Buying a modern Xiaomi Mi TV is often a pleasant event, but the first inclusion can cloud the incomprehensible interface. Global versions of devices usually immediately offer to choose Russian, but Chinese models or specific firmware can meet the user with characters. This is not a reason to panic, since the Android TV system on which the PatchWall shell is based allows you to flexibly manage display parameters.
It is important to understand that the procedure for translating the menu depends on the version of the operating system and the region for which the device is released. In some cases, it is enough to simply select the desired item in the settings, in others, you will need to change the region or install a third-party launcher. Google TV and older versions of Android have their own nuances, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
Don't be afraid to experiment with settings, because you can get back to the factory at any time, but before you start any manipulation, make sure that the remote is working properly and the Internet connection is stable, these are the basic requirements for successful localization of your smart TV.
Determination of firmware version and region
The first step is always to diagnose the current state of the system, and you need to understand which version of the software you are dealing with: Global ROM or Chinese ROM. Global versions initially contain a package of languages, including Russian, whereas Chinese versions are often limited to English and Chinese.
To check the version, you need to find the appropriate section on the menu. Even if you don't know the language, the icons will help you navigate. Usually it's a gear or a item with a TV image. Find the line Settings → About or Settings → About TV.
In the window that opens, look at the Version or MIUI Version box. If the version name has the letters RU or GL, you are lucky that Russian should be on the list. If you see only CN, the interface will be in Chinese, and adding Russian will require additional actions, such as changing the region or installing third-party software.
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Before making changes, take a picture of the screen with the current firmware version, which will help you find the exact instructions or drivers if you have problems in the process.
It's also worth checking the device model on the back of the case, and having a Global Version sticker that says you can get Russian out of the box, and if the sticker is entirely in Chinese, you're almost 100% likely to need manual adjustment.
Changing the language through the menu
In most cases, especially on global versions, the interface is translated by regular means. The algorithm is the same for most models running Android TV 9.0 and higher. You will need a remote control and access to the main menu.
Press the settings button on the remote or select the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Next, follow a path that visually matches the following structure:
- ⚙️ Select the gear icon (Settings).
- 🌐 Find a section with a globe icon or the letter "A" (Device Preferences/Preferences).
- 🗣️ Go to the Language (Language).
- 🇷🇺 In the list, select Russian or Russian.
⚠️ Note: Some Chinese versions of TVs may have their language selection blocked or hidden, and if you can't change the language or it immediately returns to Chinese/English, you need to change the region.
Once you have selected a language, the system can reboot or the interface changes instantly. If the TV offers a reboot, be sure to agree that all system fonts and date formats are updated correctly. This is especially important for the Google Assistant voice search to work properly.
Changing the region to activate the Russian language
If the standard menu does not include Russian or does not activate it, the key solution is often to change the region, and many users mistakenly believe that the region affects only the content in the app stores, but in the Xiaomi ecosystem, this parameter directly dictates the available language packages.
To do this, you'll need the settings menu again. Find the Settings section, then go to Device or System. You're interested in Location or Region.
The list of countries that opens will include Russia or any other CIS country, such as Ukraine or Kazakhstan, which can require the system to confirm the action or restart the device, a move that often unlocks not only the language, but also access to local services.
| Parameter | China | Russia/CIS Region |
|---|---|---|
| Interface language | Chinese, English | Russian, English |
| App store | GetApps (CN) | Google Play / GetApps (Global) |
| Voice search | Chinese | Russian |
| Screen broadcasting | Mi Cast (CN) | Chromecast built-in |
It’s worth noting that after a region change, you may need to re-sign in to your Google or Mi Account account, and don’t ignore this step, as data synchronization is essential for the smart TV features to work.
☑️ Checklist of region change
Using the Mi Home app to set up
An alternative and often more convenient way to set up is to use a smartphone. The Mi Home app allows you to control your TV remotely, which is especially true when the interface on the TV screen is not readable, and for this, both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone (Android or iOS). When you first start, be sure to select the region "Russia" or your country of residence. If the app doesn't see the TV, try temporarily changing the region in the app itself to "China", find the device, and then return the region back.
Once you have attached your TV to your account, go to your device card. You can often find Settings → General → Language in the settings of the TV plugin. You can duplicate the change on the TV itself.
⚠️ Note: Mi Home language management is not available on all models. Older versions of PatchWall firmware may not support remote language pack change. If you don't see the right options, make sure that the Mi Home app version is updated to the latest available in your store.
This method is also useful for initial Wi-Fi setup if the remote is faulty or has no navigation buttons on it.The virtual remote in the application completely copies the functionality of the physical, allowing you to enter passwords comfortably from the smartphone keyboard.
Installation of a third-party launcher
If you don't get the results you want with built-in techniques, or if PatchWall seems overloaded, you can install a third-party launcher, which is a radical but effective way to completely change the look and language of the menu.
The most popular solution is to install an ATV Launcher or FLauncher launcher, which replaces the standard shell with a clean Android TV interface that is guaranteed to support Russian and has a clear structure.
For installation you will need:
- 📥 Download APK-launcher file on a flash drive or through a browser on TV.
- 📂 Install a file manager (e.g., File Commander).
- 🚀 Run the installer and confirm the installation from unknown sources.
- 🏠 After installation, click the Home button and select the new default launcher.
Where to download secure APK files?
After installing the new launcher, the TV will turn into a classic Android box. All system notifications and settings menu can also switch to Russian, as the new interface will tighten the system localization settings.
Resetting and system update
In situations where the TV is unstable or language settings “fly off” after turning off, a full factory reset helps, which will remove all installed apps and accounts, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.
To perform the reset, go to Settings → Device → Reset (or Factory Reset). Confirm. After the reset, the TV will suggest resetting the initial setup procedure, where you can immediately select the Russian language and the correct region.
Also, don't ignore system updates. Often, manufacturers release patches that fix localization errors. → Updating the system.
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Full reset is a universal solution to most software errors, including language problems and interface freezes.
If the problem persists after resetting and updating, the system partition of languages may be damaged. USB-drive, using official images from the manufacturer's website.