Xiaomi Mi TV 4 is a popular series of Android TVs, but many users face a problem: the default system is often installed in Chinese or English, and Russian is not on the list. The reasons lie in regional firmware, which Xiaomi adapts to different markets. Fortunately, this problem can be solved in several ways, from standard settings to manual intervention in system files.
In this article, you will find 5 proven methods of how to put Russian on Mi TV 4 (including models 4A, 4C, 4S, 4X and other modifications).
- 🔍 Finding hidden language packs in standard settings
- 📱 Installation through applications (without root rights)
- 🔧 Handmade firmware with Russian language (for experienced ones)
- ⚙️ Resetting to factory settings as a last resort
- 🛠️ Alternative solutions for outdated models
Important: Not all methods are equally safe. For example, manual firmware through ADB can lead to loss of warranty or "bricking" of the TV if you choose the wrong version of the software. Start with the simplest ways!
1. Check available languages in standard settings
Before you resort to radical measures, make sure that Russian is not on the list, and on some firmware it is hidden or labeled in a non-obvious way (for example, as "Russian (Russia)" or "Russian (RU)").
How to check:
- Turn on the TV and go to the main menu (Home button on the remote).
- Open Settings → Preferences → Language & input.
- In the Language section, scroll down. Sometimes Russian localizations are at the bottom of the list or under the category "Other languages".
If you don’t have a Russian, try changing the TV region.
- 🌍 Go to Settings. → The device → Region.
- 📍 Choose Russia or Ukraine – sometimes this will activate hidden language packs.
- 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → The device → Reboot).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware, changing the region resets your Wi-Fi settings. Remember your network password in advance or connect via cable.
2. Installation of Russian language through the MoreLocale 2 application
If you don't have Russian in your settings, but your TV runs on Android TV, you can try adding a language through a third-party app, and one of the most reliable options is MoreLocale 2 (no root rights required).
Instructions:
Download. APK-MoreLocale 2 file on USB-accumulator|Connect the flash drive to the TV and install the app through any file manager (e.g. File Commander)|Open MoreLocale 2 and select Custom Locale|Enter ru-RU (for Russia) or uk-UA (for Ukraine)|Restart the TV.
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Where to download MoreLocale 2:
- 🔗 Official repository on GitHub (look for the latest version).
- 📁 APK-The file can be found on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers (check reviews!).
After installation, the language is not changed in all menus - some system labels may remain in English. This is normal: MoreLocale 2 does not replace firmware, but only emulates the locale for applications.
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If after installing MoreLocale 2, the TV starts to brake, clear the app cache in the Android TV settings (Settings → Applications → MoreLocale 2 → Clear the cache).
3. Manual addition of language package via ADB
For power users, there is a way to add Russian directly to system files via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires connecting the TV to a computer and basic command line knowledge.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Android SDK Platform-Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
- 📄 Language Package for Mi TV 4 (can be found on) 4PDA or XDA).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the TV debugging mode via USB: Settings → About TV → Assembly number (click 7 times in a row) Settings → Preferences → Developer settings → Debugging over USB (enable)
- Connect the TV to your computer and check the connection: adb devices (should appear serial number of the device).
- Download the archive with Russian language (for example, ru_rus.zip) And unpack it in a folder with platform-tools.
- Upload files to your TV: adb push ru /system/usr/locale/ adb push fonts /system/fonts/
- Reboot the TV: adb reboot
⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method or see a specialist, and note that when you update your firmware, the language packet may reset.
What if ADB can’t see TV?
4. firmware of TV with Russian language
The most radical, but also the most reliable way is to completely reflash the TV to the Russian version of the software, which is suitable if:
- 🔄 Other ways didn't work.
- 📦 You have a backup of the data (firmware erases all settings).
- 🛡️ You are willing to lose your warranty (if it is still valid).
Where to get firmware:
| Source | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 🔗 Official Xiaomi website | Safe, stable. | Russian may not be in the global versions |
| 📁 Forum 4PDA | Many modified firmware with Russian | Risk of running into viruses or unstable builds |
| 🛠️ XDA Developers | Firmware from enthusiasts with support for Russification | It is difficult to choose the right version for beginners. |
How to flash Mi TV 4:
- Download the firmware in.zip format and place it on USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to Settings → About TV → System Update → Local Update.
- Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
- Wait until the TV is finished (the TV will reboot several times).
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Before you run the firmware, be sure to check the TV model (Settings → About TV → Model). Installing firmware from another model will cause the device to fail!
5.Resetting to factory settings as a last resort
If there is no Russian language and the firmware or ADB seems too complicated, you can try a hard reset, sometimes after that the system suggests you choose the language again, and Russian appears on the list.
How to reset your settings:
- Open Settings → Device → Reset settings.
- Select "Delete all data" (Factory data reset).
- Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code).
- After the reboot, go through the initial setup and check the list of languages.
What will be removed:
- 📺 All installed applications.
- 🔐 Saved Wi-Fi passwords.
- ⚙️ Individual settings of image and sound.
⚠️ Note: Some firmware resets don't work -- the language stays English or Chinese. In this case, you'll have to use other methods from this article.
6. Alternative solutions for obsolete models
If you have an old Mi TV 4 (e.g. 2017 4A 32), there may be no official Russian language support at all.
Method 1: Use of external devices
- 🎮 Connect Android TV-Boxing (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box) with Russian interface.
- 🖥️ Use Google Chromecast to stream content from your phone (the language will be like a smartphone).
- 📺 Connect the console from the operator (for example, Rostelecom or MTS) - its menu will be in Russian.
Method 2: Russification through application launch
Some apps (e.g. YouTube, Netflix, IVI) automatically switch to Russian if:
- 📱 You are logged into your account with Russian settings.
- 🌐 IP-The address of the TV is in Russia/CIS (use the VPN, if necessary).
Method 3: Replace the remote with a universal
If the problem is only in management, buy a universal remote (for example, Xiaomi Mi Remote) and configure it through the application on your smartphone – there you can choose Russian for the buttons.