Translation of the interface Xiaomi from Russian to English: official and hidden methods

Changing the interface language on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face when buying devices from different regions, migrating or simply according to their personal preferences. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by firmware limitations, lack of the right language in the list or system errors. This article covers all the current ways to switch the language from Russian to English, including official methods through the settings menu and alternative solutions for cases when the standard path is not available.

Xiaomi devices are unique in their binding of available languages to the firmware region. For example, in the global version of MIUI Global, English is always present, but in the Chinese version of MIUI China it may not be at all, we will discuss how to circumvent these restrictions without the risk of “bricking” the device, and also consider the nuances for specific models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5), where the process may differ.

If you have purchased a smartphone with Russified firmware and want to return the original English interface — or vice versa, faced with the lack of the right language in the settings — this guide will help solve the problem. All methods are tested on MIUI 12-14 and are compatible with most models released after 2019.

1. Standard method: changing the language through settings

The easiest and safest method is to use a built-in settings menu, which is suitable for most global and European firmware (MIUI Global/EU), where English is initially included in the list of available ones.

To change the interface language:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to Additional → Language and Input (or System → Language and Region in newer versions of MIUI).
  3. Click on the language (the first item in the list).
  4. In the list, find English (United States) or English (United Kingdom) and select it.
  5. Confirm the change by clicking Ready or Apply.

After the reboot (which can happen automatically), the interface will completely switch to English, MIUI Russia), and one of the alternative methods described below will be required.

💡

If after changing the language, some system applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music) remained in Russian, clear their cache in the application settings.

  • ✅ It works on: Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5/F5, Other models with global firmware.
  • ❌ Does not work on: devices with Chinese firmware (MIUI China) or custom assemblies without English support.
  • ⚠️ Restriction: Some branded apps (e.g. Mi Fit) may remain in Russian if their language is tied to the Mi Account region.

2. Alternative method: Adding language through ADB

If English is not on the list of available languages, but your device is unlocked for debugging over USB, you can force it to add it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer and basic knowledge of working with the command line.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You're a developer" appears.

USB debugging

  • Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  • Turn on the USB debugging switch and confirm the resolution.
  • Connect your smartphone to your PC, install it ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
  • Follow the command to add English (USA): adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings\$LanguageSettingsActivity adb shell settings put secure sysui_locale en-US
  • Reset the device.

Once the firmware is installed, the device will boot with factory settings where you can choose English at the initial configuration stage, warning: this method erases all data, including files in internal memory, and may result in a loss of warranty if the device was purchased from an official store with a region-specific reference.

What happens if you run the wrong version of MIUI?
Incompatible firmware can cause a device to "brick" (total inoperability) symptoms: hanging on the Mi logo, cyclic reboot or black screen. EDL-mode (emergency firmware) using boxing (for example, UFi Box) or by contacting the service center.

5. Features for specific models

Some Xiaomi devices have unique nuances when changing the language.

Redmi Note 10 Pro / Pro Max:

    POCO F3 / F4 GT:

      Xiaomi 12T / 12T Pro:

        Redmi Note 11/12|

        POCO X4/F5|

        Xiaomi 12/13|

        Redmi 10/9|

        Another model-->

        6. Frequent errors and their solutions

        When changing languages to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

        Problem 1: English is selected, but some applications remain in Russian.

        • 🔹 Solution: Clear the cache and data of problem applications in Settings → Annexes.
        • 🔹 If it doesn’t work, remove updates for system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music).

        Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the language dropped into Russian.

        • 🔹 Solution: Repeat the language change through settings or use ADB-team (section 2).
        • 🔹 If the problem is repeated, run the device to a more stable version. MIUI (for example.EU on.Global).

        Problem 3: There is no English in the list of languages (for example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra with Chinese firmware).

        • 🔹 Solution: Use the Firmware Flashing Method (Section 4) or install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu).
        • 🔹 Alternatively, install a launcher with support for English (for example, Microsoft Launcher).