Changing the system language on a smartphone is not just a matter of aesthetics or habit, it is often a necessity for certain applications to work correctly or access advanced developer functions. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices may find that after buying or resetting the interface is displayed in Russian, and English localization is required. This is especially true for those who are used to standard Android terminology or use specific software that requires an English interface.
The switching process in the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS is as simple as possible, but the names of menu items can vary depending on the firmware version (Global, China, EEA). In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to quickly change the system language, as well as touch on related topics such as changing the keyboard layout and solving typical problems.
It is worth noting that translating the interface into English does not affect the basic functions of the phone, but changes the appearance of all system labels, notifications and settings. If you plan to use the device in an international environment or just prefer the original names of functions, follow the recommendations below.
Preparation for changing the language and important nuances
Before making changes to your system settings, make sure your Mi Account is synchronized and important data is saved. While the language change procedure itself is safe and does not require a data reset, in rare cases, firmware bugs may require a reboot that interrupts unfinished processes.
It's important to understand the difference between the system language and the input language. Switching the interface to English will change the menu labels, but it won't necessarily automatically switch the keyboard if it's set up separately, so a comprehensive approach to device localization is the right solution.
⚠️ Note: If you change language to a borrowed device, make sure you know how to return the settings back so you don’t confuse the owner.
Users who have just purchased a device with a Chinese firmware version (CN Version) should be prepared for the fact that English may not be on the list initially, and will need to install third-party localization methods or flashing on Global.
Step-by-step: changing the language in MIUI and HyperOS
The main way to change language settings is hidden in the depth of the menu “About the phone” or in the general section of settings, depending on the version of the shell.
First, you need to open the main settings menu. Find the gear icon on your desktop or notification curtain. In the list that opens, scroll down to the item that is designated in Russian as “Additional” or “Extended Settings”, although newer versions of HyperOS may have changed the logic and the item is right at the root of the menu.
☑️ Language change algorithm
When you go to the desired section, you will see a list of available locales, and you should be careful: if English is not on the list, you need to add it manually through the Add a language button, and in the alphabetical list that opens, you find English and select the desired region, for example, English (United States) or English (United Kingdom).
Once you have selected a language, the system will suggest you set it to the primary language, and you can confirm the action, and the interface will instantly reset. All menu items, including those you just went to, will now be called in English, for example, Settings will become Settings, and About Phone will become About Phone.
Setting up the English keyboard and text input
Changing the system language doesn’t always automatically activate the English layout on the virtual keyboard, especially if you use third-party solutions like Gboard or SwiftKey. The standard MIUI keyboard usually adapts to the system language, but you need to check this.
To set up your keyboard, go to Settings, then look for Additional settings and select Languages & input. This is where you are interested in Manage keyboards or Current keyboard.
- 🇬🇧 Click on an active keyboard (such as Gboard) and make sure English is included in the list of languages.
- ⌨️ If English is not available, use the “Add keyboard” or “Languages” button inside the keyboard settings.
- 🔄 For quick switching of layout in the printing process, use a space or a special icon of the globe on the keyboard.
Importantly, some custom themes may conflict with English font, making the text unreadable. If you see "squares" instead of letters after changing the language, try changing the theme to the standard one through the Themes app.
What to do if the Russian layout is missing?
Table of correspondence of menu items (Russian - English)
Because it will be harder for those who don't know the terminology to navigate after a language change, we've prepared a table of basic items that will help you quickly find the right settings even with a full English interface.
| Russian | English (System) | Wherever |
|---|---|---|
| Settings | Settings | Main menu |
| The phone. | About phone | Top of the settings |
| Additionally. | Additional settings | Below the settings list |
| Language and input | Languages & input | Additional/System |
| Advanced settings | Advanced settings | Inside the language section |
Remember the keyword Settings is the entry point for any changes, and it’s also worth knowing the term Region, as changing it can affect the operation of some system applications and stores.
Solving the problem: if English is not chosen
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the choice of language is inactive (gray) or English is not on the list available, this is often found on devices designed for the domestic market of China, where Chinese and English dominate, but may not be European localizations without additional manipulation.
If the language is "blocked" or not on the list, try changing the region of the phone. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Region and select any country where English is the primary language (such as United States or Singapore).
⚠️ Warning: Region change may affect the Security, Themes and some system widgets, as their content is geolocated.
In more complex cases, when you need to fully localize the Chinese version of the firmware, you may need to unlock the bootloader and install global firmware (Global ROM).
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Before changing your region or firmware, make sure to make a full backup of your data to the Mi Cloud or your computer, as the process can result in complete deletion of information.
The impact of language change on applications and services
The transition to English interface affects the installed applications in different ways. System applications (Phone, Messages, Gallery) will completely switch to English. Third-party applications from Google Play (for example, Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram) usually follow the system language, unless their own settings are set in a forced language.
Some banking apps and government services may misrepresent fonts or require folders to be renamed if they are rigidly tied to Cyrillic paths, but such problems are extremely rare in modern versions of Android.
If you use Google Assistant or Xiao AI, you will need to reconfigure voice control. For Google Assistant, you will need to re-activate the phrase “Ok Google” and select the language of speech recognition in the assistant settings.
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Changing the system language doesn’t delete your data, but it can reset your voice assistant settings and change the interface language in applications that don’t have their own language settings.