How to set up the language on the Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi’s modern smart TVs and Redmi’s sub-brand offer users an advanced Android TV platform with a wide range of media functionality. However, when buying a device, especially one imported from abroad or ordered from marketplaces, owners often face the unpleasant surprise of a Chinese interface, which creates significant difficulties for initial setup, Wi-Fi connection and installation of the necessary applications. Proper menu localization is the first and most important step, without which full use of the Smart TV is almost impossible.

The process of changing the language can be very different depending on the version of the operating system installed on your device. In some cases, it is enough to simply select the desired item in the settings, in others it requires a change of region or even a flashing of the device. The interface of the TV is closely related to the geolocation services of Google, so simply switching the language may not be enough to correctly work voice search and content recommendations. In this article, we will discuss all possible scenarios in detail.

Don't be afraid of the characters on the screen, because the menu structure of all Mi TV models is logical and consistent. Knowing the exact location of the icons and the sequence of transitions, you can Russify the system in a few minutes. It's important to understand that some budget models can have a stripped-down version of firmware, where the change of language is limited to English and Chinese, but for most global versions Russian is available out of the box.

Determination of firmware version and TV model

Before you start actively changing language settings, you need to clearly understand which version of the software you are dealing with. Xiaomi TVs come in two main versions: Global Version (international version) and CN Version (Chinese version). Global models already contain a package of languages, including Russian, and have Google services preinstalled. Chinese versions are often devoid of Russian and require more complex manipulation to appear.

To find out your device model, look at the sticker on the back of the case or in the box. Models with an index ending in Global or EU are for the international market. If the model name contains the letters CN or the article begins with specific Chinese codes, the probability of having only a Chinese interface is extremely high, and information can be found in the settings menu, if you can navigate the icons there.

⚠️ Warning: Trying to install global firmware on a Chinese TV model without proper knowledge can lead to a "bricking" of the device.

Determining the current version of the software is critical, because it depends on the next algorithm of actions. If you have a global version, but the language is still Chinese, then the region is downed or the settings were changed by the previous owner. In the case of the Chinese version, you will likely have to face the limitations of the embedded software, which cannot be circumvented by standard means.

Standard language change through the system menu

If your Mi TV is a global version, the language change process should go through the system settings, and even if you don't know the language the TV is speaking now, you can navigate by icons and sequences of items. The standard path is usually hidden in the section that covers the overall parameters of the device.

To access the settings, use the remote. Most Xiaomi remotes have a separate button with a gear or a Menu button, and if you click on it, you'll be taken to the main settings menu. You'll need to find a section that looks visually like a gear or a set of sliders. In Chinese interfaces, it's often the extreme right or bottom item in the horizontal menu.

Within the settings section, look for the item that corresponds to the word "System" or "General" in terms of number of characters or location. In the English interface, it is Settings -> Device Preferences (or simply System) -> Language. In the Chinese menu, the item "Language" is denoted by characters that can often be recognized by the characteristic icon of the globe or the letter "A" next to the Chinese symbol.

After selecting the desired language, the system may require a reboot of the interface, the screen may blink, and in a few seconds all the inscriptions should appear in Russian. If the list of available languages is not Russian, but only English and Chinese, this means that the current firmware does not support Russification, and the standard method will not work.

Changing the region as a way to activate the language

It often happens that Russian is on the list, but the interface is either English or Chinese, and that's because the language package is tied to the region you're choosing, and the Android TV platform automatically adjusts the content and language to the geolocation you specified when you first set up or the default setting.

To fix this, you have to force a region change in your TV settings, and you can find the settings menu for Location or Region, which can be in the same section as your language selection, or you can choose between the countries you want to choose, Russia or Ukraine, Kazakhstan, depending on your location.

After a region change, the TV may suggest a reboot, which is a normal system response to a change in location settings, and when it is turned on, the interface should automatically switch to the language corresponding to the selected region, and this action will activate voice search in Russian and set up the correct time zones.

It is important to note that the change of region affects not only the language, but also the available applications in the store. For example, some streaming services may not be available when choosing a region in the United States or China.

Problems with Chinese TV versions

Owners of TVs ordered directly from China (CN version) often face a situation where the settings are completely absent from Russian. This is not a bug, but a feature of the manufacturer's marketing policy for the domestic market of China.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to add Russian to Chinese firmware through a standard menu, the system simply does not contain translation files and fonts for Cyrillic in some system menus, and attempts to install localization applications from the Play Market on such devices often do not give full effect, translating only part of the interface, but leaving the system menus in English.

The only safe way to solve the problem for the Chinese versions is to use an external console, for example, Xiaomi Mi Box or Chromecast with Google TV. By connecting such a console, you will get a full-fledged Android TV with Russian, which will broadcast the image on the TV screen, ignoring the limitations of the built-in system.

⚠️ Warning: Don't blindly try to download firmware from questionable forums for Chinese models. Mismatching the matrix version or Wi-Fi module when flashing can permanently disable the TV.

Setting up voice search and keyboard

After successfully changing the interface language, it is important to make sure that the input tools work correctly. Xiaomi remote often has a microphone button for voice search. To work in Russian, you need to check the input settings on the Android TV system.

Go to the settings section, select Keyboard or Language and Enter. Make sure that your primary input method is Gboard or a similar system keyboard, which should have Russian activated in its settings, and if you don't, you can only type in Latin when you search for movies through text input.

Voice search also requires a separate activation. Go to the Google Assistant settings and make sure that the assistant language is set to Russian, which will allow you to say commands like "Enable YouTube" or "Find space movies" and get relevant results in Russian.

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Use the Google Home app on your smartphone to quickly set up your keyboard on your TV, and you can remotely type text in the app, which is much more convenient than poking buttons on the remote.

Resetting settings to factory parameters

If you're confused, you've chosen the wrong region, or you've reset the language back to Chinese after you upgraded, the most effective solution is to reset the TV completely, which will return the TV to the state it was in when you bought it, and start the original setup again.

To perform a reset, look for the About TV section (usually on the far right) or Device in the settings menu. The bottom of the list should be Reset or Factory Reset. In the Chinese menu, it is often indicated in red or a return icon. The system will alert you that all data will be deleted.

Once confirmed, the TV will restart and the initialization process will begin. During the language selection phase (first welcome screen), carefully select Russian, which will set the correct locale for the entire system, and then follow the configuration wizard's instructions by connecting to Wi-Fi and logging into your Google account.

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Resetting to factory settings is a radical but most reliable way to fix localization errors if manually changing settings doesn’t help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)