How to change the language of the browser on the smartphone Xiaomi: 5 working ways

You bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, but you faced a problem: Does the browser display content in Chinese, English or another foreign language? Or did the browser interface reset in an unfamiliar language after the MIUI update? This situation is familiar to many users - especially those who bought the device in foreign stores or received it with global firmware, where Russian is not installed by default.

Unlike changing the language of the entire system, setting up the browser requires a separate approach, because the built-in MIUI browser (aka Mi Browser) and popular alternatives like Google Chrome or Opera manage language parameters regardless of system-wide settings. Moreover, some versions of MIUI 12-14 can hide language change options in the depth of the menu, which makes it difficult for beginners to do so.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to translate your browser into Russian, from basic settings to missing localization issues, and why language is sometimes reset after updates and how to avoid it.

1. Change the language in the built-in Mi Browser browser

If you use the standard Mi Browser browser, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, the first thing to do is check the settings of the app itself. In most cases, Russian is already sewn into the firmware, but you need to activate it manually.

Open your browser and follow the following steps:

1. Slap the icon «⋮» (three points) in lower right corner.
2. Select Settings (or Settings if the current language is clear).
3. Scroll down to the Advanced section ("More").
4. Click Language and select Russian from the list.

If there is no Russian on the list, then your version of the browser does not support this localization, in which case it will help to update the application via Google Play or install an alternative browser (more about this in the following sections).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4) After changing the language, the browser may require a reboot. Do not ignore this requirement, otherwise the settings will not apply.

Check your Internet connection (you need to download the language package)

Update your browser via Google Play (if available)

Close all tabs before changing settings

Reboot the smartphone after applying the changes-->

2.Update Mi Browser to the latest version

A common reason for the lack of Russian is the outdated version of the browser, and the manufacturer regularly releases updates that add support for new localizations.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. In the search bar, type “Mi Browser”.
3. If you have an Update button, press it. If you don't have one, your version is up to date.

After the update, go to the browser settings (⋮ → Settings → Language) and check if Russian has appeared. If not, try the following method.

Important: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China), Mi Browser is updated not through Google Play, but through the GetApps brand store.

1. Open GetApps (Blue Robot Icon)
2. Find Mi Browser in the Updates section.
3. Install the latest version and restart the phone.

3. Installation of an alternative browser with Russian language

If the built-in Mi Browser stubbornly refuses to switch to Russian, the most reliable solution will be to install another browser.

• 🌐 Google Chrome automatically picks up the system language, supports synchronization with Google account.
• 🎭 Opera – has a built-in VPN and ad blocker, Russian is enabled by default.
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox – open source, high speed, support for extensions.
• 🔍 Yandex Browser – optimized for Runet, there is a turbo mode for slow Internet.

To establish any of them:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Enter the browser name in the search.
3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
4. Launch the application – the interface language will match the system settings.

On Xiaomi models with firmware MIUI China (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra for Chinese market) Google Play may be blocked.In this case, download APK-browsing file from official site (e.g. Chrome) and install it manually, allowing installation from unknown sources in security settings.

4. Change the system language (if the browser depends on it)

Some versions of the Mi Browser (especially on older MIUI firmware 11 and below) link their language to the system. If Russian is not in the browser settings, try changing the language of the entire smartphone:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to Additional Settings → Language and Input → Language.
3. Select "Russian" from the list. If you don't have one, click Add language and search.
4. Drag Russian to the first position on the list.

Then restart your phone and check your browser. If you haven't seen Russian, go back to the previous section and install an alternative browser.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Chinese Russian may not be on the list of system languages, and to add it, you need to reflash the phone to the global version (MIUI Global) or use patches like MoreLocale 2 (requires superuser rights).

5. Problem Solving: Why Language Is Reset or Not Saved

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the browser spontaneously returns to English or Chinese.

• 🔄 Browser Auto Update: If Mi Browser is updated via GetApps, the new version may reset.
• 📱 Settings reset: After resetting the phone to factory settings, the browser language may return to default.Repeat the instructions from section 1.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: On certain firmware (e.g, MIUI India) Russian is hidden. Try changing the region in your phone settings (Settings) → The phone. → Region).
• 🛠️ Cache Errors: Clear the browser cache in Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

If the problem persists, check if language change apps like SetEdit or Locale Changer are installed on your phone, which may conflict with your browser settings.

💡

Create a browser shortcut on the home screen with a command to force you to open in Russian. Use the shortcut widget (long-press on the desktop → Widgets → Shortcuts) and select a browser marked "ru" in the title (if available).

6.Reflashing to global MIUI (for Chinese versions)

If your Xiaomi is originally designed for the Chinese market (this is evident from the firmware). MIUI China in the settings, then the Russian language in the browser may not be in principle, the only radical solution is to reflash the phone to the global version. MIUI.

For this:

1. Download the official MIUI Global firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Use the Mi Flash Tool for installation (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
3. After the firmware, reset the settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).

Warning: Flashing will void the warranty and may result in the device being locked if it is not done correctly. If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the service center.

💡

Reflashing to MIUI Global is the only way to get a full-fledged Russian language on Xiaomi’s Chinese versions, but it requires technical skills and is risky for beginners.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to change the language of the browser, users often make common mistakes that lead to the opposite result.

• 🚫 Ignoring reboot: After changing the language in Mi Browser, many people don't restart the phone, which is why the settings don't apply. Always reboot!
• 🔧 Delete system files: Some "advisers" recommend manually deleting localization files via Root access.
• 📲 Use of the VPN: When downloading language packets through VPN (Especially with servers in China, the browser can identify your region incorrectly and hide the Russian language.
• 🔄 If the new version of Mi Browser does not support Russian, do not roll back on the old one - better install a different browser.

If the language hasn’t changed after all the manipulations, check if the phone has Forced Localization Developer Mode (e.g. Force English). Turn it off in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times tap the version, then find Force language in the developer).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions