How to change the language Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: 3 ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular smartphone due to its balance of price and performance, but many users face the problem of incorrect language system — especially after buying a device with Chinese firmware or used gadget. Unlike modern Xiaomi models, where changing the language takes a couple of clicks, on the Redmi Note 5 (codename whyred), the process can be complicated by the version of MIUI, the firmware region or even blocking some settings.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to change the language, from the standard path through settings to circumventing restrictions on Chinese firmware. We will also analyze common errors (for example, the absence of Russian in the list of languages) and give recommendations on choosing the best firmware for your region. If you bought a phone with AliExpress or got it with informal firmware, this guide will help you return the usual interface without the risk of “bricking” the device.

1. Standard method: change the language through the MIUI settings

On most global and European firmware Redmi Note 5 language changes through the standard menu, this method works if the list of available languages already has the desired option (for example, Russian, English or Ukrainian).

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open “Settings” – the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu.
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (on some versions of MIUI System and Device).
3. Tapping by Language and Input (or Language and Region on MIUI 10+)
4. At the top of the screen, click Language (the first item in the list).
5. Select the language you want from the list. If you don't have one, see the following sections of the article.

The language will change immediately, but some apps (such as Mi Store or Mi Community) may require a reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware for India (MIUI INDIA) Russian is often not on the default list, in which case you will either need to install the language pack manually (section 3), or reflash the device to the global version.

2.If Russian is not on the list: installing a language pack via MoreLocale 2

When the language is missing from the standard settings, MoreLocale 2 will help — it allows you to add any language, even if it is not supported by your version of MIUI. This method works on 70% of Chinese firmware and does not require root rights.

Follow the instructions:

1. Download MoreLocale 2 from Google Play (if Play Market is not available, use APK from trusted sources, such as APKCombo).
2. Open the application and provide permissions (if requested).
3. Find the language you want (for example, Russian) and tap it.
4. Confirm your choice and restart your phone.

After the reboot, the MIUI interface and most system applications (Messages, Contacts, Settings) will be displayed in the selected language, but some Xiaomi branded services (such as Mi Cloud or Theme Store) may remain in English or Chinese.

3. Radical method: reflashing to global MIUI

If previous methods did not work (for example, on Chinese firmware with locked settings), it remains to reflash the Redmi Note 5 on the global version of MIUI. This is guaranteed to add support for all languages, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to data loss or lock the bootloader.

Here's a safe algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): ✅ Apply for unlocking via Xiaomi’s official website (Mi Account required). ✅ Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down when the phone is off). ✅ Use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the device.

Download the correct firmware

• For Redmi Note 5 (whyred), a global stable MIUI (choose V12.5.x.x or later) is suitable.
• Or take custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS) from the XDA Developers website.
• Flow through TWRP: 1. Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img 2. Get in the recovery (food) + Loudness up). 3. Make a wipe. Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, Data. 4. Install. ZIP firmware.

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Before you run your firmware, check the phone model in Settings → About Phone → Model. The Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro have different firmware! Download files only for whyred (Note 5) or vince (Note 5 Pro).

⚠️ Attention: Customization Firmware ROM (For example, LineageOS can disrupt the operation of Xiaomi’s proprietary features, such as: IR Blaster (DU remote) or Quick Charge. MIUI retains all functions, but requires unlocking the bootloader.

4. Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even after a successful language change, Redmi Note 5 users are plagued with bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Language reset after update MIUI: Update MoreLocale 2 or re-apply locale settings. Chinese firmware helps disable automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Some apps stayed in Chinese: Clear the cache of these apps in Settings → Annexes → Application management. System utilities (e.g. Mi Security) may need to be reinstalled via ADB:
• 🔒 You can’t change the language because of the lock. MIUI: Some Chinese firmware has blocked the language settings, and the solution is to flash global recovery through Fastboot:

5 How to avoid problems with buying a redmi Note 5

If you are planning to buy a Redmi Note 5 handheld, pay attention to the firmware region, which will save you time to customize the language.

• 📄 Check the model in settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If there is a firmware at the end of the name CN (for example, MIUI 12.0.1.0.CEGCNXM) — It's the Chinese version.
• 🌍 Check the seller’s region: Phones from China, Hong Kong or Singapore often come with Chinese MIUI, Even if the seller says otherwise, ask for a screenshot of the language menu.
• 🔓 Make sure the bootloader is unlocked: Go to Fastboot (Power) + Volume down) and check the status Locked/Unlocked. A blocked loader will complicate the firmware.

If the phone is already purchased with Chinese firmware, and unlocking the bootloader is impossible (for example, due to the link to the account of the previous owner), there are two options:

1. Use MoreLocale 2 (Section 2) for a temporary solution.
2. Contact the Xiaomi service center for official flashing (paid, but safe).

6. Alternative methods: ADB and edit build.prop

For advanced users who are willing to work with ADB or manually edit system files, there are two other language change methods: they require root rights or unlocked bootloader, but give full control over localization.

Method 1: Change locales through ADB

If you have access to ADB (for example, via the Android SDK), follow the commands:

adb shell


settings put system user_locale ru_RU




settings put system system_locale ru_RU




reboot

This will force the Russian language to be installed for the system and user interface.

Method 2: Editing build.prop

This will require root and a file manager with access to the system partition (e.g., Root Explorer):

1. Open /system/build.prop file in the text editor.
2. Find the lines: ro.product.locale.language=zh ro.product.locale.region=CN
3. Replace them with ro.product.locale.language=ru ro.product.locale.region=RU
4. Save the file, set the rights to 644, and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing build.prop can lead to bootloop ( looped download).Always back up the file before changes!If the phone doesn't start after editing, restore the original build.prop via TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Changing Language to Redmi Note 5

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If you're not sure about your firmware skills, you should go to a service center. Wrong actions with a Fastboot or TWRP can turn a phone into a brick, and it will cost more to recover than a wizard.