Changing the interface language on a smartphone is a basic operation that every owner of a new device faces. In the case of Xiaomi Redmi 7, this process can be a real quest, especially if the gadget was ordered from China or reflashed incorrectly.
The problem is that some firmware versions, especially Chinese (CN), don't have Russian or English at all, which causes panic among inexperienced users who are afraid to push too much and lock the device permanently, but the MIUI system on Redmi 7 has a logical structure to solve this problem.
In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from standard language change in settings to complex cases where the interface is entirely in Chinese. You will learn how to use visual landmarks and hidden system functions. It is critical to understand the difference between global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions of firmware before starting any manipulations.
Determining the current firmware and interface version
Before you start taking action, you need to understand which version of the software you're dealing with, which is what determines the range of languages available and the menu layout. Global versions of MIUI contain dozens of languages, including Russian, while Chinese is limited to a few options.
To determine a version, you need to look at the lock screen or in the settings menu. Usually the firmware version is shown in small print at the bottom of the greeting screen or in the About section. If you see the letter "C" at the end of the build number (for example, 11.0.3.0), this indicates China ROM.
The visual difference between Chinese firmware is striking: the system preinstalled many applications with Chinese names, and the GetApps store content is focused on the Asian market. The global version, on the contrary, has a standard set of Google services and a familiar interface.
If the list of languages includes English but no Russian, it could be a regional version (e.g. India or Europe) where Russian was cut out by the manufacturer, in which case changing the region sometimes helps unlock the desired language package.
Standard language change in the settings menu
If you have Russian or English on your device, the change is regular and takes less than a minute, and it's the safest method, and it doesn't require third-party software, and the key is to follow the menu sequences exactly.
To start, unlock your smartphone and find the settings icon, which looks like a gear and is usually called Settings (or a gear-like character), and in the menu that opens, you look for an item that is visually in the second or third option group.
โ๏ธ Language change algorithm
The way to language settings in different versions MIUI It might be different. In some cases, it's a direct language and input item, in others, it's a subsection of Additional settings.
โ ๏ธ Note: When changing language, the system may suggest downloading missing language packets. Make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi so that the process is successful and error-free.
Once you have selected the language, the interface will be instantly rebuilt, all menus, notifications and system messages will be displayed in the language you have chosen, and if the language you want isn't on the list, move to the next section.
What to do if your phone is completely in Chinese
The situation when Redmi 7 meets the user with a solid Chinese script, is often found when buying a device on international platforms.
First, click on the settings icon (gray gear). In the list that opens, look for the item that is about in the middle or just below. Often it is indicated by an icon with the letter "A" or additional items. In Chinese firmware, this can be the fifth or sixth item on top.
Inside this menu, you'll find a line that looks visually like a list of languages, which is usually the top of the list with an icon of the globe, and if you click on it, you'll see a list of available languages, and even if you don't know the language, you'll find the one you want to spell: "Russian" or "English."
Useful hieroglyphs for navigation
If you have English on the list, select it. This will make it easier to navigate. If there is still no Russian, you will need to adjust more deeply or change the region. Sometimes changing the region to "United States" or "Singapore" helps, after which the missing option may appear on the list.
Changing the region to activate language packs
In MIUI, the availability of certain features and languages is often tied to a selected region, to comply with local laws and licensing agreements, and to change the region is a safe way to unlock hidden options.
To change the region, go to Settings and find the option for the extra settings. Global firmware calls it Additional settings; Chinese can hide it in the submenu; you need an icon that looks like a globe or a flag.
| Region | Features | Impact on language |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Complete localization | Russian language available |
| China | Chinese services | Only Chinese and English |
| India | Specific content | Maybe Russian is absent. |
| Singapore | Universal profile | Often opens all languages |
Try switching the region to Singapore or the United States sequentially, after each switch, the system will ask you to reboot or apply changes on the fly. Check the list of languages again. This method works in most cases with global firmware, where the language has been artificially hidden.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Change of region may affect some embedded applications, such as voice recorders or themes. Once you have set up the language, return the region to its original state if the application functionality is compromised.
If the region change didn't help, then the language pack is physically absent from the system, in which case only installing a third-party application or flashing will help.
Use of the MoreLocale 2 application
When you can't add a language, MoreLocale 2 comes to the rescue. This time-tested application allows you to force any locale to be installed, even if it's not declared by the manufacturer. For Redmi 7, it's often the only solution.
Download the app from a trusted source (e.g. Google Play or APKPure if the store is running). Once installed, run MoreLocale 2. You will see a list of countries and languages. Search under the list of "Russian Federation" or "Russia" and select it.
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If there is no Russian language in MoreLocale 2, scroll through the list or search it, and you can create a custom locale manually by entering the ru and RU code.
However, on the current versions of Android and MIUI, the app will require special permissions. Just pressing Set will not be enough, the system will give an error, you need to activate the debugging mode over USB and give permission through a computer or the built-in ADB mechanism.
The activation process looks like this:
- Go to About Phone and click on the build number 7 times to become a developer.
- In the menu for developers, turn on USB debugging.
- Connect the phone to the PC and through the command line enter the command for granting permission.
pm grant jp.co.c_lis.ccl.morelocale android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATIONOnce you have completed the command in MoreLocale 2, you have to choose Russian again. The interface has to switch. This method does not replace the firmware files, but only changes the localization system flag, which in 90% of cases translates the menu into Russian.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Chinese version of Redmi 7 be fully Russified?
Will changing the language eliminate all the data on the phone?
Why did the Russian language disappear after the firmware update?
Is it safe to use MoreLocale 2 on Xiaomi?
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Changing the language to Redmi 7 is reversible and safe, and even if you're confused in the menu, you can always return the original settings or reset if the device allows you to log into Recovery mode.