How to change the language Xiaomi Mi Box GITV: 3 working methods + error solving

Xiaomi Mi Box console GITV — It's a popular device for converting a regular TV to a smart TV, but many users face a problem: after buying or resetting the settings, the interface is displayed in Chinese, English or other unnecessary language. TV-Devices where changing language takes a couple of clicks in the Mi Box GITV This process may be complicated by the company shell. MIUI TV and regional restrictions.

In this article, you will find three proven methods of changing the language, from the basic through the settings menu to hidden commands for power users. We will also analyze common errors (for example, when the desired language is not on the list) and give recommendations for setting up Google Play and voice assistant after changing the language. All instructions are relevant for models Mi Box S (2nd Gen), Mi Box 4 and Mi Box GITV Edition based on Android TV 9.0/10.0.

Why is the Xiaomi Mi Box GITV not Russian?

The main reason is the regional firmware binding, devices designed for the Chinese market (CN-The version, which is originally stripped of most European languages, including Russian, even if you bought the console from an official store, it could come with firmware for Asia. → The language will show only Chinese, English and several Asian languages.

The second possible problem is software updates. After an automatic update, language packs are sometimes dropped via MIUI TV, for example, if you previously installed Russian through third-party methods, it may disappear after upgrading to a new version of MIUI TV 5.0+.

• 📦 CN-Firmware version: no Russian in the standard list of languages.
• 🔄 Resetting: After hard reset, the language returns to factory (usually Chinese).
• 🚫 Google Play Block: Google Services May Not Work on Chinese Firmware Even After Changing Language.
• 🛠️ Manual firmware: Some custom firmware removes unnecessary language packs to save space.

If you're hit by one of these cases, don't be too quick to sell it -- you can change the language 90 percent of the time without losing functionality, and then we'll look at the simplest to the most technical.

Method 1: Standard language change via the settings menu

This method is suitable for global versions of Mi Box GITV (e.g. Mi Box S International), where Russian is already pre-installed but for some reason inactive. If there is no Russian on your list, go to Method 2.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the console and go to the main screen.
2. Open the settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Select Preferences → Language & Input → Language.
4. In the list, find “Russian” (or Russian) and click on it.
5. Confirm the choice – the interface will reboot with the new language.

If some apps (such as Netflix or YouTube) are left in English after the language change, it is normal to manage their language settings separately within the app itself.

Check the firmware version in Settings → About the console

Connect the remote (the Bluetooth keyboard will be useful for input)

Remember the current language in case of a rollback

Download APK MoreLocale 2 (if Russian is not included in the list)-->

⚠️ Attention: Some firmware may lose access to the Google Play Market after changing the language, due to regional restrictions. VPN Change the region in your Google account.

Method 2: Add Russian through MoreLocale 2 (without root)

If you don’t have Russian in the standard menu, but you have a global firmware (not CN), you can use MoreLocale 2, which allows you to add languages that are not in the system list, without superuser rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-MoreLocale 2 file from a verified source (e.g. APKCombo).
2. Transfer the file to a flash drive and connect it to the Mi Box or use Send Files to TV to transfer from your phone.
3. Install the application through any file manager (e.g. File Commander).
4. Open MoreLocale 2 and select Custom Locale.
5. Enter the language code: ru-RU (for Russian) or en-US (for English).
6. Press Set and confirm the change.

After that, the Russian language will appear in the system settings (Settings → Language). If the application does not work, check if the Mi Box settings include the option Install from unknown sources (Security section).

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI TV 5.0 and newer MoreLocale 2 may not work due to Android limitations TV. In this case, try Method 3c. ADB-team.

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If the language doesn’t change after installing MoreLocale 2, try rebooting the console and repeating the steps. Sometimes cleaning the app cache into Settings → Apps helps.

Method 3: Change language through ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, the most reliable, but technically challenging, method is to use the system. ADB-It's suitable for any firmware, including Chinese (CN), You'll need a computer with drivers installed. ADB cable USB-A — USB-A (or OTG-adapter).

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Mi Box USB debugging mode: Go to Settings → About console. Find the build number and click on it 7 times until the message "You became a developer" appears. Go back to Settings → For developers and turn on USB debugging.

Connect the console to the computer via cable.

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.development.DevelopmentSettings


adb shell setprop persist.sys.language ru




adb shell setprop persist.sys.country RU




adb shell setprop ctl.restart zygote

Reset the console, the language will change.

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

adb shell "am start -a android.settings.LOCALE_SETTINGS"

It will open a hidden menu of languages where Russian can appear.

How to return English if there are errors after the change?

Sometimes, after installing Russian, you may have problems: some applications don't work, the sound on the menu disappears, or the console starts to slow down, in which case the easiest way to get back English, the universal language that is supported by all firmware.

Ways of rollback:

• 🔄 Settings menu: If the interface is still working, select English (United States) in Settings → Language.
• 🖥️ Through ADB: Follow the command: adb shell setprop persist.sys.language en adb shell setprop persist.sys.country US adb shell reboot
• ⚙️ Resetting: If the console does not respond, make a hard reset via Settings → Recovery and discharge → Settings reset. Attention: this will delete all installed apps and account data!

If the language is Chinese again, you have to CN-firmware, and for a permanent solution of the problem will require a flashing on the global version (read about this in the next section).

Reflashing to the global version: a radical solution

If none of these things work, the last option is to install global firmware, which will remove all regional restrictions, add Russian language and full support for Google Play, but the process requires caution: the wrong firmware can turn the console into a brick.

What you need:

• 📁 Firmware file for your model (e.g. Mi Box S Global) download only from official sources (Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 💾 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32).
• 🖥️ Mi Box Recovery Tool (for recovery in case of error).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware and rename the file to update.zip.
2. Copy it onto a flash drive and plug it into the Mi Box.
3. Go to Settings → About the console → System Update → Local Update.
4. Select the update.zip file and confirm the installation.
5. Wait until it is finished (the console will reboot several times).

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the firmware process or turn off the power! If the console hangs on the logo MI For more than 10 minutes, try booting into Recovery Mode (hold on) OK + Back on the remote when switched on) and re-install.

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Flashing to the global version solves 99% of the language problems, but it doesn't guarantee it. If you're prefixed with warranties, try other ways first or contact the service center.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after successful language change, users face side effects, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If the remote control stopped working after changing the language, try:

• Take out and insert the batteries.
• Connect the remote via Bluetooth again (Settings → Remote and accessories).
• Use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone as a temporary replacement.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions