How to switch language to Xiaomi: from simple reset to changing the region

The situation when suddenly becomes incomprehensible after turning on a new smartphone or after a failed update is familiar to many users of the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem. Instead of the usual Russian or English text, characters appear on the screen, which makes using the device a real puzzle, especially when buying equipment from China or trying to flash the global version into Chinese for early updates.

Don't panic if you find yourself in this situation. Language change is a basic feature of the Android operating system, which is based on top of the Xiaomi shell. Even if the menu is entirely in Chinese, the sequence of icons and the arrangement of elements remain logical and predictable. In this article, we will explore all possible ways to return the native language, from standard settings to radical reset methods.

It is important to understand that the algorithm of actions may differ slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or the new HyperOS, as well as on whether you have global (Global) or Chinese (CN) firmware.

Standard language change through settings

If your phone already partially speaks a clear language or you can find out what you want from the icons, the easiest way is through the system menu. In most cases, the interface language is region-specific or selected separately in advanced settings. First, you need to get into the main settings menu, which is usually indicated by the gear.

In global firmware, the path is often like this: you look for an item that might be called "Additional settings" or have a three-dot/horizontal icon. Inside this section, you'll find "Languages & input." If you have a Chinese version, look for characters that match the word "Language" (usually the 5th or 6th item in the top settings menu).

Once you enter the language menu, you will see a list of available localizations. Xiaomi supports dozens of languages, but only one can be activated by default. The switch happens instantly after selecting the desired option from the list. If Russian is not on the list, your firmware version may not officially support it, and you will need to install a multilingual package or flash it.

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Before changing any system settings, it is recommended to back up important data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive to avoid accidentally losing contacts and photos.

It’s worth noting that newer versions of the HyperOS shell have made menu layout logic more intuitive, but item names can be hidden behind responsive design. If you can’t find the right item, try searching inside the settings, although if you change the language completely, this method may not be available.

Navigation in Chinese version of MIUI and HyperOS

Owners of devices ordered from Chinese marketplaces often find that out of the box the phone offers only Chinese and English. To activate the Russian language, which is already embedded in the system but hidden, you need to perform a series of actions to change the region, which is a key point, since without changing the region, the list of languages can remain stripped.

The process of navigating the Chinese menu requires memorizing the sequence of icons. You need to enter the settings (cogwheel), then find the item with the letter "A" in a circle or an icon of the globe (usually this is the section "Additional" or "System"). Next is the item with the globe icon and text (Language), in the list you open, you need to find English, switch to it, and then go back to the same item and select Russian.

However, if you still don't have Russian, you need to change the region of the device, and then in the settings, find a item that looks like two people's silhouettes or has the words "Region." In the list of countries that opens, you need to find and select "Russia" or another CIS country. After that, the phone can reboot the interface elements, and the desired option will appear in the language selection menu.

Some users prefer not to change the region to receive notifications from Chinese applications or use specific features, but for comfortable use in our latitudes, changing the region to Russia or Kazakhstan is a must for full localization.

Use MoreLocale 2 to unlock languages

In cases where standard methods fail to activate the desired language (for example, in some versions of China ROM), a third-party tool called MoreLocale 2 comes to the rescue. This is a lightweight application that allows you to forcefully install any locale supported by Android, even if it is hidden by the manufacturer.

To work this method you will need to download APK-The application file (not in the Play Market, because it requires special permissions) and install it. Once launched, you'll see a list of all possible languages and countries. Find "Russian" and "Russia" in the list, click on them, and the phone interface switches instantly. After restarting, the settings can fly.

To get root-free, you can use a command over a computer, you'll need to connect your phone to your PC in USB debugging mode and type a dedicated command into ADB. This sounds complicated, but it takes a couple of minutes in practice.

adb shell pm grant me.aish.morelocale2 android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATION

Once this command is executed in the computer's command line, the application gains the necessary permissions, and the selected language stops flying after the reboot, a reliable way for those who do not want to reflash the device for the sake of one language.

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MoreLocale 2 does not change the system files of the firmware, but only gives the system a command to use hidden language packs, which is safe for the device guarantee.

Resetting to factory settings as a solution method

If the language porridge on the menu has occurred after a failed update or system failure, and you can't manually fix it, the radical but effective method is a complete reset, which will return the phone to the "out of the box" state, and when you first start up, you can choose the language you want.

It is important to understand the risks: all data (photos, contacts, apps) will be permanently deleted. So before starting the procedure, make sure that you have an up-to-date backup. Reset can be done in two ways: through the recovery menu or through settings, if you still have access to it.

The most reliable way to work, even when you're locked or buggy, is to log in to Recovery mode, which requires you to turn off your phone completely, then press the button combination: usually Volume Up + Power, and hold the buttons until the MI logo or Recovery menu appears.

In the Recovery menu, you can navigate with volume buttons (up-down), and you can choose with the power button. You need to find the "Wipe Data" item (often the last one on the list). Once you confirm the reset, the phone will clear and prompt you to select the language on the start screen, where Russian is usually the default in global versions.

Regional verification and additional parameters

Often the problem with not having a language is not the firmware itself, but the regional constraints that are set: Xiaomi divides the markets, and for some regions (for example, India or China), the language set may be limited, and changing the region in settings is the first thing to do after initial setup.

Go to the settings and find the region section, which is called "Region" in global firmware. In Chinese, it's a place with an icon that looks like a globe or a flag. When you change region, the phone may require a reboot of the interface or even a full reboot of the device.

It's also worth checking the date and time settings. Sometimes, with the wrong date or time zone, the system can conflict with language packets, especially if automatic network synchronization is enabled, but the server is not available. Make sure that you automatically determine the time.

Below is a table that will help you navigate the names of menu items in different interface languages, which is especially important when buying a device with an incomprehensible language.

Frequent problems and their solution

Even following the instructions, users may encounter unforeseen difficulties, such as changing the language, part of the menu may remain in English or Chinese, which is normal for some system applications that do not have full localization, and sometimes the font is displayed incorrectly ("Krakozyabra"), in which case the change of font in the the theme helps.

Another common problem is the inability to choose a language when you first turn on (welcome screen) if the device is locked up under the operator or has a specific version of the software. In such cases, Wi-Fi connection sometimes helps: the phone checks the geolocation and offers languages available for this region.

⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations the phone continues to work unstable or the language is constantly reset to Chinese, a poor-quality, cross-stitched version of the software may have been installed (Global) ROM In this case, the only solution is to completely flash the original way through the computer.

Keep in mind that in newer versions of HyperOS, some settings may be hidden in your Mi Account profile. Check if the region is correctly listed in your Xiaomi account, as it can sync with the device.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)