How to change the language of Xiaomi Redmi 4: all ways and solutions to errors

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, which is still actively used. However, many owners face the problem: how to change the interface language if the settings are not Russian or the desired option?

In this article, you will find all the current ways to change the language to Redmi 4 (including the Redmi 4X, Redmi 4A, Redmi 4 Prime models), as well as solutions to typical errors. We will look at methods through standard settings, recovery modes and even the command line - with detailed screenshots and explanations for beginners.

Important: the procedure may vary depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, custom) and the status of the bootloader. If your smartphone is locked, some methods will not be available without unlocking.

1. Method through standard settings (for global firmware)

If your Redmi 4 has an official global firmware installed (e.g. MIUI Global), you can change the language in 30 seconds.

1. Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select Additional → Language and Enter.
3. Click on the first item - Language.
4. In the list, find “Russian” (or other language you need) and tap it.
5. Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or OK.

If there is no Russian on the list, but there is English, choose English (United States), which will temporarily solve the problem with Cyrillic in messages and browser.

What if you don't have a language? That means you have a Chinese firmware (MIUI China), in which case you go to the method via Recovery or ADB.

⚠️ Note: Chinese firmware without root rights cannot be installed in Russian through standard settings. Attempts to change the region in the Mi Account will not help - you need firmware or manipulation of system files.

2. Installation of the language through MIUI Recovery (without PC)

This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP Recovery. If you have standard Recovery from Xiaomi, the method will not work.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the language package for MIUI (for example, ru_RU or en_US) zip. Make sure the version of the package matches your firmware (check Settings). → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
2. Transfer the file to the phone’s internal memory or SD-map.
3. Turn off your phone. Press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP Recovery.
4. In Recovery, select Install → Find the downloaded zip file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
5. After installation, press Reboot System.

If the language hasn’t changed after the reboot, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the package again.
• 📁 Remove the cache Dalvik/Cache Wipe section → Advanced Wipe.
• 🔧 Check the compatibility of the package with your version MIUI.

Change of language through ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can change the language via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Execute commands in order: adb devices adb shell settings put system user_locale ru_RU settings put system system_locales ru_RU reboot

If the language hasn’t changed after the reboot, try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.LanguageSettings

Mistakes and solutions:

• ❌ device unauthorized → Confirm the permission on the phone in the window Allow debugging?.
• ❌ command not found → Check the path to adb.exe or use the full path (e.g, C:\platform-tools\adb devices).
• ❌ Language reset after update → Repeat the procedure or install custom firmware with Russian.

4. Installation of custom firmware with Russian language

If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to flash Redmi 4 to an unofficial Russian-enabled firmware.

• 🌍 Xiaomi.EU – weekly builds with multilingual support.
• 🛠️ LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with interface from Google Pixel.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi 4 (download at twrp.me).
3. Download the firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) and transfer it to your phone.
4. Go to TWRP, make Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install the firmware through Install and restart.

⚠️ Warning: Custom firmware voids warranty and can cause a device to fail.Be sure to check the firmware compatibility with your Redmi 4 model (markw, prada, rolex) before the procedure - the wrong firmware will turn your phone into a brick».

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Before you firmware save the phone's IMEI! type in the phone dialer *#06# and write down both IMEIs. Once they're firmware, they can reset and you'll need to restore them through the engineering menu.

5. Solving problems after changing language

Sometimes, after a language change, there are bugs, and let's look at the typical cases and their solutions.

If some apps (such as Mi Fit or Mi Home) have stopped working after changing the language, try:

• 🔄 Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 📥 Reinstall the app from the Play Market.
• 🌐 Change the region in your Mi Account (select Russia or Ukraine in your account settings).

6. Alternative methods (without firmware and ADB)

If unlocking a bootloader or working with ADB seems daunting, there are simpler options:

Method 1: Translation applications

Install Google Translate and use Screen Translate (available in the app settings) as a temporary solution, but it will allow you to navigate the menu.

Method 2: Changing the region in your Xiaomi account

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Slip on the avatar → Personal information.
3. Change the country to Russia or Ukraine.
4. Reboot the phone.

This method sometimes adds Russian to the list, but it doesn’t work on all firmware.

Method 3: Using Launcher with translation

Install an alternative launcher, such as Microsoft Launcher or Nova Launcher, which supports Russian regardless of the system language.

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If your Redmi 4 has Chinese firmware without Google services installed, install it first through the Google Installer app. Without it, many alternative methods will not work.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When changing languages to Redmi 4, users often make the following mistakes:

⚠️ Warning: Never install language packs or firmware designed for other Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 4). It'll lead to loss. IMEI or the complete failure of the communication module: 🔴 The phone does not turn on after the firmware → Keep the Volume up. + Nutrition 10 Seconds to log in to Recovery and repeat installation. 🔴 No network after the firmware change → Restore. IMEI through the engineering menu (##4636## → Phone information). 🔴 ADB can't see the device → Install Mi drivers USB Driver and reconnect the phone. 🔴 Language reset after resetting settings → Repeat the procedure through ADB Or re-sweep the language pack. If you forget your password after changing your language and can't unlock your phone, try: Connect your phone to your PC and use the adb shell rm. /data/system/gesture.key (graphical-key). Or do a reset via Recovery (Wipe) → Factory Reset, but it will delete all data. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Change Language to Redmi? 4 No computer? Yes, if you have global firmware, through Settings. → Language and input. For Chinese firmware without a computer, only installing a language package through a computer will help. TWRP Recovery: Why did some apps turn Chinese after changing the language? Some system applications (Mi Music, Mi Video) take the language from the firmware region. Solution: install alternatives from the Play Market (e.g. YouTube Music or YouTube Music). VLC). How to get Chinese back after a failed shift? ADB: adb shell settings put system user_locale zh_CN. Or run the original Chinese firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. 4 lock-down? Yes, but only through ADB (if debugging is enabled) or the installation of an alternative launcher. You can not make a full language change without unlocking. Where to download the official firmware for Redmi 4? Official firmware is available on the sites: Xiaomi official website (global versions). Xiaomi.EU (multicular builds). 4PDA (Russian-speaking community).