How to change the region Xiaomi Redmi: 4 working methods and risks

Changing the region on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a procedure that may be necessary when you move, buy a device abroad or want to access local services (for example, Google Pay, Netflix with regional content or branded MIUI themes). However, not all users are aware that changing the region incorrectly can lead to the blocking of Mi Account, loss of warranty or inoperability of certain features (for example, NFC for payments).

In this article, we’ll look at 4 proven ways to change the region on the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 and other models — from the official method through settings to “deep” changes through ADB and unlock the bootloader. Also explain why some methods can permanently lock the device and how to avoid it. If you bought a smartphone in China, Europe or India, here you will find a solution for your case.

Why can’t Xiaomi Redmi just change the region in the settings?

Unlike Samsung or Google Pixel, where the region changes in two clicks, Xiaomi ties the device to the country of sale at the firmware level (MIUI).

• 📦 Compliance with local laws (for example, China does not have Google services, and the EU has restrictions on data collection).
• 💳 Payment Systems: Google Pay and Mi Pay are tied to the region of the device.
• 🎮 Content licensing: some applications (e.g. Disney)+ or HBO Max) check the region of the smartphone.
• 🔧 Software Updates: Firmware for China, Global Version (Global) and India (India) are Different.

If you try to change region through Settings → Additional → Region, system or:

• ❌ Blocks the change with the message "This feature is disabled" (on Chinese firmware).
• ⚠️ It will require a reboot, but after it the region will return to its original (on global firmware).
• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings if the region changes radically (for example, from China to Russia).

⚠️ Warning: On China Stable devices, you can't change the region through settings without unlocking the bootloader. VPN Change of language will only cause Google Play Services to crash.

Method 1: Change the region through Mi Account (without risk)

The safest method is to use the “Move to another country” feature in the Mi Account, which runs on MIUI Global and allows you to change the region without losing data, but with restrictions:

• ✅ It works on the Redmi Note. 11/12, POCO X4/X5, Mi 11/12 global-plated EEA.
• ❌ Not available on Chinese (China) and Indian (India) firmware.
• ⏳ Requires waiting up to 7 days after the last change of the region.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Mi Account → Moving to another country.
2. Select your target region from the list (e.g. Russia, Turkey, Germany).
3. Confirm the action via SMS or email (linked to Mi Account).
4. Restart the device – the region will change automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Pay or banking apps, you will have to reconfigure them after you change your region, and some banks (e.g. Sberbank or Tinkoff) may block access until you have proof of identity.

Method 2: Change region through ADB (for advanced users)

If the official method doesn’t work (for example, on Chinese firmware), you can change the region through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require unlocking the bootloader, but resets some settings and can cause errors in the work of Google services.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect the smartphone to the PC and confirm access for debugging.


2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.




3. Enter the commands in order:





adb shell




settings put global region [code region]





Examples of region codes:




- Russia: RU




- Turkey: TR




- Germany: DE




- USA: US





4. Reset the device:




adb reboot

After the reboot, check the region in Settings → Additional → Region. If it hasn’t changed, try to do it further:

adb shell settings put secure user_setup_complete 0

This will reset some settings, but will not delete user data.

Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB PC-only|The smartphone is charged at least 50 times%|Backup of important data is made|The region code (e.g., verified, RU for Russia)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K60, POCO F5) after the change of region, ADB stop working NFC To get back to functionality, you'll need a full reset.

Method 3: Install custom firmware (for experienced users)

If your device is running Chinese firmware (China ROM), and official methods do not work, you need to install global or European firmware via MIUI Fastboot or TWRP. This method requires unlocking the bootloader and is fraught with risks:

• 🔓 Loss of warranty if the device is new).
• 🚫 Possible blocking of Mi Account if incorrectly unlocked.
• 🔄 Total data loss (required backup!).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (requires an account to be linked to the device and wait 7-15 days).
2. Download the firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads (choose Global or EEA).
3. Flip the device through the Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot) or TWRP (for Custom ROM).

Example of commands for firmware through Fastboot:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

Method 4: Bypassing the region via VPN and changing Google Play Services

If you need to temporarily access content from another region (like Netflix US or Spotify with a different library), you can use a VPN + region change combination on Google Play.This method doesn't change the region of the device, but it tricks some apps.

How it works:

1. Install a VPN with servers in the right country (e.g. ProtonVPN or NordVPN).
2. Connect to a server in your target region (e.g., the U.S. or Germany).
3. Open Google Play Store → Profile → Settings → General → Country and Profiles.
4. Create a new profile with an address in the right country (you will need to specify a local phone number or payment method).
5. Install the app you want (such as HBO Max or Disney+).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all applications will work (e.g., banking or payment services check the real region of the device).
• ⏳ When you change region to Google Play, some purchases may not be available.
• 🔄 After the blackout VPN Some functions will stop working.

💡

If you need to temporarily access foreign content (for example, YouTube Premium of another country), use your browser in incognito mode with a VPN.

What happens after the change of the region: consequences and how to avoid them

Changing the region to Xiaomi Redmi can lead to unexpected problems.

The most serious problem is blocking Mi Account. This can happen if:

• 🔐 You tried to unlock the bootloader on an unofficial site.
• 🌍 Changed the region frequently (more than 1 time per month).
• 📱 You have installed a firmware that is not designed for your model.

⚠️ Note: If after the change of region the device stopped turning on or the message "This device is locked" appeared, do not try to flash it yourself! Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase - in 80% of cases the lock can be officially removed.

💡

The safest way to change region is through the official Mi Account method (if available), all other methods involve the risk of data loss, device lockdown or key features being disabled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the region to Xiaomi Redmi