How to change the language on the phone Xiaomi 4: all the ways with photos and videos

Why Xiaomi 4 may not have the right language

Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphones (including the 4A, 4X and 4 Pro models) are still popular due to their reliability and low price, but many users face the problem of finding Chinese, English or another foreign language after buying or resetting the system, the main reason being MIUI firmware adapted for a specific region (Global, China, EEA).

In 2026, there are three scenarios: no language available, no menu in an unfamiliar alphabet, or no phone locked after a failed region change, and this guide covers all cases, including the hidden method of activating Russian through an engineering menu for Android 6.0 firmware. We'll look at the official and alternative ways, from basic settings to working with ADB and Fastboot.

Important: if your Xiaomi 4 is bought in China, there is a good chance that there is no Russian language in principle - it will have to be added through custom firmware or a patch. For global versions (with the Global marking on the box), there are usually no problems.

Method 1: Standard language change via MIUI settings

The easiest method is if the system already has the language it needs but it is not activated, suitable for MIUI Global and MIUI EEA (European version), the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (8-12), but the logic remains the same.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon).
• 🌐 Scroll down and select Additional settings (Additional settings) → Languages and input (Language and input).
• 📝 Press Languages (Languages) → Add language (Add language).
• 🔍 In the search box, enter “Russian” or “Russian” and select the desired option.
• 🔄 Drag Russian to the top position on the list to make it the top one.

If you see hieroglyphs instead of English inscriptions, use the visual hint:

• 🔍 The magnifying glass icon is a search.
• ⚙️ The gears - additional settings.
• 📱 Icon with the letter “A” – language section.

1. Make sure the phone is at least 30% charged

2. Connect to Wi-Fi (to download language packets)

3. Close all background applications

4. Take a screenshot of the current setting screen (in case of an error)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi 4 firmware may require a reboot after changing the language. MIUI — Don't agree until you make sure the new language is working correctly.The update can reset the region's settings.

Method 2: Resetting settings for language recovery

If the Russian language is missing after the upgrade or your Xiaomi Redmi 4 was originally purchased in Asia, a soft reset (without deleting data) will help.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → About phone (about phone).
2. Tap 7 times on the point MIUI version (Version) MIUI), activate the developer mode.
3. Go back to the main settings and select Additional settings → Backup & reset.
4. Click Reset settings → Confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the language is missing again after reset, it means that your firmware does not support Russian, in which case you will need to flash through Fastboot or install custom Recovery (TWRP).

Chinese

English

Russian

Other (write in the comments)

I remember.-->

Method 3: Installation of the language through MIUI Recovery (without PC)

If the phone doesn't load or you can't change the language through the menu, Recovery mode will help, which does not require a computer, but is only suitable for firmware with support for Russian.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language using volume buttons (navigation) and power buttons (select).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (this will delete all data!).
5. After resetting the phone will reboot with factory settings, where you can choose Russian.

💡 Useful tip: Before resetting via Recovery, extract SIM-This will speed up the process and reduce the risk of data damage.

Method 4: Adding language through ADB (for advanced users)

If Russian is not in the firmware, but you don’t want to reflash the phone, you can manually add a language package through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and basic command line skills.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (original or quality).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.
• 📄 Language packet file (e.g., language packet file, ru-RU.apk Russian).

Instructions:

1. Enable debugging over USB on your phone:


Settings → About Phone → Tap 7 times on “Build Number” → Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB (enable).





2. Connect the phone to the PC and execute in the command line:




adb devices




(Your device should be displayed)





3. Download the language pack (for example, from the 4PDA forum) and install:




adb install ru-RU.apk





4.Reset the phone:




adb reboot

⚠️ Note: Not all language packs are compatible with MIUI 8-12 on Xiaomi 4. Use files designed specifically for your model (Santoni for the first time) 4X, prada for 4A). Installing an incompatible package can lead to a cyclical reboot.

💡

ADB-This method is only suitable for firmware based on Android 6.0-7.1. MIUI Language packs are protected from manual installation.

Method 5: Reflashing to global MIUI with Russian

If all previous methods fail, it is still a complete reflash to the global version of MIUI, a radical but reliable way to get Russian and other benefits (Google Services, no Chinese apps).

What will be required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool.
• 📁 Global Stable firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.

Step-by-step process:

1. Unclose the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
3. Connect to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool and select the firmware folder.
4. Press Refresh, then Flash (select Clean all for full cleanup).
5. Wait for the completion (5-10 minutes) and reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing erases all data, including photos and contacts. backup via Mi Cloud or third-party utilities (e.g. Titanium Backup). Also make sure that you downloaded the firmware for your model - the error will lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the phone.

fastboot getvar anti

If the answer contains anti: 3, the bootloader is locked – it must be unlocked through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account).-->

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even after a successful language change to Xiaomi 4, there may be problems, and let’s look at typical situations and ways to fix them.

If after all the manipulations the Russian language has not appeared, check:

• 🔍 Phone model: some Xiaomi 4 modifications (for example, for the Indian market) have a reduced localization.
• 📋 Version MIUI: on old firmware (below) MIUI 9) Russian may not be available even in global assemblies.
• 🔒 bootloader status: Blocked bootloader limits system changes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions