Changing the interface language on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face after buying a device abroad, receiving a gift from relatives from abroad or accidentally changing settings. Even if your Redmi, POCO or Mi originally worked in Russian, after updating your firmware or resetting to factory settings, the system can automatically switch to English, Chinese or another language. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to return Russian — from standard settings to workarounds for “resistant” devices.
The peculiarity of MIUI (branded shell Xiaomi) is that the path to the language settings can vary depending on the firmware version and the phone model. For example, on the POCO F5 with MIUI 14, the menu looks different than on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will suit most devices of the brand. If after reading there are questions, check the FAQ section at the end of the article.
1. Standard method: through MIUI settings
This is the easiest and most secure method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with any version of MIUI (11 to 14).The main condition is access to the basic settings of the phone. If the interface is in an unknown language, follow visual cues (icons) or use a camera translator.
Algorithm of action:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon) ⚙️).
- Scroll down and find the Additional settings section. On some firmware, this may be called System settings.
- Select Languages & Input (or /Language and Input) within the section.
- Slip on the first item, Languages. Here you will see a list of available languages.
- Find Russian (or Russian/Russian) in the list and select it. If there is no language, click Add language () and add it manually.
- Confirm the change by pressing Set as default ().
After rebooting (if necessary), the phone interface will switch completely to Russian. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T) after selecting the language, you need to additionally confirm the region - choose Russia or Russia to avoid problems with Google services.
☑️ What to do if you can not find language settings
2. Alternative method: through the "Security" app
If the standard language settings path is blocked (e.g. on devices for the Chinese market) or the menu is not displayed correctly, you can use the built-in Security app (Security), which is suitable for MIUI 12-14 firmware and often helps to bypass restrictions.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Security app (shield icon with tick).
- 🔍 In the top line of the search, enter the language (or ).
- 🌐 In the search results, select System Language Settings ().
- 📝 Follow the standard language selection procedure (see Section 1).
If the Security app is missing (like on POCO X5 Pro), try searching for it through a search all over the phone (swipe down on the home screen → type Security).
💡
On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Before changing the language, you may need to link your Mi Account to the "Russia" region. → Country/Region).
3. Change the language through Recovery mode (for power users)
This method will come in handy if the phone does not boot normally or language settings are not available due to a system failure.Warning: improper actions in Recovery Mode can lead to data loss or "bricking" of the device. Use it only if other methods have not worked.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the button combination to enter Recovery: 🔋 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up. 🔋 For POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 and newer: Power + Loudness up (hold 10-15 seconds).
From the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese), select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (full reset).
After the reset, the phone will restart and prompt you to reconfigure the system. At the language selection stage, select Russian.
What if there is no reset point in Recovery?
4. Features for Chinese firmware (China ROM)
Devices designed for the Chinese market (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra China or Redmi K60 Pro) often have language change restrictions. Even if you add Russian to the settings, some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Pay) will remain in Chinese.
| Method | Description | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Installation of Global ROM | Firmware of the phone to the international version of MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery. | Data loss, possible bootloader lock. |
| Use of MoreLocale 2 | Application for forced localization change (requires root rights). | Security breach, risk of unstable work. |
| Linking Mi Account to the region "Russia" | Change the account region in the profile settings. | Some Chinese services may be shut down. |
The most reliable option is firmware on Global ROM, but this will require:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (can take up to 7 days).
- Download the firmware for your model from en.miui.com.
- Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool on PC.
If you have already bought a phone with Chinese firmware, but do not want to sew it yourself, contact the Xiaomi service center in Russia. Many of them offer a firmware service on Global ROM for 1-2 thousand rubles.