How to change the language on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 proven ways

Why can't Redmi 9 change its language?

Xiaomi Redmi 9 with MIUI firmware offers a wide range of interface languages, but users often have difficulty trying to change it. The main problem is the lack of the desired language in the list or resetting after the system update.

Another common situation is that the phone is purchased in China with the original China ROM firmware, where only Chinese and English are available by default, in which case the standard way to change the language through settings will not work - you will need to install a global firmware or manually add a language package through ADB. There are also cases when, after resetting to factory settings, the system returns to the original language, even if you previously changed it.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the language to Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T models), taking into account the features of different versions of MIUI 12, 13 and 14.

Method 1: Standard language change via MIUI settings

If your Redmi 9 runs on global firmware (designation in settings: MIUI Global), the easiest way is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most users and does not require additional manipulation.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the home screen).
• 🌐 Scroll down and select the Additional Settings section (or Language & Input in English).
• 🗣️ Language and Region (Language & Region).
• 🔄 At the top of the screen, click on the current language (e.g. English (United States)).
• 📋 In the list, find the language you want (for example, “Russian (Russia)”) and select it.

Once you select the language, you'll change it instantly, and the system will prompt you to confirm the action. If you don't have the language you want, then you'll move to Method 2.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12.5. the keyboard layout may reset after changing the language. To avoid this, pre-set the desired layout in the keyboard settings (Settings) → System system → Language and input → Virtual keyboard).

Method 2: Install the language pack via MIUI bootloader (if the language is not listed)

If the settings do not have the language you want (e.g. Russian on European firmware), you can add it manually using the official MIUI bootloader tool, which works on Redmi 9 with MIUI 13/14 and does not require root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Download MIUI bootloader from Google Play (or through GetApps on Xiaomi).
2. Open the application and go to the Language Packs section.
3. Find the language you want (e.g. Russian (Russia)) in the list and click Download.
4. After downloading, tap Install - the phone will restart.
5. After the reboot, repeat Method 1 to activate the new language.

If MIUI bootloader doesn't find the language pack, it means your firmware doesn't support installation, and then installing global firmware will help.

Method 3: Flashing to the global version of MIUI (for Chinese firmware)

If your Redmi 9 is bought in China or has China ROM firmware, standard language change techniques will not work, requiring a full flashing to a global version of MIUI, a process that is more complex but guaranteed to solve the language problem.

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader) on the phone.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool and Firmware MIUI Global Stable for Redmi 9.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7 days).
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (for example, lancelot_global_images... for Redmi 9).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
4. In the program, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash. The process will take 5-10 minutes.
5. After flashing, the phone will automatically restart from the global MIUI, where a full list of languages will be available.

💡

Before unlocking the bootloader, be sure to back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup. Fastboot firmware completely wipes away internal memory!

⚠️ Note: Fastboot flashing voids the warranty if the phone is purchased from the official Xiaomi store.For models sold in Russia/CIS, this is not relevant - they usually already come with global firmware.

How to save the language after resetting the settings?

Many Redmi 9 users find that after a hard reset, the interface language returns to its original language, which is due to the binding of the language to the firmware region, to avoid the problem:

1. Before resetting, write down the current language and region (e.g. Russian (Russia)).
2. After reset, don’t connect to the internet right away – first change the language manually through settings.
3. If the language is reset again, install the language pack via MIUI bootloader (see Method 2).

On the firmware MIUI 14 added the option “Save language settings when reset” – activate it in Settings → Additional → Resetting → Save language settings.

💡

If the language is reset after the MIUI update, it means that your firmware does not officially support the chosen language, the solution is to upgrade to the global version or use custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change language to Redmi 9, users often make common mistakes that lead to additional problems, and let's look at the most common cases and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Language changed, but keyboard remained in English

This is because the keyboard layout and the language of the system are set separately to fix:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Select your keyboard (such as Gboard or MIUI Keyboard).
3. Press the languages and add the required layout.

Error 2: After changing the language, some apps are still in English

Some system applications (e.g., Security or Topics) may not be fully translated, because they use separate language packages.

• 🔄 Update the app via GetApps or Google Play.
• 📥 Install a language package for a specific application (if available).
• 🔧 Reset the application settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management.

Error 3: You can’t change the language because of blocked settings (work profile)

If the phone is linked to a work profile (e.g., via Android Enterprise), the administrator can restrict language change.

• 📧 Please refer to IT-Department of your organization for permission.
• 🔓 If the profile is personal, delete it in Settings → Accounts. → Delete the work profile.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions