How to change the language on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 working methods + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular budget smartphone that is still in use today thanks to reliable hardware and firmware support. But what if after buying or resetting the system displays in an unfamiliar language? or if you need to switch from Chinese to Russian, English or another language?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the language to Redmi 8, including the standard settings. MIUI, hidden menus for firmware without Russian, as well as solving typical problems (for example, when the desired language is not in the list). MIUI Global to Chinese MIUI China.

If you’ve never seen Xiaomi’s settings, don’t worry: the instructions are as simple as possible, with step-by-step screenshots (interface descriptions) and warnings about possible errors, and at the end of the article, an FAQ with answers to frequent user questions.

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

The easiest method is to use a built-in settings menu, which is suitable for global and European firmware (MIUI Global/EU), where Russian is the default language. If your Redmi 8 is bought in an official store or from a trusted seller, this method will most likely work.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (or Additional Settings in English).
3. Slip on Language and Input (Language and Input).
4. In the first section, click on the current language (e.g. English (United States)).
5. In the list, find “Russian” (or other language you want) and select it.
6. Confirm the change – the system will restart (on some firmware) or immediately apply the settings.

If you don't have Russian on the list, you have Chinese firmware (MIUI China) or custom build.

2.How to add Russian to the Chinese firmware MIUI China

Chinese versions of MIUI often do not contain European languages, including Russian, but there are two proven ways to get around this limitation: through the region or through third-party apps.

Method 1: Change of region (without root)

This method works on most versions of MIUI China and does not require superuser rights.

1. Open Settings** and go to Additional → Language and Input → Region.

Language

💡

If the Russian language is still not displayed after changing the region, try restarting the phone. Sometimes the changes are only applied after the reboot.

Method 2: Install the language pack with MoreLocale 2

If changing the region didn’t help, use MoreLocale 2 (you need to turn on Unknown Sources** in your security settings):

1. Download MoreLocale 2 from Google Play (or APK with APKPure if the Play Market isn't available).
2. Open the app and select Custom Locale.
3. Enter the language code: 🇷🇺 Russian: ru_RU 🇺🇦 Ukrainian: uk_UA 🇺🇸 English (USA): en_US

Set

Download APK-file|Installation from unknown sources|Run MoreLocale 2 and grant permissions|Select the desired language code

-->

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI China MoreLocale 2 may not work due to system limitations, in which case only a flashing to a global version will help (see section 5).

3. reset to factory settings for language change

If the previous methods didn't work, and the phone displays menus in Chinese or some other language that you don't understand, you can reset to factory settings, and that will bring the system back to its original state, and when you first set up, you can select the language you want.

Important: Reset will delete all data from your phone (photos, contacts, messages), so make a backup first!

Resetting instructions:

1. Open the "Settings"** (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (About Phone) → Reset.
3. Select Erase all data (Reset all data).
4. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
5. After the reboot, follow the original setup wizard and select the language you want at the Select Language step.

4. Change language via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 8 doesn’t boot (hangs on the logo or reboots cyclically), but Recovery Mode is available, you can try resetting it.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
4. Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
5. Confirm the reset (Confirm or ).
6. After completion, select Reboot().

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI Recovery menu is entirely in Chinese. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the service center - the wrong choice of item can lead to data loss or locking your phone.

5. Flashing to the global version of MIUI (for power users)

If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to flash the global version of MIUI, which is guaranteed to add Russian and other regional settings, but requires unlocking the bootloader and working with the PC.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Download global firmware for Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) from MIUI Download.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

If the problem persists, check the version. MIUI Settings menu → Your phone. Your firmware may be outdated, but update it through Settings. → Updating the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the language to Xiaomi Redmi 8