How to translate Xiaomi phone into English: all the ways and nuances

Changing the interface language on Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphones is a challenge that users face for various reasons: buying a device with Chinese firmware, needing to use English-language applications or simply preferring the English interface. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by the version of MIUI, the firmware region or the lack of the desired language in the list. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to switch, including hidden settings and circumventing restrictions.

Many users mistakenly believe that to change the language, you just need to go to the settings and choose the right option. However, on devices with global firmware (for example, for Europe or India), English is already set by default, but on Chinese versions of MIUI it may not be on the list at all. Moreover, after updating the system, the language sometimes resets, which causes confusion. Next, you will find solutions for all these cases, from basic to advanced.

If you’ve just purchased a Xiaomi smartphone and come across an unfamiliar Chinese interface, don’t panic. Current versions of MIUI 14/15 support multilingualism, but the options available depend on regional firmware. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with Chinese firmware, English is hidden in the depth of the menu, and on the Redmi Note 12 for the global market it is available immediately. It’s also important to consider that some system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) may not switch completely – this is a feature of MIUI, not a bug.

Before you start settings, make sure your device is not locked by the manufacturer. On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra for the Chinese market), changing the language without unlocking the bootloader is impossible. If you see a message "This language is not supported", then additional actions will be required - we will discuss them in the corresponding section.

1. Standard method: changing the language through settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings, which is suitable for most global or European firmware devices where English is already pre-installed.

Open the Settings app (cog icon). If the interface is in Chinese, look for an icon with a gear or a word.

Settings → Additional → Language and input → Language

In the list of available languages, find English (United States) or English (United Kingdom) and select it. The system will prompt you to confirm the change, agree. In a few seconds, the interface will be updated.

If English is not on the list, but you see other European languages (e.g. Spanish or French), it means that your firmware is not Chinese, but English is disabled for some reason, in which case resetting the language settings will help:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings (or Additional) → Resetting settings).
• 📱 Select Reset Language and Keyboard Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
• 🔓 After the reboot, check the list of languages again – English should appear.

On some models (e.g. Poco X5 Pro), the path to language settings may be different. If you don't find the Language and Input section, try an alternative route:

Settings → System system → Language and region

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If some system applications (such as Mi Community or Themes) are left in Chinese after changing the language, update them through the App Store or reinstall them manually.

2. Hidden English: How to turn on Chinese firmware

Chinese firmware devices (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Redmi K50 Pro) are often devoid of English in the basic settings, but it can be hidden and accessed via an alternative menu.

Open Settings and go to About Phone (usually the last item on the list). Next, click on the MIUI Version 7 times in a row, this will open the developer menu. Go back to the main settings menu and find a new Additional (or Advanced Settings) section. It should appear in the Language item with the full list, including English.

If this method doesn’t work, try another method:

1. Install MoreLocale 2 from Google Play (developer rights required).
2. Open it and select English (United States).
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mix Fold 2), locale change applications may cause Google Play services to malfunction.

For Poco and Redmi owners with Chinese firmware, there is another life hack: install a launcher from third-party developers (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), many of which allow you to choose the interface language regardless of system settings. This will not translate the entire menu, but will make using the phone more comfortable.

3. Complete change of firmware region (for experienced users)

If English is missing from the system and previous methods have failed, the radical way is to change the firmware region, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader, and caution: the procedure requires technical skills and can lead to data loss.

You'll need:

• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for your model look for on the en.miui.com/unlock).
• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📁 Global firmware ROM for your model (download only from official sources, for example, xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with firmware and unpack it into a folder on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
3. Launch the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux).
4. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

After flashing, the device will automatically switch to English (or prompt you to choose the language when you first set up). Note: this method resets all data, so make a backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account.

⚠️ Note: Firmware of unofficial versions MIUI (For example, custom builds xiaomi.eu may disrupt the work of services Google Pay and Widevine L1 (Responsible for watching high-resolution video on Netflix and Disney+).

Make sure to unlock the bootloader | Download the official Global ROM| Check the battery charge (minimum 50%) | Backup data | Install ADB drivers on PC-->

4. Problem Solving: English is not applied or reset

Sometimes, after a language change, the interface returns to its original state, which is a typical problem for Chinese firmware devices where the system forcibly resets the locale.

If the tongue is reset after rebooting:

• 🛠️ Install the SetEdit app (root required) and change persist.sys.locale to en-US.
• 🔧 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In the settings, as it can return the Chinese locale.
• 📵 Check if apps like MiuiRegion or LocaleSwitcher are installed, and they may conflict with system settings.

If English does not apply to individual applications (e.g. Mi Home or Mi Fit), it is due to regional limitations of the programs themselves.

• 🔄 Reinstall the application from an alternative source (e.g. APKMirror).
• 🌍 Use it. VPN servers in the United States or the United Kingdom on first launch.
• 📦 Clear the app cache in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Clear the cache).

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Pad 6), the problem may be related to the Mi cloud account. If you are logged in to a Chinese account, the system will force you to set up a Chinese language, and the solution is to create a new Mi Account with a United States or United Kingdom region and link it to the device.

5. Alternative methods: no changes to the system

If you don’t want to risk firmware or settings, there are workarounds for comfortable use of your phone in English:

Installation of an alternative launcher

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher allow you to customize the interface language regardless of the system. They translate application names, folders and system prompts. Minus: this does not affect system menus (for example, Settings or Calls).

2.Using Google Assistant

Google Assistant can execute commands in English even in Chinese firmware, for example, the phrase "Open Settings in English" sometimes opens the settings with the English interface (if the language is supported by the system).

3. Translation applications with AR function

Software like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator can translate text from the screen in real time through the camera, which is a temporary solution, but it will help you understand the settings if you can not turn on English.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

On devices with Chinese firmware Xiaomi 12T Pro and Redmi K60, when you try to change the language through MoreLocale 2, you may see an error "Locale not supported", which means that the firmware blocks the change of locale at the kernel level, in which case only the flashing to the global version will help.

Other common mistakes and their solutions:

• 🚫 "This language is not supported" error: Your firmware does not support English. ROM or use the launcher.
• 🔄 Language resets after update: Turn off automatic update MIUI In settings or install update blocker (e.g., Disabler for) MIUI).
• 📱 Some apps stay in Chinese: Reinstall them from Google Play or use them VPN first-start.
• 🔒 Unable to log in due to unfamiliar language: Use Google Translate with camera translation or follow visual instructions (cog icon) → last item → ).

If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner installed Chinese firmware, check if the device is tied to a Mi Account with restrictions. Go to Settings → Mi Account. If it is not your account, ask the seller to unplug the device - otherwise you will not be able to change the firmware or reset the settings.

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Before buying Xiaomi with your hands, always check the firmware region through Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If the CN is at the end of the name, it is the Chinese version, and there may be problems with the English language.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions