files to app on your smartphone TV (available on Google Play).
- πΊ Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- π² Send the file. ru_RU.apk on TV and start the installation.
β οΈ Warning: Do not download language packets from unverified sources. APK-Files can block your TV or steal your Mi Account details.
π‘
If the Russian language does not appear after installing the package, restart the TV by holding the power button on the remote for 10 seconds.
Method 3: Repositioning through ADB (for advanced users)
If previous methods have failed, you can force the region of the TV to Russia or Europe through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for models on Android TV (for example, Mi TV Stick, Mi Box or TVs with MIUI TV 2.5+).
You'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π Cable USB-A β USB-A (for connecting TV to PC).
- π¦ Utility. ADB Tools.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the TV Developer Mode: Settings β About β Build β Tap 7 times on Build Number
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings β Developer options.
- Connect the TV to the PC with a cable and start the command line (terminal).
- Enter the commands in turn: adb devices adb shell setprop persist.sys.locale en-RU setprop persist.sys.country RU reboot
Once the interface is rebooted, it should be Russian-language, and if it isn't, check if your model supports region change through ADB.
What if ADB canβt see the TV?
5. Method 4: Reflashing to the European version (extreme case)
If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to reflash the TV to the European version of MIUI TV, which will delete all the data and return the device to the factory settings, but add Russian.
Warnings before firmware:
- π¨ The guarantee may be revoked.
- π§ Required. USB-volume-storage β€32GB (FAT32).
- β‘ Risk of βbrickingβ (if the process is interrupted).
Instructions:
- Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi MIUI TV website (select the version marked EEA).
- Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to the flash drive.
- Put the flash drive in the TV turned off.
- On the remote, press Menu + Volume Down at the same time and hold for 10 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
- Select Apply update from USB β specify update.zip file.
- Wait until the end (~15-20 minutes) and select Reboot system now.
| Model TV set | Supported firmware | Risk of loss of guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S (2018β2020) | MIUI TV 3.0 EEA | Low. |
| Redmi TV 70" (2021) | MIUI TV 4.0 Global | Medium. |
| Mi TV A Pro (2022+) | MIUI TV 5.0 EEA | High (requires unlocking the bootloader) |
β οΈ Attention: On Mi TVs TV Q1/Q2 2023 year-over USB They require an official air update (OTA) service-centre.
6. Solving problems after changing language
Sometimes after installing Russian, bugs arise. Let's consider the typical cases and ways to fix them:
6.1 Some apps (Netflix, YouTube) have disappeared
It's happening because of the region's shift.
- π Go to Settings. β Annexes β Delete data for a problem application.
- π₯ Reinstall it via Google Play (if TV is on Android) TV).
- π Return the region to Russia in Settings β System system β Region.
6.2 The remote stopped working
After changing the language, the remote's binding may be lost, so that it can be reconnected:
- Remove the batteries from the remote for 30 seconds.
- Press and hold Home + Menu for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks.
- Bring the remote to the IR receiver on TV (usually at the bottom of the screen).
Incorrect translation of the interface
If the menu is in English or Chinese:
- π Check if the language pack is fully installed (sometimes a restart is required).
- π Make a reset of settings: Settings β System system β Reset to factory (application data will be retained).
π‘
If after all the manipulations, the Russian language has not appeared, most likely, your TV model does not support it at the software level, in which case you can either accept the English interface or contact a service center for flashing on a custom version.
7.Alternative solutions: voice input and third-party launchers
If you can not configure the Russian language through system means, you can bypass the restrictions with the help of:
7.1. Google Assistant Voice Assistant
On Android TVs (such as Mi TV Stick or Mi Box S), you can use voice input to navigate:
- Press the microphone button on the remote (or say βOK, Googleβ).
- Say a command in Russian, such as βOpen Netflixβ or βRevolve the volume.β
Installation of alternative launcher
Launchers like ATV Launcher or HalLauncher allow you to replace the standard MIUI TV interface with a more flexible one.
- Download. APK launcher USB-accumulator.
- Install it via File Manager (allow installation from unknown sources).
- In Settings β Applications β Launcher by default, select the installed launcher.
Advantages of alternative launchers:
- π Full Russification of the menu.
- π― Quick access to applications.
- π§ Customization of appearance (themes, wallpapers).
Disadvantages:
- β οΈ It can brake on weak models (e.g. Mi). TV 4A).
- βοΈ Certain functions MIUI TV It will be unavailable (e.g., Mi Home for a smart home).